NYT Books

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

Sure, “Catcher in the Rye” has its detractors. But the influence of its wised-up yet winningly innocent hero keeps it among the Great American Novels.

The best-selling author Kerri Maher recommends books that transport readers to the decade of space travel, counterculture and tumultuous societal change.

The best-selling author Rachel Lynn Solomon recommends forbidden love stories full of fiery desire, shifting power dynamics and so-wrong-it’s-right drama.

“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.

Her best-known work, “Women Without Men,” was longlisted for the International Booker Prize this year.

Her first collection of short fiction, “It Will Come Back to You,” is threaded with erudition but never pretentious.