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.
The Longest Chapter
A book critic's discoveries and recommendations
Latest posts
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.
Bestselling authors publishing in June
Get ready for new books by Maggie O'Farrell, Ann Patchett, and Dave Eggers. Plus, nonfiction about the JFK assassination.
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.
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.