Book recommendations from the Biblioracle

John Warner tells you what to read based on the last five books you’ve read

1. “The Complete Short Stories of Mark Twain” by Mark Twain

2. “The Manticore” by Robertson Davies

3. “World of Wonders” by Robertson Davies

4. “Henry and Clara” by Thomas Mallon

5. “The Prophets” by Robert Jones Jr.

— Ned P., Chicago

We recently learned of the passing of Hilary Mantel, a wonderful writer of historical fiction who certainly had more books in front of her. For Ned, I’m recommending Mantel’s “Wolf Hall,” and if that captures him, he can move on to the rest of her trilogy on King Henry VIII’s court.

1. “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley

2. “Book Lovers” by Emily Henry

3. “Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score

4. “This Time Tomorrow” by Emma Straub

5. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple

— Molly P., Los Angeles

Molly wants strong, page-turning entertainment, but hopefully doesn’t mind a little satirical bite because I’m leaning into

“Very Nice” by Marcy Dermansky, which feels like a good fit if my analysis is accurate.

1. “Mercury Pictures Presents” by Anthony Marra

2. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel

3. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey

4.“Catch-22” by Joseph Heller

5. “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” by Tom Robbins

— Gale P., Chicago

In this case, I have some extra intelligence from Gale that the last three books are rereads, which tells me that Gale enjoys some off-kilter storytelling. This brings to mind A.M. Homes, who happens to have a new novel that crackles with wit while still bringing a healthy dose of pathos. The book is “The Unfolding.”