Solar by Ian McEwan Solar
By Ian McEwan
304 pages; Nan A. Talese/Doubleday

The master of Atonement is back with a story about a womanizing scientist who tries to mend his life by fixing the world.

Imperfect Birds by Anne Lamott Imperfect Birds
By Anne Lamott
288 pages; Riverhead

In her fictional mode, the spiritual bard of Marin County, California, explores what happens to the girl she introduced in Rosie (1983).
Get the reader's guide

Further Adventures in the Restless Universe by Dawn Raffel Further Adventures in the Restless Universe
By Dawn Raffel
120 pages; Dzanc

Sharp, spare stories about women at, or approaching, the ends of their ropes.
Get the reader's guide

American Taliban by Pearl Abraham American Taliban
By Pearl Abraham
272 pages; Random House

Ripped from the headlines: a novel about an American surfer dude who enters a chat room and emerges an Islamic zealot.

Burned by Louise Nayer Burned
By Louise Nayer
270 pages; Atlas

Nayer looks back at the fire that didn't quite kill her parents but did destroy their lives.
Get the reader's guide

5 more at-a-glance reviews

Photos: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

NEXT STORY

Next Story