New releases, including one from a local author, are part of this month’s list curated from downtown Providence’s independent bookstore.
Brown University lit professor Karan Mahajan brings us The Complex. Released in early March and available for preorder now, it’s an impressive narrative that transports readers between the US and modern India, following the illicit liaisons, real estate dramas, political ambitions, and mortal betrayals of one prominent Delhi family.
The Age of Magical Overthinking, Notes on Modern Irrationality is the latest offering by New York Times-bestselling author and iHeart Radio Award-winning podcaster, Amanda Montell. Mixing personal narrative and cultural criticism, the novel takes a deep-dive into the power, highlights, and pitfalls of magical thinking.
Life and death, good and evil, corporate greed, and the perils of progress are among the themes in Vigil from George Saunders, which explore the final hours of an oil company CEO as he’s guided to the afterlife. Add two oil-business colleagues from his past with chilling plans for his post-death future, a swarm of birds, a black calf, and other unexpected visitors, and you’ve got yourself a party.
Amity Gaige’s Heartwood is a literary thriller that landed on a host of must-read lists, often described as “unputdownable.” This tightly woven tale centers on a search for a skilled hiker gone missing in the woods of Maine; the mystery inspires larger questions about the myriad ways in which we get lost, and how we are ultimately found.
With the newly released novel Crux, Gabriel Tallent brings us the story of two teenagers in their last year of high school in the southern Mojave Desert. As always, the novelist impresses with his storytelling and appreciation for the healing power of friendship. An adrenaline-filled read about risking everything to change your life.
Another recent release flying off shelves is Is This a Cry for Help by Emily R. Austin. The novel follows the story of a librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown, only to face book-banning crusaders. Described as a moving portrait of queer life after coming-of-age, it explores questions about sexuality, community, and the importance of libraries.
For 22 years, Symposium Books has been downtown Providence’s go-to for books, vinyl, fun merch, and conversation. Named after the ancient Greek dialog by Plato, the elegant storefront has built a solid reputation for its stellar selection of new, used, and bargain books across various genres – including independent presses, academic publishers, and art publishers. Shelves are filled with a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, which promote differing voices and perspectives. “Symposium Books is known for fostering a welcoming environment for book lovers in a cozy space,” says Scott McCullough, who co-owns the business with wife Anne Marie Keohane. “Also, check out our highly-curated vinyl section. Plus keep an eye out for our author events, book clubs, silent book clubs, music nights, and other events.” 240 Westminster Street, Providence
February 2, 6:00-7:00pm
Debut novelist Stephen Fishback will visit Symposium Books to read from and discuss his novel Escape, where everyone gets the story arc they deserve. Fishbach is a prize-winning writer, former TV executive, and two-time contestant on TV’s Survivor. RSVP at SymposiumBooks.com
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