Best Reviewed Books of the Week Include Works by Gloria Steinem and Naomi Alderman

This week’s top reviewed books feature notable titles such as Gloria Steinem’s memoir An Unexpected Life, Naomi Alderman’s The Strangers, Chuck Klosterman’s Rock*, and Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s Said the Dead.

In the fiction category, the standout is Said the Dead by Doireann Ní Ghríofa (Biblioasis), which received 7 rave reviews and 1 positive mention. Joelle Egan from Booklist describes it as an "emotionally charged, genre-bending work of history and fiction" that respectfully portrays women during a burgeoning women’s rights movement.

Naomi Alderman’s The Strangers (Little Brown and Company) follows, garnering 5 rave reviews along with 1 mixed and 1 negative. Keiran Goddard from The Guardian praises its emotional depth and the author’s skill in handling political allegories without becoming overly didactic.

Madeline ffitch's Avalon, Rise (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) comes next with 3 rave and 2 positive reviews. Publishers Weekly calls it "biting yet stirring," emphasizing how love is portrayed through struggle.

John Green's Hollywood, Ending (Dutton) also features, receiving 3 rave and 1 positive review. Laura Miller of Slate highlights its warmth and candidness, noting its themes of decency amidst adversity.

Amy Fusselman’s Cloud Six (Catapult) rounds out the fiction list with 3 rave and 1 mixed review. Zachary Smolar from Los Angeles Review of Books commends its purposeful absurdity and the author’s empathetic portrayal of humanity.

In the nonfiction category, Gloria Steinem’s An Unexpected Life: A Memoir (Random House) is a highlight with 4 rave, 1 positive, and 1 mixed review. Emma Brockes from The Guardian notes the memoir’s insightful reflections on the cost of Steinem’s chosen path.

Catherine Grace Katz’s Shadow Before the Flame: The Hindenburg Disaster and the Prelude to War (Viking) receives 3 rave, 2 positive, and 1 mixed review. Coleen Mondor from Booklist finds it poignant and well-researched, appealing to fans of WWII and aviation history.

Sharon Weinberger’s Valley of Death: How Big Tech Is Fueling the Future of War (Little Brown and Company) is lauded with 3 rave and 2 positive reviews. James Pekoll from Booklist describes it as a "wonderfully terrifying" read, particularly given the author’s personal health struggles.

Chuck Klosterman’s Rock*: A Mainstream Alternative History of Alternative Mainstream Music (Da Capo) follows with 2 rave and 2 positive reviews. Jeremy McDonagh from PopMatters appreciates Klosterman’s humor and unique perspective on music history.

Lastly, Charles Spencer’s Swan Song: Diana, my Sister (Penguin) captures attention with 2 rave, 1 positive, and 2 mixed reviews. Alexandra Jacobs from The New York Times finds it elegant and insightful, especially regarding the sibling bond.