NYT Books

Two new books trace an arc from the notorious Bernie Goetz case to the spread of vigilantism today.

“Call Me Ishmaelle,” by Xiaolu Guo, audaciously revises Herman Melville’s American classic.

“Eating Ashes,” by Brenda Navarro, dispenses with familiar portrayals of mourning in a tale of migration, loss and memory.

In “Two Women Living Together,” the authors reflect on the joys of platonic cohabitation.

In “The Flower Bearers,” Rachel Eliza Griffiths addresses her starry, tragedy-marred marriage but also a life steeped in art, poetry and deep friendships.

In Emanuela Anechoum’s novel, “Tangerinn,” an Italian Moroccan woman examines her family’s legacy of immigration, and tries to find a place in the world.

In her debut, Angela Tomaski puts a quirky spin on Gothic storytelling.

Julian Barnes writes about illness and love in “Departure(s),” which he claims is his last novel.

Gabriel Tallent’s new book, “Crux,” follows high school seniors trying to transcend the hard circumstances of their lives.

Jennette McCurdy follows “I’m Glad My Mom Died” with “Half His Age,” a debut novel that confirms her gift as a chronicler of disaffected girlhood.