You'll find wide-ranging themes and drama among the 13 candidates in the running for the UK's International Booker Prize this year. The ones I'm reading are here, involving a love story, a feud, Hollywood, and war.
“Mule Boy” by Andrew Krivak
This is a story about a coal mining disaster. It's narrated by an old man who alone survived. He was the miners' mule boy, and he never forgot the men who didn't get out. You won't forget reading this extraordinary novel.
A few good books
There's a must-read novel here published in 1964, winner of the 1965 Pulitzer in fiction. Also, a detective mystery that's a "love letter" to the golden age, and nonfiction about Vietnam and war correspondents.
Two new novels I can’t resist
One an epic love story, the other an absurd comedy. Both seem perfect for the dark days of winter.
Exploring nature and healing in Jeremy Cooper’s “Ash Before Oak”
I read this transcendent novel over the holidays. It takes place on a secluded estate in the South West of England, written as a fictional journal. I loved it.
“The Land in Winter” by Andrew Miller
Andrew Miller’s new novel follows two married couples living next door to one another during a harsh winter in England. The book was nominated for the 2025 Booker Prize, won last week by David Szalay for his novel "Flesh." "The Land in Winter" has received many rave and positive reviews. These are my thoughts.
Several good books, out now and coming soon
Here you'll find books I'm currently reading and also what I'm eager to read. Included, as a nod to the season, a series of ghost stories published annually this time of year, except they're connected to a Christmas tradition.
Why do we keep looking for ghosts?
Alice Vernon is the author of "Ghosted," a new book that examines 200 years of ghost hunting, including communication by séance and sleuthing through haunted houses. I couldn't resist delving into this interesting topic. Here's my review.
September 2025 novels and biographies
Joan Silber and Kiran Desai have new novels out this month, two authors loved by both readers and critics. Also here, the lives of an adventurer and an "apprentice mage discovering her powers."
What I’m reading, including the 2025 Booker Prize longlist
I've been diving into the UK's Booker Prize longlisted novels, which have included 'Misinterpretation' and 'One Boat.' Here's why, plus there's a new thriller I flew through and nonfiction I've started about ghosts.
Three new books for summer reading
Each of these has strong characters and distinctive stories. One is humorous in its explorations of love, one thoughtful as part memoir part fiction, and one suspenseful in a tale of imposters.
Lost love, adventure, and party spirits
You'll find novels, essays, and more here, including Jess Walter's delightful new fiction and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers highly anticipated first nonfiction. Six books in all, five published in June, an unusual mix.
“Flashlight” by Susan Choi
This new novel is a long read, not because of page count but of keeping steady during the times when you think nothing's happening. The payoff will be something you'll not soon forget.
“A Perfect Turmoil: Walter E. Fernald and the Struggle to Care for America’s Disabled”
A new book rescues from obscurity a largely forgotten figure in American history. It's an engaging read, surpringly so given the many names and facts involved, but that's a testament to the author, Alex Green. He's got a magic touch.
“The Transit of Venus” and others
Here are good books for readers of rich literature and memoirs: Shirley Hazzard's classic; John Gregory Dunne's Las Vegas adventure now back in print; and bestselling author Fredrik Backman's new novel, which is publishing this week.
The Longest Chapter 