Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney Shares Book Recommendations

The 'Lake Effect' author on the books that have impacted her work and life.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, author of the new novel 'Lake Effect,' shares her favorite books, including 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro, 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry, and 'Heartburn' by Nora Ephron. Sweeney discusses how these stories have influenced her own writing and grappling with questions about duty, desire, and personal happiness.

Why it matters

Sweeney's book recommendations provide insight into the literary influences and inspirations that have shaped her as a writer. Her choices span different genres, time periods, and themes, reflecting the breadth of her reading interests and the ways in which books can impact an author's creative process and worldview.

The details

In the interview, Sweeney describes 'Lake Effect' as a 'joyful and sexy' yet 'heart-wrenching' exploration of the conflict between duty and desire. She also shares details about her own background, including being raised in Rochester, New York, earning an MFA, and working as a marketer and copywriter before becoming a novelist.

  • Sweeney's debut novel 'The Nest' was published almost exactly 10 years ago.
  • Her latest novel 'Lake Effect' is set in 1970s Rochester, New York.

The players

Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

The author of the novels 'The Nest' and 'Lake Effect,' who was raised in Rochester, New York, earned an MFA, and worked in marketing and copywriting before becoming a novelist.

Laurie Colwin

An American novelist and short story writer whose work Sweeney recommends, particularly the book 'Another Marvelous Thing.'

Lily King

An American novelist whose book 'Heart the Lover' Sweeney recommends as similar to her own work.

Evan S. Connell

An American novelist and short story writer whose book 'Mrs. Bridge' Sweeney recommends as similar to her own work.

Xochitl Gonzalez

An American novelist whose upcoming novel 'Last Night in Brooklyn' Sweeney is looking forward to reading.

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What they’re saying

“I've spent a lot of time thinking about what we owe the people we love and what happens when someone chooses personal happiness over family stability.”

— Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, Author (ELLE)

“Lake Effect is my attempt to grapple with those heady questions.”

— Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, Author (ELLE)

“I can remember exactly where I was when I devoured the book for the first time in my twenties, during a stifling long weekend on a beat-up sofa in a too-hot living room in Long Island City.”

— Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, Author (ELLE)

What’s next

Sweeney's upcoming novel 'American Hagwon' by Min Jin Lee is expected to be published soon, and readers can look forward to that new release from the acclaimed author.

The takeaway

Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's book recommendations showcase her diverse literary tastes and the ways in which her reading has informed her own acclaimed fiction writing, particularly her exploration of themes around duty, desire, and personal fulfillment.