I’m here today to encourage you to . . . Read With Us . . . this spring. Bonny, Carole, and I have selected . . .

Good People, a newly-released debut novel by Patmeena Sabit for our Spring read.

The novel tells the story of the Sharaf family, Afghan refugees who achieve the American dream in the suburbs of Washington DC. That is . . . until, well . . . something happens. (And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.) The novel is written in a unique narrative style — something more like an oral history or true crime podcast/documentary than a typical novel. There are short, snippet-like “chapters,” each giving the perspective of neighbors, friends, journalists, law enforcement officials, etc. Each “narrator” provides a small piece of the story. But we readers never actually hear from the Sharaf family.

It’s an interesting story. And an interesting way to tell a story.

As for the genre? Well. It’s hard to pin down! It’s part literary fiction, part crime/mystery, and part immigrant narrative. All together, it’s a compelling, addictive read that will give us a lot to discuss together.

Good People is currently available in most bookstores (if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby), or on Amazon in hardback ($20.01), Kindle ($13.99), and audio (Audible $19.80 or 1 credit). The book and audiobook are generally available through local libraries and Libby, too, although availability and wait times vary.

Our book discussion day for Good People is Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Bonny, Carole, and I will each post discussion questions on our blogs that day, and then – later in the evening (7:00 pm Eastern time zone) – we’ll be hosting a live book discussion/meet-up on Zoom. If you’d like to join the Zoom (and we’d really love it if you do) please let me know in the comments or send me an email with your confirmation (there will soon be a link in sidebar and on the Read With Us page, too).

So.
Grab a copy of the book, minimize your distractions, and sink your teeth into this can’t-put-it-down book!
C’mon along . . .
Read With Us!