September promises interesting stories by accomplished novelists Kate Atkinson, Patrick deWitt, Emma Cline, and Sebastian Barry. Also Deesha Philyaw, author of the breakout story collection about church ladies, has written her first novel. Here's what their books are all about.
Category: Award Books
Friendship and the pursuit of tidal energy
"Drayton and Mackenzie" follows two Oxford grads from employment at a mind-numbing consulting firm to launching a British startup. It's fascinating on so many levels, and one of the best novels I've read this year.
The Booker Dozen
The 2026 Booker Prize longlisted nominees can be explored here, with callouts to "Helen of Nowhere," "May We Feed the King," and "Switzy." Plus, a look-back at one nominee I've never forgotten.
Explore the longlist for the International Booker Prize 2026
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.
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.
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.
A few book recommendations
January was a month when I swung widely among many types of books, not only in genre but also topic. To start, Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman, not a topic I’d typically be drawn to. That changed thanks to what I read about the memoir when it published in December. Callum Robinson writes about … Continue reading A few book recommendations
I had to move my books: what I found
It's easy for me to forget books I want to read if I don't keep them visible on my reading tables. That's why this temporary upheaval is turning out to be less burden and more treasure. These five books include a thriller, a first novel, short stories, and more. Also, I found a letter from the wife of a Vietnam soldier tucked inside a military classic.
A science fiction shortlist and August books
Here you'll find a link to the shortlist for The Ursula K. Le Guin Prize, plus comments about two of the nominated books that were already in my current reading stack. Also, a new nonfiction book The Guardian says is written with thrilling detail, and Yoko Ogawa's newest novel since "The Memory Police."
New books, old books, and the Pulitzer Prizes
Here’s a miscellany of fiction and nonfiction, including a long-awaited new novel by the author of “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.” David Wroblewski’s debut became a phenomenal bestseller, the story of a mute boy and a unique breed of dogs, with subtle similarities to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Now, Wroblewski revisits the Sawtelle family long before Edgar runs away with three of the dogs. Also featured, authors Paul Auster and Vivian Gornick.
Books I’m reading and plan to read
Memoirs, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and a surprising Great American Novels list from The Atlantic magazine are shared in this post. Some of the books are new this month and next. All are what intrigue me right now, and what I'm looking forward to.
The Dublin Literary Award 2024 Longlist and my three choices
You can't go wrong looking for good novels to read in this annual longlist. Nominations are made by librarians from around the world, so it's wide-ranging with surprises. I've listed here the ones I want to read, and those that already have been mentioned on the blog. Plus a link to the award list.
The Longest Chapter 