THE PARADOX OF “GENUINE FAKES”: how forgeries, replicas, and recreations shape our understanding of art, history, and even nature. Engaging and fact-packed! B PLUS

GENUINE FAKES
Bloomsbury Sigma
2019

A TEENAGED DOMINICAN BRIDE makes her way in mid-1960s Manhattan. Vividly drawn characters and a deeply relatable story. B PLUS

DOMINICANA
Flatiron Books
2019

FIERCE, DAZZLING MEMOIR weaves raw candor and witty intellectual analysis into a tapestry telling a complex story of love and abuse. A MINUS

IN THE DREAM HOUSE
Graywolf Press
2019

A SLACKER TURNS SLEUTH in this existential detective story rich with local Baltimore flavor. Witty, gritty, ultimately absurdist. B PLUS

DRUNK: A NOVEL
Wylder Dance Press, LLC
2019

EXTRAORDINARY NEAR-FUTURE SF sets the arrival of aliens in the Virgin Islands for a deft flip of the usual script. Brilliant characterization, strong world-building. A MINUS

THE LESSON
Blackstone
2019

MULTIVERSE-HOPPING THRILLER poses some big questions amid an action-packed plot. Fast pace, thoughtful worldbuilding. B PLUS

THE INFINITE-INFINITE
MK Williams Publishing, LLC
2019

EXQUISITE ARGENTINE NOVEL traces a woman’s life through her fascination with art, history, and above all with self-invention and self-delusion. Spare, lovely prose. B PLUS

OPTIC NERVE
Catapult
2019

HIGH-ENERGY STEAMPUNK ADVENTURE set in an alternate Indianapolis still part of the “Albion Empire.” Lots of action, humor, and a strong Black voice. B PLUS

PIMP MY AIRSHIP
Apex Book Company
2019

SLEEK ENGLISH THRILLER is packed with action, violence, and some highly memorable characters. B PLUS

THE BIRDHOUSE
Bloodhound Books
2019

GRANDLY SCALED HORROR wrings deep chills from the everyday. Powerful, haunting novel. A MINUS

IMAGINARY FRIEND
Grand Central Publishing
2019