The following phrases appear in The New York Times list of “100 Notable Books of 2018.” There is one phrase culled from each blurb on the list.
slow burn
latest novel
bizarre story
tour de force
stunning debut
homage of sorts
explores this idea
tactile immediacy
fragmented novel
fascinating paean
grapples seriously
searching account
harrowing account
harrowing memoir
fascinating portrait
expansive narrative
novel that ricochets
fast-paced account
stunning new novel
bristling intelligence
impassioned account
incisive new collection
magisterial new novel
bighearted family saga
breezy, appealing style
impressive debut novel
bewitching debut novel
remarkable debut novel
private and public twists
stylish and inspired collection
deeply and lovingly personal
describes the years of research
reveals surprising connections
world of scams and seductions
our history and our current age
dire consequences for democracy
darkly comic and profound novel
memoir of an unstable childhood
powerful and realistic page turner
mammoth autobiographical novel
devastatingly beautiful debut novel
blazingly moral and devastatingly sidelong
capturing the themes of identity and reinvention
written by the actress herself and not a ghostwriter
seemingly quiet but ultimately volcanic collection
recounted here with great lyricism and emotion
sometimes fanciful, always gossipy portrait
navigate the political and the personal
tense, moment-by-moment account
illuminates her narrator’s inner life
public and private responsibilities
searing autobiographical novel
the personal and the political
more political than economic
vivid, slightly surreal history
writes about new research
sweeping, sobering account
deep dive into the question
unnerving cautionary tale
searingly passionate book
deeply reported account
monumental biography
heralds America’s future
much more complicated
posthumous collection
law professor recounts
marvelous debut novel
nervy, obsessive novel
shattering work of art
important biography
recounts her struggle
first major biography
semi-surreal sendup
landmark translation
thinly veiled memoir
satisfying slow burn
unbelievable debut
forgotten histories
reads like a thriller
fast-paced thriller
mine the question
capture the chaos
infinitely capable
rousing defense
widens the lens
singular portrait
sparkling novel
eloquent novel
riveting exposé
gritty depiction
noted historian
searing memoir
writerly passion
road-trip novel
think differently
page after page
Pulitzer finalist
tells his story
timely novel
wry catalog
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