15. Theory of Bastards

By Audrey Schulman (397 pp)

This book is set in a vaguely futuristic setting where people rely on implants for information rather than smart phones -- but otherwise the world is one we recognize. The main character is Francine who vists an ape sanctuary to study bonobos to investigate her theories about reproduction. There is a lot going on in this story that I can't summarize in a couple of sentences. She makes connections with the staff and the bonobos and then something terrible happens and they have to try to survive. It's hard to categorize but if you like animal behavior with some dystopian tossed in with complex characters - this is for you. I will add that the book cover completely fails this book. Even the back copy and the summary on Goodreads do not capture how smart and captivating this story is.

14. The Cold Millions

By Jess Walter (337 pp, ebook)

Jess Walter is always great! This book is about two brothers in Spokane, Wa in the early 1900's. The brothers have few resources and live amongst others who are struggling for work, decent pay, and some respect. They get involved with the labor movement and variety of characters: cops, vaudville performers, wealthy jerks. A great portrayal of a certain moment in history.