"Malmquist’s writing style is unlike any I’ve recently experienced. He captures the ordinariness of daily life and of systems—medical, government—and the mundane choices we must make as citizens of these worlds. His ear for dialogue, be it in sterile hospital quarters or with family and friends, makes you feel present and privileged to be part of the conversation.”

“An arresting, fiery book that’s ambitious in its aims, an inherently metaphysical novel that illustrates a singular worldview with confidence and verve. And it’s all done with a focused, original voice."

“A Lucky Man is a short story collection I plan to recommend to everyone I know. Rarely do collections capture as many different voices as this one does, and each story is powerful on its own and as part of the whole. Jamel Brinkley has brought us characters from all walks of life who are recognizable in their struggles and their humanity. These people could be anyone you see on the street, yet Brinkley uses them to show us profound truths about ourselves and those around us.”

“In her debut memoir, Mothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces, Dawn Davies’ voice is so unique and strong, I felt like I was in the company of a straight-shooting best friend—one who tells it like it is, never withholding the often messy, terrifying experiences women and mothers must face. Davies takes on all subjects—spirituality, desire and dreams, divorce, children in peril—and she invites you into her private meditation on life and her search for answers to the experiences she has endured. Often gritty and raw, Davies’ essays have the feisty gravitas of works by Roxane Gay. For readers faced with keeping up appearances and hiding the complexity and difficulties in their lives, Mothers of Sparta is liberating and will help many feel less alone. You can’t help but have tremendous compassion for Davies as she processes her past, present, and future. Davies inspires the reader to set aside pretense in order to save one’s spirit. Mothers of Sparta stays with you for weeks, months, and likely years because of Davies’ ability to dig and deliver. I will be passionately promoting this spectacular debut. It is the most powerful memoir I have read in years.”

“All I can say is thank goodness the ’80s are back in fashion, because this gem of a book is best read sitting in front of a TV tray in a recliner. Inspired by Vanessa Williams’ 1983 Miss America win, a headstrong and pushy teacher, and a supportive and scheming grandfather, Vanessa Martin braves the small-town pageant circuit, the potential disappointment of her father, and the challenge of being dark skinned. Vanessa touches the dreamer spirit in all of us, and I cheered her on right through to the end.”

“A gentle tale—with a healthy dose of magic—about friendship, hope, and looking to the future. It reads like a newly discovered folktale that, once found, becomes essential. Sure to delight questing readers of all ages.”

“This compelling contemporary read features an unapologetic Indian-American heroine trying to navigate crushes, dreams for her future, and the expectations of her family in a world where her culture is routinely misunderstood. A timely read that deftly tempers difficult topics with levity and a wonderful narrative voice!”

“This book is not an easy read. The Dangerous Art of Blending In is brutally painful, both in its depictions of Evan Panos’ family and his awkward, lonely life at school. But read it anyway! Because Evan is a kid worth rooting for as he decides in his senior year to take risks and stand out. His realistic struggle to move beyond pain and open up to friends, love and his future, is an honest, heart-wrenching testament to human resilience.”