Miles of Books: The Latest by Maria Semple + Three Other Novels

In this episode of Miles of Books, host Sarah Bowen Shea and guest Ellison Wiest dive into four new novels, spotlighting Maria Semple's long-awaited return with 'Go Gentle,' a witty, wacky novel featuring a stoic New York divorcee entangled in a mystery involving art and a past trauma tied to the #MeToo movement. The conversation shifts to William Bloughton's poignant 'The Left and The Lucky,' a beautifully written story of unexpected friendship between a grieving painter and a gentle boy in Portland, Oregon, praised for its emotional depth and sharp characterizations. The duo then explores two cruise ship-set novels: Jung Yun's 'All the World Can Hold,' set on a ship just days after 9/11 and examining identity, legacy, and regret, and Emma Straub's 'American Fantasy,' a nostalgic, humorous look at a boy band reunion cruise that leans into escapism but falls short on literary depth for some listeners. The episode blends literary critique with personal reflections, celebrating the power of books to reflect both intimate human experiences and broader cultural moments. Key takeaways include: 1) Maria Semple’s 'Go Gentle' delivers sharp humor and emotional resonance despite a slightly chaotic ending; 2) 'The Left and The Lucky' is a masterclass in quiet, character-driven storytelling; 3) Cruise ship settings in 2026 novels serve as both nostalgic backdrops and narrative containers for personal transformation; 4) While 'American Fantasy' is entertaining, it prioritizes fun over depth, appealing more to fans of light fiction; 5) The #MeToo thread in 'Go Gentle' is handled with care and relevance; 6) Reading can be a form of escape, but also a mirror for deeper life questions; 7) Supporting independent bookstores and authors like Emma Straub is part of a larger cultural mission; 8) The best books often surprise us—sometimes by being less tidy than we expect.