Book List

16 Best Books To Read in September

  • FICTION

    HOMELAND ELEGIES

    SEPT. 15, 2020

FICTION

HOMELAND ELEGIES

by Ayad Akhtar

A profound and provocative inquiry into an artist’s complex American identity. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM

    SEPT. 1, 2020

FICTION

TRANSCENDENT KINGDOM

by Yaa Gyasi

In a quietly poignant story, a lonely woman finds a way to be less alone. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    WHAT ARE YOU GOING THROUGH

    SEPT. 8, 2020

  • FICTION

    THE LYING LIFE OF ADULTS

    SEPT. 1, 2020

FICTION

THE LYING LIFE OF ADULTS

by Elena Ferrante ; translated by Ann Goldstein

A girl, a city, an inhospitable society: Ferrante’s formula works again! Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    STAKES IS HIGH

    SEPT. 15, 2020

NONFICTION

STAKES IS HIGH

by Mychal Denzel Smith

An urgent and provocative work that deserves the broadest possible audience. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    JUST US

    SEPT. 8, 2020

NONFICTION

JUST US

by Claudia Rankine

A work that should move, challenge, and transform every reader who encounters it. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    BLOOD AND OIL

    SEPT. 1, 2020

NONFICTION

BLOOD AND OIL

by Bradley Hope & Justin Scheck

An excellent work of impressive research on a dangerous world leader. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    OUR BODIES, THEIR BATTLEFIELDS

    SEPT. 22, 2020

NONFICTION

OUR BODIES, THEIR BATTLEFIELDS

by Christina Lamb

A searing, absolutely necessary exposé of the uses of rape in recent wars and of global injustices to the survivors. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    BEARMOUTH

    SEPT. 8, 2020

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

BEARMOUTH

by Liz Hyder

This grim and immersive thriller delivers suspense in the dark. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE BARREN GROUNDS

    SEPT. 8, 2020

CHILDREN'S

THE BARREN GROUNDS

by David A. Robertson

This middle-grade fantasy deftly and compellingly centers Indigenous culture. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    I TALK LIKE A RIVER

    SEPT. 1, 2020

CHILDREN'S

I TALK LIKE A RIVER

by Jordan Scott ; illustrated by Sydney Smith

An astounding articulation of both what it feels like to be different and how to make peace with it. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    I AM EVERY GOOD THING

    SEPT. 1, 2020

CHILDREN'S

I AM EVERY GOOD THING

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Gordon C. James

The title says it all: Black boys are “every good thing.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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