NPR

'The Altruists' Asks: How Do You Live A Good Life?

Andrew Ridker's sharp, compassionate first novel follows a family of flawed but sympathetic bumblers whose efforts to do good more often end up causing harm — to themselves and others.
Source: Viking

Andrew Ridker, still in his twenties, has uncorked a lively, tragicomic debut novel, a probe into questions that never get old: What constitutes a good, moral life, and how do you pull it off in this world?

Many first novels fall into one of two categories: the campus novel, or the dysfunctional family novel. combines the two, but don't let that put you off. Ridker elevates his book with a sharp eye for the absurdities of contemporary American culture

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
Here's How To Set Your Reading Goals And Read More Books In 2024
Experts say it's better to set a goal you can stick to and make reading more of a community affair.
NPR4 min read
Tyla Is The New Face Of African Pop. She's Aiming To Take Over The Whole World
The South African singer brought a homegrown genre, amapiano, to new ears with a viral hit and a Grammy. With her debut album, she wants to prove the world is ready for a full-blown African pop star.
NPR12 min read
Chevron Owns This City's News Site. Many Stories Aren't Told
Chevron operates a major refinery in Richmond, Calif. It also owns the city's dominant news site, putting its own spin on events, and runs similar sites in Texas and Ecuador.

Related Books & Audiobooks