"Crocodilopolis" by John Manuel Arias, his second novel, is a story of revenge that unfolds with poetic intricacy. A rivalry between two brothers ignites on familial and political stages with scandal and betrayal. Here's a review.
Category: Book Review
New month, new books
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.
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.
To be disliked, but why?
Imagine how it would it feel to find out you were disliked by your coworkers? That they were mocking you behind your back for a behavior that’s actually quite harmless? Author Miye Lee explores this concept in her new novel “Break Room,” which I describe here as a swift, entertaining yet also thoughtful read.
Youth and middle age in vibrant concert
Jeremy Cooper has authored eight novels and several works of nonfiction. In 2018, he won the first Fitzcarraldo Editions Novel Prize for his book "Ash before Oak," which I wrote about earlier this year. He has a new novel recently published called "Discord" about challenges that face professional musicians. Here's a review.
New books to inspire your summer reading
Here you'll find Daniel Mason's "Country People" (he wrote the well-loved "North Woods"), plus long-awaited fiction from Emily Ruskovich, and a new McNally Editions' forgotten gem.
Aubrey McKee returns in “Silver Lake”
Nothing like a narrator who's genuine, smart, and funny. Welcome to the world of Aubrey McKee, in this impressive and inspiring new novel.
That glimpse of one whole life, plus new novels
Clare Carlisle's new nonfiction, combining her world as a biographer and as a professor of philosophy, fascinated me. Also, new novels here include one set on a reality TV show and a detective mystery set in Toronto. And if you're a Willy Vlautin fan, happy dance.
You do not know us
"Upward Bound" is the fiction debut of Woody Brown about a community of nonspeaking, autistic young adults. It's authentic, powerfully enlightening, and entertaining, thanks to Brown's insight and wit.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
The Longest Chapter 