Recent Reviews

“The Yellow Birds”

Kevin Powers returned from fighting in Iraq to write a war novel filled with grit and grace.

”The Paternity Test”

Michael Lowenthal’s novel about a gay couple deciding to adopt a baby goes beyond a safe and sweet story.

New in publishing

In “Closer to the Ground,” the Tomines get most of their food themselves, but also shop at Costco.

“Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures”

Emma Straub’s novel shows the tarnish on the gilded era of 1940s Hollywood

“Fortune’s Deadly Descent”

Audrey Braun’s thriller follows its protagonist through France on a twisting, desperate search.

When all hope is gone, sad songs say so much

Adam Brent Houghtaling writes in “This Will End in Tears” that our culture undervalues doom and gloom in music.

“Breed”

A well-heeled Manhattan couple conceives a child in fraught circumstances. Result: horror.

“A Hundred Flowers”

Gail Tsukiyama’s novel details one family’s struggle in Maoist China.

“The Time Ship”

Enrique Gaspar’s novel of time travel is a science-fiction classic.

“San Miguel” by T.C. Boyle

T.C. Boyle returns to San Miguel, the Channel Island off California.

“Those We Love Most”

Lee Woodruff’s first novel explores theme of family tragedy

Three books for cat people

These books celebrate felines without regarding them as purring stuffed toys.

“Winter of the World”

Book two of Ken Follett’s “The Century Trilogy” goes from the Great Depression to the Cold War.

”Trust Your Eyes”

A young man’s obsession with maps and global security takes him and his brother on an unusual journey.

The girl who wanted to have fun

“Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir” documents the singer’s successes and rebellious nature.

“The Life of Objects”

Susanna Moore’s latest book is an exquisite tale of love, war and priceless possessions.

In‘Hologram for the King,’ American dream is deferred

In Dave Egger’s novel, the American dream is deferred.

Sunday reviews

Washington Post Bestsellers Sept. 16

The books Washington has been reading.

Ron Charles

Ron Charles

“The Yellow Birds”

Kevin Powers returned from fighting in Iraq to write a war novel filled with grit and grace.

Ron Charles

Ron Charles

“San Miguel” by T.C. Boyle

T.C. Boyle returns to San Miguel, the Channel Island off California.

Ron Charles

Ron Charles

Everything you wanted to know about the National Book Festival (but were afraid to ask)

A guide to the Library of Congress’s annual event.

Michael Dirda

Michael Dirda

“The Time Ship”

Enrique Gaspar’s novel of time travel is a science-fiction classic.

Michael Dirda

Michael Dirda

Book review: ‘Be Good’ by Randy Cohen

Selections from the New York Times’ columns by “The Ethicist” help readers deal with the dilemmas of “everyday ethics.”

Michael Dirda

Michael Dirda

“George Orwell Diaries”

Even the heartiest George Orwell fan is likely to find these diaries, edited by Peter Davison, a letdown.

Nora Krug

New in publishing

In “Closer to the Ground,” the Tomines get most of their food themselves, but also shop at Costco.

Salman Rushdie’s life

Salman Rushdie recalls his life and 11 years in hiding after the leader or Iran issued a fatwa against him.

History and Biography

Walter Isaacson and Robert Caro are among the featured authors.

Literary Calendar

Going Out Guide: Upcoming events

Going Out Guide: Upcoming events

Get the latest on readings, signings and author appearances in the D.C. area.