Written in four parts, Trust is about money and its power “to bend and align reality,” as one character says in author Hernan Diaz’s latest novel. The story follows Benjamin and Helen Rask, who have become extraordinarily wealthy during the 1920s in New York. But they acquired that fortune at a cost — the specifics of which become clear in revelations throughout the novel.

“I read this book twice this year, and I can’t wait to read it again,” Johnsen said. “A true feat of a structural puzzle. Don’t read about it, just read it!”

Listen to Nerdette’s interview with Diaz.

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

by Akwaeke Emezi

Atria Books, $27

Five years after the love of her life died in an accident, main character Feyi Adekola wants to get back into the dating scene. She ends up having a summer filled with a luxurious vacation, meals prepared by a celebrity chef and career assistance from a prominent art curator. But when Feyi begins seeing someone she believes is the perfect guy, things get complicated.

“If you like a plotty book with lots of tea to spill, this is the story for you!” Johnsen said. “It’s lush and languid, and is a romance novel with real emotional depth.”

All This Could Be Different

by Sarah Thankam Mathews

Viking, $27

When Sneha lands a corporate job in the middle of a recession, the opportunity allows her to do things like pick up the tab for her friend at a restaurant and send money home to her parents in India. But the calm doesn’t last long, and Sneha and her friends face evictions and long-buried secrets. All This Could Be Different is a story about an immigrant making a home for herself and a group of young people creating a community amidst struggle.

“Mathews’s voice is one I’m so glad to have in my head,” Johnsen said. “This book is hilarious and heartfelt. It’s an exquisitely modern story about finding your way.”

Shit Cassandra Saw

by Gwen E. Kirby

Penguin Books, $17; Nerdette Book Club February 2022 selection

In this imaginative collection of short stories, women tell of their successes as well as their pain and aren’t afraid to be loud, funny and angry protagonists. Examples include witches who refuse to burn, virgins who escape being sacrificed and whores who aren’t ashamed of their profession. Not only is the content intriguing, but author Gwen E. Kirby also experiments with structure, writing in the form of Yelp reviews, WikiHow articles and more. Her narrators push against limitations, refusing to be constrained by rules.

“This collection is SO MUCH FUN,” Johnsen said. “It’s fierce and feisty and funny. Read if you like lady pirates and Greek mythology, or are a woman who fantasizes about becoming a radioactive cockroach.”

Listen to Nerdette‘s interview with Kirby.

How High We Go in the Dark

by Sequoia Nagamatsu

William Morrow, $27.99

An ancient Arctic virus unleashed in 2030 changes humanity for generations in Nagamatsu’s latest novel. The stories that follow span continents, centuries and planets, exploring humanity’s ability to adapt and find solace in the face of tragedy. For example, a scientist seeking a cure for the virus gets a second chance at being a father when a pig he uses as a test subject can suddenly speak.

Johnsen describes the novel as “a collection of intertwined stories about hope emerging from grief. This is excellent sci-fi! I also think it would make a great introduction to sci-fi for a reader who’d like to be more adventurous.”

Our Missing Hearts

by Celeste Ng

Penguin Press, $29; Nerdette Book Club October 2022 selection

Our Missing Hearts follows 12-year-old Bird Gardner, whose family lives under laws designed to preserve American culture after the country went through years of economic instability and violence. Children of adults who do not comply can be taken from their parents. Libraries cannot carry books deemed unpatriotic. Bird’s story introduces the reader to an underground network of librarians and children who have been taken and then dive into a movement for change.

“A near future dystopia that’s a bit more familiar than you may like,” Johnsen said. “This book is an emotional read, but it’s also full of tenderness and care. Bonus points for heroic librarians!”

Listen to Nerdette’s discussion of the book.

True Biz

by Sara Novic

Random House, $28

The students at River Valley School for the Deaf want to act like normal teenagers and have a say over their own bodies, including whether or not they get cochlear implants. But politicians, doctors and parents have their own opinions on the matter. True Biz is about personal and political struggles involving sign language and lip-reading, disability and civil rights, first love and persistence.

“I love a book that’s set on a high school campus,” Johnsen said. “I also love a book that introduces me to a community I don’t know much about. This book does both, with flair.”

Now is Not the Time To Panic

by Kevin Wilson

Ecco, $22.39

In this coming-of-age tale, two awkward teenagers get together both romantically and creatively. They make and hang up a poster where everyone in their small town can see it, causing rumors to spread about satanists and kidnappers. Now is Not the Time To Panic revisits its main character 20 years after the panic, and gives her the opportunity to come clean to an inquiring reporter about what happened — a revelation that could upend her life but also, set her free.

“With this book, Kevin Wilson is solidly one of my favorite authors,” Johnsen said. “Read this if you think being called weird is a compliment.”

Diary of a Void

by Emi Yagi

Viking, $23

A young woman named Ms. Shibata takes a new job to escape sexual harassment at her former workplace. The only female at her new company, she soon realizes she is in charge of all the menial tasks. She begins to tell her coworkers she is pregnant and therefore cannot do her work — a lie. Ms. Shibata’s ploy starts to consume her life, but she also finally feels like she is well-respected.

“This book is unhinged in the best possible way,” Johnsen said. “Read it if you keep fantasizing about how to never have to work again.”

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

by Gabrielle Zevin

Knopf, $28; Nerdette Book Club September 2022 selection

In their mid-20s, Sam Masur and Sadie Green run a successful video game production company. But their success and wealth don’t protect them from the struggles that come with creative ambition and heartbreak. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow takes place over three decades as the pair creates a series of successful games and learns the importance of human connection.

“An incredible story set in the world of video game design,” Johnsen said. “BUT, if you’re not a gamer, don’t let the conceit get you down! This is a book about art and friendship. Read if you like ‘90s nostalgia, conversations around creativity and ambition, and narrative experimentation.”

Listen to Nerdette’s discussion of the book.

Greta Johnsen is the host of WBEZ’s Nerdette podcast. Follow her on Twitter @gretamjohnsen.

Bianca Cseke is a digital producer at WBEZ. Follow her @biancacseke1.