The Mothers by Brit Bennett

Brit Bennett’s The Mothers is a remarkable debut, a novel whose characters are so well developed that you will find yourself happily along for the ride in the emotional roller coaster of their lives. The book follows the path of three African American teenagers—Nadia, Luke, and Aubrey—growing up in Southern California, each of whom faces a disappointment or tragedy that propels them into their current situation. They make decisions that not only affect their teenage years but their relationships and outlook over decades, and Bennett exquisitely layers the emotions found deep within their friendships, their community, and their families.  —Casey