Books That Shape Us | Los Angeles News

The latest bestseller lists are exploding with diverse, gripping stories—from Colson Whitehead’s Harlem trilogy finale and Ann Patchett’s Met reunion to Kathryn Stockett’s 1933 Mississippi drama and Maggie O’Farrell’s Irish famine saga. Nonfiction is just as compelling: Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan dissect Trump’s second term, David Sedaris delivers his signature wit, and Annie Jacobsen uncovers a biological war. Even wilder? A book on cats teaching survival tactics under fascism. Readers crave depth—whether it’s a “tradwife” waking up in 1855 or a teacher confronting buried truths. Paperback champs like Andy Weir’s “Project Hail Mary,” classics such as “Stoner,” and Jennette McCurdy’s raw memoir keep the momentum alive. Across genres and eras, great storytelling—no matter how strange or serious—still pulls us in. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/564f116540b92c72 Presented by The Plant Daddies — rare specimen trees, living art, and hand-carved limestone vessels and fountains for extraordinary spaces. Showrooms in Los Angeles and Irvine. Listeners of Los Angeles News Today receive 10% off with code LANEWS10. theplantdaddies.com/lanews