The Dinner Party by Brenda Janowitz

Sylvia Gold epitomizes the stereotypical overbearing Jewish mother. She clearly wants what's best for her three children, even if it often means meddling in their lives. So when she finds out that her youngest daughter is dating a Rothschild, only one of the wealthiest banking families in all of New York City, Sylvia can't help but throw a Seder, or the traditional meal served at the start of Passover, in the hopes of making a good impression.

After inviting the whole family, including her less than favorite soon to be son-in-law and his overly dramatic mother Italian mother and Sylvia's son casually drops by from Sri Lanka, with his black girlfriend, the peaceful traditions of the Seder have gone out the window. Chaos, jealousy, and family secrets become the topic of discussion for both the Golds and the Rothschilds. Can both of the families look past their differences and repair the things that divide them?

Brenda Janowitz's The Dinner Party resonates with any reader who has had to endure family functions where things often go awry, yet it's nearly impossible to laugh at the family you're a part of.

The After Party by Anton DiSclafani

It's 1957 in Houston, Texas where the days are long, hot, and  money is to be made in the Texan oil fields. While the men are off working in the oilfields or for large oil companies, the women live a high society kind of life focused on debutante balls, garden club meetings, beautiful dresses, and perfectly decorated homes. Living this lavish lifestyle are two best friends Joan and Cece. Joan has always been beautiful and sought after and Cece has always tried to stay out of the limelight, while acting as Joan's protector. When Joan's life begins to spiral out of control shrouded in secrets, Cece is the one left trying to put the pieces back together, even if it risks losing her marriage.

The After Party is a beautifully written photograph of the late 1950s, showcasing secrets, female friendship, love, and sexuality.

Rules of Civility by Amore Towles

In the late 1930s, New York City could be an exciting or desperate place to live, depending on your income and background. Katey Kontent, daughter of a Russian immigrant, and Eve Ross, a Midwestern transplant, were in the desperate group. But they were enterprising young women and knew how to stretch their limited resources: by sharing a room at a boarding house, sharing wardrobes, sneaking into movie theaters and stretching three dollars at a jazz club on Saturday night. When they met Tinker Grey, a handsome young banker with classy clothes and an apartment in the high rent district, they were able to expand their social life to include many well-to-do young people and fancier establishments. Unfortunately, an automobile accident disrupted their lives and their outlook on life changed. Eve, badly injured, eventually went her own way. Tinker, feeling guilty, came and went in Katey's life. But Katey, smart, capable and sensible, succeeded on her own, finding better jobs and expanding her circle of friends and acquaintances. Rules of Civility by Amor Towles paints an intriguing picture of depression-era New York City and its residents of all social classes.