Enjoy these September recommendations from our friends at Bookish, Fort Smith, Arkansas’ only independently owned bookstore.
Burn
by Peter Heller
Every year, Jess and Storey set off on an adventure to the country’s most remote areas, where they camp, hunt, and hike, often leaving much of their long-standing friendship unspoken. They think the secession fever gripping Maine and other states is problematic for politicians or people in the capital. But after weeks of being off the grid, they find a small town in chaos—bridges blown apart, buildings burned, and cars abandoned.
Shocked by the devastation, they realize things have changed dramatically. Now, their mission is to find a way home, dragging a wagon along bumpy dirt roads, scavenging from lakes, and dodging armed groups, unsure whether they’re secessionists or the U.S. military. Just as they think they have a plan, a startling discovery shifts their course and raises the stakes.
Similar to Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, this heart-pounding thriller is both painful to read and beautifully written. It explores the tensions of a divided country while highlighting the deep bonds of chosen families. Set against the backdrop of the natural world and the intricacies of male friendship, it offers a gripping reflection on survival and connection in troubled times.
Heller’s beautiful nature writing coupled with a post-apocalyptic thriller
Lady Macbeth
by Ava Reid
This gothic fantasy reimagines Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s iconic villainess, giving her a voice, a past, and a formidable power. As the Lady navigates a treacherous court and a marriage to a Scottish warrior with dark secrets, her hidden witchcraft and destiny unfold, challenging the world’s order. The story follows historical details, enriching the narrative’s dark and atmospheric setting.
A Sorceress Comes to Call
by T. Kingfisher
Cordelia’s life with her sorceress mother is isolated and strict, her only friend, Falada, a white horse. Moving to a squire’s manor reveals hidden dangers and opportunities for a new life. This retelling of “The Goose Girl” fairytale emphasizes found family.
The Horse
by Willy Vlautin
Al Ward, a former musician living alone in Nevada’s high desert, survives on memories and canned soup. Haunted by insomnia and anxiety, he struggles with isolation until a blind horse mysteriously appears at his doorstep prompting Al to reflect on his past, including his musical journey and heartbreak.
