海角大神

These are the fiction titles that Monitor reviewers like best this month.

The Emperor of Gladness, by Ocean Vuong

At the heart of Ocean Vuong鈥檚 achingly beautiful novel 鈥淭he Emperor of Gladness鈥� is a despairing, bookish 19-year-old Vietnamese American man who forges unexpected bonds with strangers. These include an 82-year-old World War II refugee from Lithuania and co-workers at a fast-food restaurant. Vuong, a prizewinning poet, evokes the beauty of a depressed, postindustrial Connecticut river town in language that shimmers. 鈥� Heller McAlpin (Read our full review.)

The Dark Maestro, by Brendan Slocumb

Brendan Slocumb鈥檚 thriller 鈥淭he Dark Maestro鈥� unfolds the story of a child musical prodigy from a neighborhood riven by crime. When his family is forced into witness protection, young Curtis鈥� dreams of a cello career evaporate, forcing him to channel his creativity into a new endeavor. 鈥� Joan Gaylord

FDR Drive, by James Comey

Yes, the author is that James Comey, the former FBI director. In his latest crime thriller, New York federal prosecutor Nora Carleton builds a case against an online provocateur whose vitriolic podcasts may be inspiring physical attacks against ideological foes. Comey delivers a well-plotted legal procedural rich with flinty jargon, sharp-cut characters, and timely questions about extremist thought. 鈥� Erin Douglass

The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans

In Virginia Evans鈥� debut novel, protagonist Sybil Van Antwerp believes 鈥渞eaching out in correspondence is really one of the original forms of civility in the world.鈥� She and her correspondents navigate life鈥檚 troubles while searching for forgiveness, love, and second chances. Have your tissues handy. 鈥� Stefanie Milligan

The Bright Years, by Sarah Damoff

Sarah Damoff鈥檚 generous-hearted debut novel is narrated by three members of the Bright family, which is struggling with secrets, including alcoholism. The story shows how hope and trust can help renew frayed family bonds. 鈥� Stefanie Milligan

These are the nonfiction titles that Monitor reviewers like best this month.

Mark Twain, by Ron Chernow

Mark Twain was America鈥檚 first modern celebrity, using multiple platforms 鈥� books, newspapers, the lecture circuit 鈥� to advance his presence as a brand. In this detailed portrait, Ron Chernow tells the story of an author whose gifts as a media influencer seem to anticipate our own cultural moment. 鈥� Danny Heitman (Read our full review.)

Melting Point, by Rachel Cockerell

Rachel Cockerell鈥檚 inventive, enthralling nonfiction debut relies entirely on primary sources to recount the plan by her great-grandfather David Jochelman to resettle 10,000 Russian Jews in Galveston, Texas. Told through carefully selected quotes from newspaper articles, diaries, and letters, this forgotten piece of history comes alive. 鈥� Barbara Spindel (Read our full review.)

The Art Spy, by Michelle Young

Rose Valland used her powers of observation 鈥� and near invisibility 鈥� to document the Nazis鈥� art theft during the German occupation of Paris in the 1940s. In Michelle Young鈥檚 deeply researched biography, Valland鈥檚 fearlessness and resolve are inspiring. 鈥� Erin Douglass

Sea of Grass, by Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty

This exploration of the American grasslands 鈥� from soil, water, and insects to farmers, plows, and buffalo 鈥� dismays, yes, but also invigorates. In the face of soil degradation, water pollution, and punishing economics, innovators are making a difference. The authors鈥� arguments in defense of the prairie and its people deserve attention. 鈥� Erin Douglass

Wild Thing, by Sue Prideaux

Paul Gauguin鈥檚 place in the history of modern art is uncontested. But he was a deeply troubled soul who apparently supported French colonialism in the South Pacific and took a series of young teenagers as lovers after moving to Tahiti. Sue Prideaux鈥檚 highly readable biography argues that Gauguin鈥檚 life was far more complicated and nuanced than previously understood. 鈥� Terry W. Hartle