See all their picks for 2024

“Job” by Max Wolf Friedlich

Jane is put on leave from her job as a technician after a video of her goes viral. When she arrives at the office of Loyd, a crisis therapist, things only escalate in this fiery new play now in previews at Broadway’s Hayes Theater.

“This two-person psychological thriller touches on themes such as gender politics, power, our emotional connection to content, careerism, moral obligation, and what it means to be a citizen of the internet,” writes Library Science.

“Role Play” by Clara Drummond

This sharp novella and character study, which follows a Rio de Janeiro art curator who curates her life to excess, explores Brazilian art, culture, and the unflattering realities of wealth. Library Science calls the book an “awakening of class consciousness” and writes that they “cannot recommend this book enough.”

“Brat” by Gabriel Smith

Gabriel, the protagonist of this modern Gothic novel, is grieving for his father. When he moves back into his parents’ house after a separation, he finds his parents’ unfinished manuscripts, which, along with a mysterious home video, soon haunt him in countless bizarre ways.

“We really can’t stop talking about it… and can’t wait for you to read it,” writes Library Science.

“Real Americans” by Rachel Khong

This multi-generational saga follows three members of the same family: Mai, who left China for America at the height of the Cultural Revolution; Lily, Mai’s daughter, who made her own way in New York; and Nick, Lily’s son, who is determined to uncover the secrets his family has kept from him over the years. A powerful read about identity and heritage.

“Sex and Rage” by Eve Babitz

An iconic Los Angeles novel, Sex and anger follows Jacaranda, a young woman who is fed up with her life on the beach in California and heads to New York to make a fresh start. Gerber spoke to singer Gracie Abrams about the lasting influence of this 1979 novel.

“Astragalus” by Albertine Sarrazin

The heroine of this classic French novel, Anne, breaks her ankle while attempting to escape from prison. On her way to freedom, Anne is rescued by a criminal named Julien, who agrees to hide her. However, their love story is marred by Anne’s memories of her imprisonment and her fear of being caught in this semi-autobiographical 1965 book.

“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar

Poet and drug addict Cyrus Shams has lost his mother in a tragic accident and his father makes a living killing chickens in a Midwestern factory. Cyrus, who has developed an interest in martyrs, begins to explore his family’s past – and is confronted with secrets that may give him the meaning he’s been searching for.

“It quickly (very quickly) became one of our new favorite books,” writes Library Science about the novel.