Ottessa Moshfegh’s sudden rise to internet fame

Plus: books in translation and dystopian futures [View this email online]( [NPR Books]( July 30th, 2022 by [Miranda Mazariegos]( This week — the impact of #BookTok, a profile of a literary sensation, and books to imagine a dystopian future. Andrew Casey/Courtesy of Penguin Random House If you like to read and you’re on Tik Tok, the app’s algorithm has probably already thrown you into the depths of [Book Tok](. From book reviews, recommendations and even author interviews, the bookish side of Tik Tok is already changing the industry, as [NPR reported in 2021](. It’s been a great opportunity for bookstores and publishing companies to use the momentum as a [selling point](. But most importantly, it’s become a platform for both established and up-and-coming authors to promote and sell their work. Some of them have even had unintended massive followings. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Michele Abercrombie/NPR Ottessa Moshfegh is one of those authors. Her book My Year of Rest and Relaxation became a hit during the pandemic, particularly driven by the discourse on #BookTok. This week, [she spoke to]( NPR’s Andrew Limbong about her latest novel, Lapvona, a novel set in Medieval Europe where violence is rampant and resources are scarce. “I don't wish fame on anyone," she told Limbong. "I'm sure there are people who are built for it. But those people, I don't understand them.” Lapvona has already started amassing discussion on TikTok, both praise and criticism. Fresh Air’s book critic Maureen Corrigan was not a fan, calling it “gross” and saying “it couldn’t be short enough.” Check out her review [here](. Meghan Collins Sullivan/NPR My recommendation this week? Books in translation. [Here’s a list of three books]( touching on French colonialism and the power that translation has to expose us to a wider range of world literature. And if you’re looking for ways to escape our current reality, check out Blake Crouch’s Upgrade, a book that explores gene editing and transformations in a way that [our reviewer called]( “bloody, grim and occasionally pedantic, but still fun.” Also notable this week is Why Didn't You Tell Me?, author Carmen Rita Wong’s memoir about assimilation, representation and identity. You can hear her talk about her book on [NPR’s Book of the Day]( podcast. And as we go into the final month of summer, be sure to check out our [book guide to the 50 states]( (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico!), where you'll find more than 100 recommendations to read and understand more about each state. That’s it for today’s newsletter! Remember that you can always email us with feedback, coverage ideas, or just to share your most thrilling summer reads! Hope to hear from you soon. [Miranda Mazariegos]( NPR Fellow --------------------------------------------------------------- Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Listen Live]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [books@npr.org](mailto:books@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! [They can sign up here.]( Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Pop Culture, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Books emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]