In our afternoon reading: new writing by Maris Kreizman, the Kirkus Prize finalists, and more.
Recommended Books: August 2025
At the best of times, August is a weird month. (Ask our managing editor to tell you about his childhood experience of insomnia, which could also be described as an allergy to the month in question.) When looking at books due out this month, you’ll see an unexpected assemblage of titles: surreal fiction juxtaposed with incisive sociopolitical commentary; harrowing memoir abuting existential horror. Read on for ten books we’re looking forward to this month.
Afternoon Bites: Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Latest, Talking Heads on Film, Protests at Readings, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Gretchen Felker-Martin’s new novel, an interview with Si Spurrier, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Nicola Griffith’s Playlist, Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Latest, Vanessa Saunders on Writing, and More
In our afternoon reading: a playlist from Nicola Griffith, an interview with Vanessa Saunders, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Neneh Cherry’s Memoir, Remembering Robert Coover and Lore Segal, Nobel Odds, and More
In our afternoon reading: an excerpt from Neneh Cherry’s memoir, remembrances of influential writers, and more.
Recommended Books: June 2024
Hello, friends. It’s June now. We’re baffled by it, too. Perhaps the only up side to the sixth month of the year beginning is the fact that a new month brings new books, and this month has a lot to offer. As always, some writers we’ve long admired have new books out, whether fiction or nonfiction. Read on for some reading recommendations for the month we’re in.
Afternoon Bites: Inside “Traces of Enayat,” Chris La Tray on Poetry, Gretcher Felker-Martin’s Latest, and More
In our afternoon reading: inside the writing of “Traces of Enayat,” an interview with Will Hermes, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Anna Biller Interviewed, Inside Cave Canem, Kathleen Alcott Nonfiction, and More
In our afternoon reading: an interview with Anna Biller, Gretchen Felker-Martin and Carmen Maria Machado in conversation, and more.