An Unnecessary Woman

Many were surprised when this book did not take home the National Book Award for fiction this year. Rabih Alameddine takes us on a journey through the mind of an introverted woman living a spinster’s life inside her Beirut apartment. But do not be mistaken: this blue-haired old lady has no problem protecting her home with an AK-47 and flat out refusing to see her insufferable family—mother included. Sprinkled with allusions to philosophy, literature, and history, this book will certainly please the deep thinkers and book lovers in your life. - Summer