Normal People, by Sally Rooney

I saw Normal People mentioned with some reverence here and there online when it was released here about 6 months ago, often with the words "millennial" or maybe "modern," which tempered my interest somewhat (in ways that are a little hard to pinpoint and I won't get into here). But in London I found a copy for £1 in a charity shop, so I bought it. My skepticism was misplaced. This book was wonderful, and actually quite timeless. It follows the relationship between its two protagonists as it veers between friendship, sex, and love and as they navigate early adulthood. It does this with such tenderness toward both of them, despite their fumbles and their occasionally stupid or hurtful behavior toward one another. It captures their feelings so precisely. This book is just achingly human.