The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

 

Great stories simply must make their way into the world, no matter who does the telling. Or so believes Jake Finch Bonner, the author of Crib, a runaway bestseller. The problem: the plot is not his idea. And Jake has to deal with that gut-churning reality soon enough. The dramatic story-within-a-story constantly shifts focus to reveal a cunning plot of its own, complete with a gasp-inducing twist toward the very end. The novel raises issues of the ownership of art while sketching a compelling arc. Surefire movie material, possibly directed by an A-list director — which would be Jake’s dream.

Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny

Practically every woman in Boyne City, Michigan, has shared her bed with Duncan. Jane hears this after she falls  in love with the handsome kind-hearted man, but she doesn’t mind. A second-grade teacher, Jane has other problems to deal with and Duncan is the perfect antidote to all of them. Eventually she makes peace with her life and with the town’s quirky people. Filled with striking metaphors — “Their conversation was like the apple dumplings, perfectly crimped around the edges and sealed off. Jane couldn’t get in.” — and warmhearted characters, this novel is sunshine in a cup. Drink deeply.

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

Retro Harlem springs to vivid cinematographic life in this delicious romp. Family man Ray Carney is trying to be an upstanding citizen but his cousin Freddie and his gangster dealings won’t leave Carney alone. Generous helpings of heists and shady conmen make this a fun narrative even if sometimes there’s more flash than substance. Worth reading for Whitehead’s exquisitely crafted sentences alone: “You want to know what’s going on, you ask the block wino. They see everything and then the booze pickles it, keeps it all fresh for later.” Whiteheads fans will love it, newbies should read Underground Railroad first.