This week sees the release of several noteworthy books from acclaimed authors Gish Jen and Philip Pullman, among others. These titles span various genres, showing the complexity of contemporary literature.
New Books Released by Gish Jen and Philip Pullman This Week
1. Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
Ha Jin’s latest novel, “Looking for Tank Man,” explores the haunting memories of the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. The story follows a fictional Chinese graduate student in the U.S. who attempts to come to terms with the massacre while striving to keep its memory alive.
2. Bad Bad Girl by Gish Jen
Gish Jen’s “Bad Bad Girl” delves into a fraught mother-daughter relationship. The narrative blurs the lines between memoir and fiction, emphasizing emotional truths over strict factual accuracy. Jen’s candid style has been praised for its heartwarming yet incisive portrayal.
3. Big Kiss, Bye-Bye by Claire Louise-Bennett
Claire Louise-Bennett’s “Big Kiss, Bye-Bye” offers a reflective snapshot of love and relationships. This novel focuses on the inner life of its narrator, creating an unsettling yet pleasurable reading experience as she navigates memories of a fading romance.
4. Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia by Julia Ioffe
Julia Ioffe presents “Motherland,” a unique blend of memoir, history, and reportage. This book examines the shifting social and legal status of women in Russia, reflecting on personal experiences alongside historical narratives. It is a contender for the National Book Award for nonfiction.
5. This Is the Only Kingdom by Jaquira Díaz
In “This Is the Only Kingdom,” Jaquira Díaz creates a fictional narrative rooted in her challenging upbringing in Puerto Rico and Miami. The novel explores generational mother-daughter dynamics within the context of a tumultuous environment.
6. The Rose Field: The Book of Dust, Volume 3 by Philip Pullman
Philip Pullman concludes his acclaimed trilogy with “The Rose Field,” the third volume of “The Book of Dust.” This installment resolves the cliffhangers from “The Secret Commonwealth,” immersing readers once again in a world of fantastical elements including daemons and witches.
- Ha Jin: “Looking for Tank Man”
- Gish Jen: “Bad Bad Girl”
- Claire Louise-Bennett: “Big Kiss, Bye-Bye”
- Julia Ioffe: “Motherland”
- Jaquira Díaz: “This Is the Only Kingdom”
- Philip Pullman: “The Rose Field”
These new releases highlight the diverse voices and innovative storytelling present in today’s literary landscape. Each author brings a unique perspective, making these books worthy of attention and discussion.
