REQUIRED READING

The Splendor Before the Dark: A Novel of the Emperor Nero

Margaret George (f iction, Berkley)

Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? The author of this reimagining of a misunderstood leader says nope. A fictional take on Nero’s inner life based on detailed historical research. Fascinating and fun.

Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners

Gretchen Anthony (f iction, Park Row)

If you’re a recipient of Violet Baumgartner’s annual holiday letter, you’d think they were the perfect Midwestern family, and this year is no different. There are tidings of her husband’s retirement party and daughter Cerise’s professional success. But when Cerise accidentally reveals a secret at the retirement party, it throws Violet’s whole well-ordered world into chaos.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Liane Moriarty (f iction, Flatiron Books)

From the bestselling author of “Big Little Lies” comes this tale about nine strangers foisted upon each other at an upscale wellness retreat called Tranquillum House, where treatments are — well, quite unusual.

National Geographic Almanac: 2019

National Geographic (science)

Celebrate the world with beautiful photographs, infographics and maps, with chapters including Exploration & Adventure, This Planet & Beyond, Life on Earth, The Science of Us and more.

The Feral Detective

Jonathan Lethem (f iction, Ecco)

Phoebe is looking for her friend’s missing daughter, and she has enlisted the help of Charles Heist to find her. Together, the two of them set off on a strange journey that involves deserts and danger.

A Private War: Marie Colvin and Other Tales of Heroes, Scoundrels and Renegades

Marie Brenner (Simon & Schuster)

The movie tie-in of this book is now in theaters and is a fascinating look at the life of the brave war correspondent, who died in Syria in 2012. The book tells the tale of the last days of a woman who lived life on the front lines.