We cover a lot of biographies and music theory guides in this column, so it’s great when we’re presented with a novel with a musical lean. That’s the case with Joan of the Arcane, the story of the former singer with a Los Angeles–based punk band who managed to evade success when it came knocking and now spends her time as “a suburban empty nester—days in Lululemon-clad Pilates classes, nights consumed by conspiracy theories about ancient technologies and government cover ups.” Fleder handles it all with a deft touch; it’s funny, tragic, relatable, and often dark.
(Paperback) $17.99
