Discover Top Fiction Recommendations with NPR’s ‘Books We Love’ List
Readers are constantly on the lookout for engaging books. To help with this quest, El-Balad presents NPR’s ‘Books We Love’ list, a curated selection of exceptional novels recommended by various staff members.
Recommended Titles for 2025
The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
In “The Everlasting,” Alix E. Harrow weaves a tale centered around a scholar and a mythical lady knight. The story explores a complex time loop filled with historical echoes. This narrative challenges our views on nationalism and the heroes we choose. It portrays a poignant love story where two characters are bound to their fate but continuously choose each other, highlighting the beauty in their suffering.
Coded Justice by Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams’ “Coded Justice” follows an entrepreneur who uses AI to improve healthcare for veterans. However, the plot thickens with a murder investigation linked to the technology. This novel, the third in the Avery Keene legal thriller series, raises ethical questions about AI and healthcare while offering a compelling narrative that captivates readers.
Kakigori Summer by Emily Itami
Emily Itami’s “Kakigori Summer” transports readers to coastal Japan. It centers on three half-Japanese sisters reuniting after one faces a scandal. The book examines the dynamics of sisterhood and the feelings of being an outsider in one’s homeland. It’s a summer read that resonates well beyond the final page.
The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “The Bewitching” is a gripping mystery set in New England. The protagonist, Minerva, is a graduate student researching Beatrice Tremblay, a writer of macabre tales. As she delves into Beatrice’s history, Minerva encounters generations of eerie hauntings. This novel promises chills and suspense, ideal for readers who enjoy a spine-tingling narrative.
The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight
Emma Knight’s novel, “The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus,” unfolds in Scotland and follows Pen, a college student navigating life and friendship. Interwoven with themes of family mystery and personal growth, Pen’s journey reveals the layers of her character amid her parents’ divorce. The novel blends warmth and intrigue, making it a delightful coming-of-age story.
Conclusion
Highlighted titles from NPR’s ‘Books We Love’ include “The Everlasting,” “Coded Justice,” “Kakigori Summer,” “The Bewitching,” and “The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus.” These selections offer diverse themes and engaging narratives for readers to explore. For more recommendations, visit El-Balad’s dedicated book section.
