Fiction No Hard Feelings

Genevieve Novak: Harpercollins, $33

Stuck in a rut with seemingly no way out, 20-something Penny feels like the failure of her friendship group, all chasing down their dreams, be it in career success, relationship milestones or just having lots of fun, while she’s stuck with a tyrannical boss who refuses to be impressed, an onoff boyfriend who is more distant than ever and plants that simply refuse to stay alive. Funny and vulnerable, incisive and honest, Novak captures the self-doubt and horror of trying to be happy, functional and successful in what is supposed to be the most exciting period of your life. Don’t expect a neat bow-tie of a happy ending. Rather Novak delivers a relatable, realistic and ultimately very satisfying look at finding one’s way.