Barrel Fever and Other Stories by David Sedaris

• This is an older collection of Sedaris' stories.  
• I especially enjoyed stories about his younger brother The Rooster.
• He narrates the audiobook, with his usual charm.

Dear Committee Members by Julie Schumacher

• Having spent a few years early in my career in academia I found the tone and structure of the book engaging and funny.  The book consists solely of letters written by a troubled professor who posses glaring social awkwardness.
• This book highlights the effusive praise that professors are asked to authentically give repeatedly for students they do not know well.
• Impressively with such a limiting structure, the book progresses with the plot involving several characters.

The History of Bees by Maja Lunde

• The voice of this novel reminded me of Station Eleven.
• This story is told through three snapshots in time documenting the collapse of bee colonies and the problems this creates for pollination.
• This is an enjoyable read, however, the reader must be prepared for the politics surrounding this issue.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

• This novel questions the role of destiny or fate with individual choice.
• This novel is about siblings, family, fate, choice, and where all these things intertwine.
• I hope this novel becomes a movie.  A TV series would be too drawn out... but I'd still watch it.

Nutshell by Ian McEwan

• Hamlet as told by a sophisticated and cutting fetus.
• This relatively short novel packs a mighty punch.
• McEwan is truly a masterful storyteller.

Artemis by Andy Weir

• Rosario Dawson does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.
• This book displays what has become Weir's trademark snappy sense of humor laced with cussing.  This gives the main character a realistic depth.
• I enjoyed the "space science" on display at every turn of the novel (e.g. describing how staircases on the moon are different than those on earth).

The Burning Girl by Claire Messud

• This book is about when long-time best friends drift apart.
• I enjoyed the setting of this book of a small community where families are interconnected through work, school, and friendships.
• The depth of the relationship at the center of this book was enthralling.

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

• Liane Moriarty used her standard approach to storytelling.  Everything has already happened, and the story is filled in on the events through flashback from the viewpoints of multiple characters.
• Again, Moriarty captured the nuance of suburban life and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

Today will be Different by Maria Semple

• This was a highly readable and fast-paced story about a flawed and lovable character.
• This book felt much like Where'd You Go, Bernadette, perhaps a bit too much.

Unqualified by Anna Faris

• Faris combines elements of her podcast with a memoir.  I found the book for the most part interesting, and enjoyed feeling like I was getting to know Anna Faris.
• The forward by Faris' soon-to-be ex-husband is written after they separated.  For me it is somewhat awkward as a reader.  It feels too personal.
• I read the audiobook, which is narrated by Faris.  She did a great job bringing her story to life.