20 Best Books To Read in August

by Jessica Francis Kane

A finely turned novel that evokes its subject’s gift for slyly biting domestic tales. Full review >

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by Elaine Castillo

A brilliant novel with much to say about work, family, excess, identity, and love. Full review >

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by Addie E. Citchens

A stunning debut. Full review >

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by R.F. Kuang

A learned, literary manifesto on academia—and its darkness. Full review >

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by Katherine Faulkner

A psychological thriller rife with pretzel-like twists, gaslighting galore, and revenge-fueled machinations. Full review >

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by David Levithan with Jens Lekman

Much like a good love song, this story demands to be felt. Full review >

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by Jason Mott

A meta-novel that stings and touches the reader. Full review >

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by Louis Sachar

A sensitive and sincere tale told with Sachar’s inimitable wit. Full review >

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by Domenico Starnone ; translated by Oonagh Stransky

A deceptively simple work and an exquisite addition to Starnone’s oeuvre. Full review >

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by Sam Wachman

With its luminous depiction of all that has been lost and what remains at risk, there is no better book to read right now. Full review >

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by Peter Ames Carlin

An admirably comprehensive study of a masterpiece and its creation. Full review >

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by Scott Anderson

An eye-opening history of how Iran became a point on the “axis of evil” and is considered such a dangerous enemy today. Full review >

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by Jamaica Kincaid

A spirited miscellany. Full review >

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by Alexis Okeowo

Okeowo delivers a portrait of a past-haunted place that is at once empathetic, sad, and troubling. Full review >

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by Michael Thomas

A powerful memoir of childhood trauma, literary success, and mental illness. Full review >

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