Why people recommend it
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver is a dark, epistolary psychological novel that examines the complex, chilling relationship between a mother and her estranged son who commits a school massacre. The book was discussed extensively across multiple episodes of The Book Review podcast. In August 2026, Tina Jordan expressed pleasant surprise and admiration when the novel appeared on a list of the best thrillers of the 21st century, calling it a truly great book. In a July 2024 episode, Elizabeth Egan referenced Shriver's provocative novel while comparing it to another title, exploring similar themes of difficult domestic spaces and psychological suspense. Additionally, during a discussion with Dana Spiotta, Pamela Paul mentioned having read Shriver's post-Birthday World alongside We Need to Talk About Kevin, highlighting her enduring engagement with the author's intense and provocative explorations of modern family life.
Who recommended it
- Tina Jordan Discussed
- Elizabeth Egan Discussed
- Pamela Paul Discussed
Tina Jordan — 1 mention
“Sarah, it's such a great book, but I was sort of surprised and very pleasantly to see we need to talk about Kevin on this list.”
Elizabeth Egan — 1 mention
“and the other book is Lionel schrivers”
Pamela Paul — 1 mention
“I have read the post Birthday World which I loved I read we need to talk about Kevin”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- Empire of Pain
- Life After Life
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
- All the Sinners Bleed
- And Then There Were None
- Broken Harbor
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
“Um, defending Jacob. We need to talk about Kevin and the push. So there's three.”
“I can't say I loved it in the way that I loved Ula ma in that it's a little bit grueling to read but that's because the subject matter is grueling what she is taking on in this book is the American Health Care system I had never read Lionel Shriver and I think I've mentioned I'm probably the only”