NYT Books

Reading recommendations from critics and editors at The New York Times.

Jem Calder’s novel, “I Want You to Be Happy,” follows the flailing situationship between two aspiring writers with a 12-year age gap.

In “Journey to Nowhere,” Shiva Naipaul reports on the aftermath of a cult’s disastrous turn away from idealism.

In “Catch the Devil,” Pamela Colloff vividly tells the true story of the con man who traded on other prisoners’ “confessions” for clemency.

A new book by the journalist Lauren Collins chronicles the ongoing effects of the violent takeover of Wilmington, N.C., on those living in its aftermath.

In “Air,” by the Swiss writer Christian Kracht, a decorator’s unusual commission leads abruptly into another universe.

“Cloudthief,” by Nathaniel Rich, follows a dispirited writer into a scheme to get rich and find romance along the way.

Julie Buntin’s novel “Famous Men” complicates an old story with questions of ambition and consent.

A new book by Michael Blanding chronicles the history of Hobby Lobby and its billionaire founder’s campaign to promote conservative Christian values.

In “Every Inch a Lady,” Audrey Smaltz shares her incredible story — if not her inimitable voice.