- Selected as ONE of the BEST BOOKS of the 21st CENTURY by The New York Times * NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST * New York magazine’s #1 Book of the Year * Best Book of the Year by: The Wall Street Journal; Vogue; O, The Oprah Magazine; Los Angeles Times; The San Francisco Chronicle; The New Yorker; Time; Flavorwire; Salon; Slate; The Daily Beast “Superb…Scintillatingly alive…A pure explosion of now.”—The New Yorker Reno, so-called because of the place of her birth, comes to New York intent on turning her fascination with motorcycles and speed into art. Her arrival coincides with an explosion of activity—artists colonize a deserted and industrial SoHo, stage actions in the East Village, blur the line between life and art. Reno is submitted to a sentimental education of sorts—by dreamers, poseurs, and raconteurs in New York and by radicals in Italy, where she goes with her lover to meet his estranged and formidable family. Ardent, vulnerable, and bold, Reno is a fiercely memorable observer, superbly realized by Rachel Kushner.
Rachel Kushner
Rachel Kushner is an American novelist known for her critically acclaimed works that explore themes of art, politics, and society. Her most notable works include "The Flamethrowers" and "The Mars Room," both of which have been praised for their vivid prose and incisive commentary on contemporary culture. Kushner's writing style is characterized by its sharp wit, complex characters, and meticulous attention to detail. She has been celebrated for her ability to capture the complexities of human experience and the intricacies of power dynamics in her storytelling. "The Flamethrowers" was a finalist for the National Book Award and received widespread acclaim for its bold narrative and richly drawn characters. Rachel Kushner's contributions to literature have had a significant impact on the literary genre, influencing a new generation of writers with her innovative approach to storytelling and her insightful exploration of the human condition.