11 excellent novels for summer reading

4. "The Astral," by Kate Christensen

(Doubleday, 320 pp.) When middle-aged poet Harry Quirk is thrown out by his wife (who’s mistakenly convinced he’s having an affair), he struggles to begin life again in his rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. Kate Christensen is a gifted novelist who knows how to deliver the goods when it comes to ruefully funny, bittersweet character sketches. (June)

4 of 11
You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us