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Our Week in Reviews: 8/22/26

A recap of the books we’ve spotlighted in the past few days.

    Wayward Girls

    Book Review

    Wayward Girls

    By Susan Wiggs

    The classic “mean Irish nuns” story gets an Upstate New York reboot.

    Contested Continent: The Struggle for North America, c. 1000-1680

    Book Review

    Contested Continent: The Struggle for North America, c. 1000-1680

    By Peter C. Mancall

    No land is ever conquered quietly.

    Poetry Review

    On Poetry: August 2026

    New collections to make life more lyrical.

    Book Review

    Crocodilopolis: A Novel

    By John Manuel Arias

    Crocodilopolis: A Novel

    A searing portrayal of generational strife set against a lush Costa Rican backdrop.

    Book Review

    Catch the Devil: A True Story of Murder, Deception, and Injustice on the Gulf Coast

    A superb, sobering look at a courtroom con artist.

    Podcast

    Authors on Audio: Ruth Franklin

    An occasional series in which writers speak for themselves.

    Author Q&A

    Another Conversation with Michelle Brafman

    The novelist talks addiction, comas, and a narrative-steering Bible story.

    Book Review

    Hunger & Thirst: A Novel

    By Claire Fuller

    Hunger & Thirst: A Novel

    A haunted house sparks horrifying appetites in this thoughtful, visceral tale.

    Children’s Books

    Children’s Book Roundup: August 2026

    Big new titles perfect for the littles.

    Book Review

    Changing Gender

    By Susan Stryker

    Changing Gender

    This triumphant exploration of a complex topic deserves to become an instant classic.