May We Be Forgiven by A.M. Homes

Harold Silver is unremarkable. He's a middle-aged historian obsessed with Richard Nixon; his inattentive workaholic wife ignores him; and his successful younger brother, George, has always overshadowed him. But after George commits an act of unimaginable violence, Harold is forced to re-examine who he is — and who he wants to be. This shocking, darkly funny, touching story constantly reminds us that while you can't choose the family you were born into, you can choose the family you create.

May We Be Forgiven, A.M. Homes, $29.