5 Book Reviews You Need to Read This Week

This week's roundup of book reviews includes insightful analyses from Anahid Nersessian, Peter Beinart, Jennifer Wilson, Sanjena Sathian, and Jeff VanderMeer.

Anahid Nersessian explores Ashton Politanoff's Dad Had a Bad Day, delving into the life of Ned, a stay-at-home dad in a sexless marriage who aspires to be an Übermensch through self-optimization. The novel satirizes male delusion and middle-class ennui, while also touching on themes of tenderness and kinship between Ned and his son.

Peter Beinart examines Akbar Shahid Ahmed's Crossing the Red Line, which documents the decisions leading to President Biden's support for Israel's actions in Gaza. Ahmed sheds light on the underlying habits of mind that contributed to these choices, suggesting a political revolution is necessary to address them.

Jennifer Wilson reviews Lars Anderson's Brady, a novel that explores the life of a former NFL player struggling with addiction and the challenges of reintegrating into society. The book offers a poignant look at the consequences of a high-impact sport on an individual's life and mental health.

Sanjena Sathian analyzes Min Jin Lee's American Hagwon, a novel set in South Korea that follows the lives of three generations of Korean immigrants. The story highlights the struggles and sacrifices made by immigrant families as they navigate cultural identity and assimilation.

Finally, Jeff VanderMeer discusses China Miéville's The Rouse, a darkly humorous novel that combines elements of horror and satire. The narrative follows a group of friends who become trapped in a surreal, dystopian world, forcing them to confront their own flaws and the absurdities of human nature.