Top Reviewed Books of September 2023

**Fiction**

1. *The Disappearers* by Marlon James (Riverhead)

- 17 Rave • 4 Positive • 2 Mixed

A widely acclaimed novel, it is described as a “harrowing, hilarious, magnificent” work that invents a unique literary language. Hamilton Cain from *The Boston Globe* notes its suspense and characterization, calling it a defiant queer epic.

2. *Exit Party* by Emily St. John Mandel (Knopf)

- 18 Rave • 2 Positive • 1 Mixed • 1 Pan

Praised for its ambition and captivating nature, Mandel’s novel interweaves two timelines with memorable characters, merging elements of her earlier works with speculative themes. Lincoln Michel from *The New York Times Book Review* regards it as a culmination of her career.

3. *Switzy* by Emma Cline (Random House)

- 8 Rave • 3 Positive • 2 Mixed

This hypnotic narrative engages readers with a mind unraveling amidst its own expiration, according to Ron Charles from Substack, who highlights its intense dramatic irony and emotional resonance.

4. *Our Noble Selves* by Kate Atkinson (Doubleday)

- 7 Rave • 2 Positive

A lighthearted novel that blends humor with workplace comedy, it’s been recognized for Atkinson’s sharp prose and wit. Sam Sacks from *The Wall Street Journal* compares her style to that of Ian McEwan.

5. *May We Feed the King* by Rebecca Perry (Transit Books)

- 6 Rave • 3 Positive

This novel explores the elusive nature of history, noting our struggles to make sense of the past. Melissa Harrison from *The Guardian* describes the book as both entertaining and thought-provoking.

**Nonfiction**

1. *The Castle: Adventures in a World of Unraveling Men* by Jon Ronson (Riverhead)

- 7 Rave • 5 Positive • 1 Mixed

Ronson’s first book in 11 years seeks to unravel modern masculinity and its associated mental health issues. Sinead Gibney from *The Irish Times* commends its insightful analysis.

2. *American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn’s Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump* by Kai Bird with Susan Goldmark (Scribner)

- 8 Rave • 2 Positive

This engaging work details the life of Roy Cohn amidst midcentury political sleaze. Laura Miller from *Slate* finds it consistently riveting.

3. *Said the Dead* by Doireann Ní Ghríofa (FSG)

- 8 Rave • 1 Positive

Described as a genre-bending blend of history and fiction, this book thoughtfully portrays women's struggles during a pivotal period in history. It has drawn praise for its emotional depth from Joelle Egan of Booklist.

4. *Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys Through Ancient Literature* by Emily Wilson (Liveright)

- 8 Rave

Wilson’s spirited exploration connects ancient texts with contemporary culture and arguments. Jennifer Szalai from *The New York Times* notes that readers may develop an interest in ancient literature by the end of the book.

5. *Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War’s Most Extraordinary Spy* by Ben Macintyre (Crown)

- 7 Rave

Macintyre’s gripping narrative combines archival research with thrilling storytelling, earning him accolades for his ability to transform history into compelling nonfiction. Joseph Finer from *The New York Times Book Review* highlights the emotional weight of the final pages.