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: Literature
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.
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.
Making William Faulkner’s Books 1929-1937
I have this curiosity about William Faulkner's life and work. It's messy, nothing scholarly, consisting of a bookcase filled with his novels, biographies, and miscellany (a 1962 Esquire magazine). And now this, an interview that peeks into the early days of publishing his books.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
The Longest Chapter 