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The Reading Ledger

Book notes with a point of view

A useful place to begin when you want a book, a reading idea, or a better way to make time for both.

Atmospheric fantasyThe Night CircusErin Morgenstern
Atmospheric fantasy

The Night Circus

A dreamlike duel between two young magicians, staged inside a circus that only opens after dark.

Slow-burnErin Morgenstern
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Historical science fictionKindredOctavia E. Butler
Historical science fiction

Kindred

A time-bending novel about power, survival, and the American past that refuses to stay buried.

UrgentOctavia E. Butler
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Mythic mysteryPiranesiSusanna Clarke
Mythic mystery

Piranesi

A strange house, a patient journal, and a mystery that rewards readers who enjoy wonder before answers.

MeasuredSusanna Clarke
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Generational fictionThe Vanishing HalfBrit Bennett
Generational fiction

The Vanishing Half

Twin sisters choose different lives, and the choices echo through family, identity, and place.

SteadyBrit Bennett
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Science fictionProject Hail MaryAndy Weir
Science fiction

Project Hail Mary

A stranded astronaut, a scientific puzzle, and a friendship built under impossible pressure.

Page-turnerAndy Weir
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Myth retellingThe Song of AchillesMadeline Miller
Myth retelling

The Song of Achilles

A tender retelling of Achilles and Patroclus that makes intimacy the center of the legend.

LyricalMadeline Miller
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Contemporary fictionRemarkably Bright CreaturesShelby Van Pelt
Contemporary fiction

Remarkably Bright Creatures

A widowed cleaner, a missing son, and an unusually observant octopus make a warm ensemble story.

GentleShelby Van Pelt
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Creative friendshipTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and TomorrowGabrielle Zevin
Creative friendship

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

Two friends build games, careers, and a complicated creative life together across decades.

ExpansiveGabrielle Zevin
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Philosophical fictionThe Midnight LibraryMatt Haig
Philosophical fiction

The Midnight Library

A library between lives invites one woman to explore the roads she did not take.

AccessibleMatt Haig
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Celebrity dramaThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoTaylor Jenkins Reid
Celebrity drama

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

An aging star finally chooses the person who will hear the truth behind her public mythology.

Page-turnerTaylor Jenkins Reid
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