In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a posthumous memoir about an author’s battle with cancer, a disturbing thriller, a novel set during the Harlem Renaissance, and more.

★ Track 9 by Sue Rovens

Synopsis: Two Americans honeymooning in Germany find themselves trapped in an abandoned railway station, the site of a mysterious train crash with shocking aftereffects.

PW’s Takeaway: Highly disturbing. Readers who don’t need everything spelled out for them will welcome this simple but effective hair-raiser.

Comparable Title: Stephen King’s “The Langoliers”

Sample Line: “The shell-shocked wanderers that were ambulatory had begun ravaging the dead for their limbs, tearing off hunks of flesh and eating them.”

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★ Cancer Looks Good on You by Jill Johnson and Barclay Fryery

Synopsis: Filled with charm and optimism, this inspiriting post-humous memoir from interior decorator Fryery gives tips on living with cancer graciously.

PW’s Takeaway: This book is an uplifting celebration of life and gratitude.

Comparable Title: Kate Bowler’s Everything Happens for a Reason

Sample Line: “The gift and the curse of cancer is that you often know when the end is coming. You can say good-bye to friends. You can wrap up loose ends.”

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Little Flower by Ted Oswald

Synopsis: The story of a unique bond between an elderly nun and a young prostitute with dreams of a different life.

PW’s Takeaway: A lovely take on faith, understanding, forgiveness, and love.

Comparable Title: Orhan Pamuk’s A Strangeness in My Mind

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Harlem Mosaics by Whit Frazier

Synopsis: Frazier’s witty, fresh fictionalization of the Harlem Renaissance is a delight.

PW’s Takeaway: This informative, thoughtful novel is page-turning tour of a singular piece of America’s past.

Comparable Title: Joe Okonkwo’s Jazz Moon

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Clear Seeing Place by Brian Rutenberg

Synopsis: Rutenberg reveals his passion and artistic vision in a series of thoughtful vignettes.

PW’s Takeaway: This author’s coming-of-age-story will appeal to young artists looking to make careers of their passions.

Comparable Title: Sally Mann’s Hold Still

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