The Age of Miracles by Nancy Thompson Walker

What would happen if suddenly the days became 25 or 30 hours long? Would we, as a human race, adjust accordingly, or still try to maintain the 24 hour day we are accustomed to and that works for us?

This is the premise of this interesting book. It is, at its core, a "coming of age story," told from a 12 year old's perspective. But still, it is compelling and draws the reader in from the start.

I don't normally like "sci-fi" books like this but I did really enjoy reading this novel. And now I am watching "the Leftovers," on HBO, from the Tom Perotta novel by the same name. 

Dirty Love by Andres Dubus

This is one of my favorite authors, even though there are not that many novels by Dubus.  When I saw this in the Library, I grabbed it even though it's a collection of four short stories. I don't usually read short stories, for some reason.
All four stories are about love, as the title reveals ("Dirty Love" is the last of the four stories).  All of the characters grapple with their own issues regarding love, lust, and envy.
There's Marla, the main character of the story that bears her name. She's an overweight, kind of ordinary young woman who works in a bank and finally meets a guy who wants to be with her.
Then there's Mark, in the first story, whose wife has been having an affair, he discovers, as he discovers truths about himself that are hard to face.
The last story, "Dirty Love," was actually my least favorite. But I think I have to give it another chance.
I enjoyed reading Dubus because he is an amazing writer, and this read only made me want his next novel to come out soon!

The Partner Track by Helen Wan

Very engaging and suspenseful novel! I read about it in the New York Times and thought it sounded interesting. The novel takes place at a highly esteemed and venerable law practice in NYC and the main character, Ingrid Yung, is brilliant and beautiful Asian American woman on her way towards partnership.....but there are a few obstacles in her way.  And those obstacles also can be the reason she may get partner instead of her friend Murph, who is "typical." She is a woman and a minority, but she also  has an impeccable work ethic.  From Booklist:

When she’s simultaneously assigned to a huge case and asked to spearhead the firm’s new diversity initiative, however, Ingrid’s ­priorities begin to shift from playing the corporate game to exposing the injustices of the old-boy network, even though it may cost her both her partnership and her relationship with a fellow associate. Debut novelist Wan, an associate general counsel at Time Inc. shows that she has writing chops in addition to legal acumen. In spite of creating a lackluster romance and pat epilogue, Wan succeeds in exploring and fictionalizing the timely topics of sexism and racism in workplace politics in a fluent, thought-provoking, and compelling tale.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  It dealt with a lot of real issues and is told in an easy and engaging manner.