Staff Recommendations, Week of May 5, 2026

 We've got new books at Boswell to recommend to you this week!

Our first rec this week comes from Daniel Goldin, who offers his take on The Things We Never Say, the latest novel by Elizabeth Strout. Daniel says: "Artie Dam is a fifty-something high school teacher and coach in Massachusetts. He is surrounded by people struggling with complicated relationships, burdening secrets, and life setbacks, things Artie understands too well. What he doesn’t always see is how his positive actions can impact those around him, despite the horrors of the world. The Things We Never Say may not feature Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, or Jim Burgess, but it is still classic Strout, told with her trademark wit, insight, and empathy."

Chris Lee recommends The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of Murdaugh, a startling work of crime reportage by James Lasdun.Chris writes: "What with a streaming series, books by insiders (some credible, some not), self-appointed investigators, and true-crime cash cows, plus enough podcasts to keep you busy while you circumnavigate the earth on foot, you might see another book about the Murdaugh murders and wonder, why? Well, because James Lasdun, who originally reported on the case for The New Yorker, leaves no stone unturned in what should certainly should be considered the definitive account of the Alex Murdaugh case. Moreover, as he tries to make unspeakable acts intelligible, if only to himself, Lasdun come frighteningly close to answering the book’s central question: just how deep are the wells of evil in the hearts of men who walk among us? A sordid tale of a man’s violent unraveling and the genteel good ol’ boy society that camouflaged his malevolent nature, The Family Man is a real-life Southern Gothic for the ages."

And now, the latest translation in Pushkin Press's series of Japanese Novellas, as recommended by Jason Kennedy: Hollow Inside, written by Asako Otani, translated into English by Ginny Tapley Takemori. Jason notes: "Hollow Inside is a quietly distressing novel about isolation, longing, and the hidden lives people carry beneath their ordinary routines. With spare, haunting prose, Asako Otani captures the ache of emotional emptiness and the fragile hope that comes from being truly seen, creating a story that lingers long after the final page."

We end as we began, with Daniel Goldin, and his thoughts on The Supper Club Saints, the new novel from Wisconsin author Claire Swinarski. Daniel opines: "You’d think the biggest thing going on with the Simons would be matriarch Remy closing the supper club that had been in the family for four generations. But that is overshadowed when daughter Cass returns with her daughter from the Mommune where she’s been for the past two years, one step ahead of scandal. During her missing years, Cass even ignored the imminent death of her father. But now she’s back, joining sister Hilary, who is raising three daughters alone, and her sister-in-law Erin, pregnant again after suffering several miscarriages. Cass is certainly hiding something, but then again, so is her mom. Taken together, it might seem like Swinarski has written a treatise on the many ways that parenting can go awry, but by the end, you will see that The Supper Club Saints, with wisdom, love, and a bit of humor, shows there is sometimes an unexpected path to the other (better) side."

And now a book for adults about the power of kids books! That'd be Make Believe: On Telling Stories  to Children by Mac Barnett, which comes with four (FOUR!) recommendations! First, kids buyer Jen says: "This should be required reading for adults!"

Tim says: "Mac Barnett has written many clever, unique, hilarious books for children. Adults will often ask him, with smiles on their faces, if he ever intends to write an adult book. He tries to hide his annoyance while explaining that children's books… are real, important books, true literature, and kids are real readers. In fact, they’re real people who will closely examine the complex mysteries of being human while reading the best children’s books. And no, he does not intend to stop doing the essential work that he loves because he loves it and kids deserve it. He’s only just diverted long enough to write this one laugh-out-loud adult book. It’s basically a side job he’s doing to have a conversation with adults about the beauty of storytelling and children. Mac Barnett is currently America’s National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and because I was a teacher who’s read many children’s books, I say with confidence that he has bold, beautiful, and brilliant ideas about kids and reading. So, if you love children and love books, this one will be a thrill that you can quickly and happily devour. It’s like pizza (with great toppings) made of words!"

McKenna says: "A perfect and succinct book that dives into the importance of children's books and appreciating them for the beautiful and amazing works of literature they are and can be."

And finally, Jason says: "The TED talk was brilliant - this book shines even brighter. It’s the perfect book to tell adults how they misunderstand and underestimate children's books."

And now, Kids Book recs, both from Jen.

First up, Jen recommends Wombat Waiting, the new middle grade novel from Katherine Applegate. Jen says: "Meet Wombat, a special dog without a person… yet. See, Wombat has learned she’s a “destiny dog,” - there is someone out there who needs her, and all Wombat must do is wait. It’s a lot harder than it sounds! There’s a fire raging in Los Angeles and a lot of fear and confusion swirling around. Listening to her inner voice, Wombat sets off on a journey to a place she knows will unite her with her forever home. Wombat Waiting is an endearing novel in verse about resilience and hope." Suggested for ages 8 and up.

And Jen also suggests the picture book The Elephant and the Piano written by Colette Hiller and illustrated by Nabila Adani. Jen says: "Based on a true story, The Elephant and the Piano is about the power of music and the bond between humans and animals. Paul Barton is a classical musician, and to this day he is still playing the piano for elephants at a sanctuary in Thailand. A touching and inspiring picture book." Suggested for ages 4 and up.

And those are the recs! More soon. Until then, read on.