“The Mighty Red,” by Louise Erdrich (Harper, 2024): Erdrich has won both the Pulitzer Prize (“The Night Watchman”) and the National Book Award (“The Round House”). Her latest novel explores the strictures of small-town life in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and the inevitable consequences of even our least intended actions. Residents of this rural community, across multiple generations, repress or avoid dealing with the secrets and fallout of a tragic accident, impeding their ability to move forward. But, as they learn, history defines us. Many chapters are presented from the perspective of a different character, slowly layering the facts of relationships and events, almost like laying brick over brick, eventually clarifying the truths around that one night that became a turning point for so many. — 3 1/2 stars (out of 4); Kathleen Lance, Denver

“Birding Under the Influence: Cycling Across America in Search of Birds and Recovery,” by Dorian Anderson (Chelsea Green Publishing, 2023): This is the startling true story of a young lab scientist who is addicted to drugs and alcohol. Told in the first person, Dorian Anderson decides to leave his position at Mass General Hospital, get sober, and nurture his first serious relationship by — of all things — riding a bicycle around the U.S. for a year, birdwatching. He’s a marvelous writer and does he have a tale to tell. — 4 stars (out of 4); Lori Potter, Denver

“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares (Ember, 2003): This widely read young-adult missive sidesteps turgid romance formulas to insert a quartet of best-pal quickies usually offered by boys. No, the gals don’t gossip or backstab. Instead, these are bright, curious and lively stories that they and their friends can learn from. These best friends wring every lesson and emotion they can in their wildly differing experiences (Greece, a summer job next to a very ill teen, a new stepmom, and first love at a soccer camp) are as diverse as the physical builds of the four who share the same “magic” pair of jeans over the summer. Communicating through letters (imagine that!), love and loyalty mark the lives of all four. Their parents certainly would be proud of them if they’d known of the stories behind the shenanigans. — 2½ stars (out of 4); Bonnie McCune, Denver (bonniemccune.com)

“A Thousand Ships,” by Natalie Haynes ((Harper, 2021): Hearing Homer’s ancient tales, “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” through the voices of women is eye-opening. Clearly, Haynes considers these women warriors and heroes, just as are the more lauded men. And all are also victims — of petulant gods, of the overweening egos of others, and of the impetus of their own flaws. Their stories are wrenching, yet ultimately I’m left admiring these women for their courage and strength. In beautiful writing, Haynes imbues these women with their own clear personalities: we see them as individual threads in the tapestry, yet their colors complement and blend into the array. One of my favorite passages was the brief chapter from the perspective of Gaia (the primordial goddess of Earth), who laments the increasing numbers and weight of the humans she must bear. How much greater must be her lamentations now. I loved this book. — 4 stars (out of 4); Neva Gronert, Parker