RECOMMENDED READS

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books

Cora Lee Womble-miesner

Job: Library Assistant 3, College-rolando Library, San Diego Public Library

She recommends: “Happy Hour” by Marlowe Granados (Verso Books, 2021; 273 pages) Why? The subject of this playful, invigorating debut novel is near and dear to my heart: female friendship. Isa and Gala are codependent 21-year-olds traipsing around New York City, always on the lookout for free drinks and a plate of oysters to share. Their hedonism is tempered by their scrappiness — unable to legally work (as non-u.s. citizens), they take on a series of under-the-table odd jobs to fund their party-girl escapades. The coltish, spirited prose is anchored by Isa’s discerning observations. She records the joys and pitfalls of her friendship with Gala, and how that bond is tested by the world they inhabit. Granados packs this novel with scenes that capture the mischief and mirth of young womanhood. “Happy Hour” is a perfect summer companion — read it at the beach, at the bar, or while waiting for your best friend to finally decide on an outfit for the night.

Alyson Dominguez

Job: Bookseller, UC San Diego Bookstore She recommends: “The Beast in Aisle 34” by Darrin Doyle (Tortoise Books, 2021; 290 pages)

Why? Driven by an identity crisis, this horror comedy follows the complicated life of Sandy Kurtz, who turns into a werewolf once a month. Through heavily descriptive writing, Doyle leads you through the novel as if you were experiencing Sandy’s many problems. It is brilliantly weird, funny and surprising. Sandy is in his 30s, working at Lowe’s and struggling to find his purpose at his job — or, as a matter of fact, in his life. He and his wife are expecting their first child. However, his wife does not love him. Gripped by the issues in his personal life, he finds it ever more difficult to balance his fullmoon transformations to a werewolf. This book is a page-turner as you’re continuously grasped by the suspense, wondering how Sandy will deal with his problems. Both realistic and imaginative, this novel ties themes of toxic masculinity and real-world problems with those of a werewolf.