Late Summer is arguably the best time to pick up a book and get completely lost. While responsibilities might be drawing closer, ward them off with a deep dive into someone else’s creative vision.

FICTION

Dolly Alderton’s “Ghosts” surprised me in a couple of ways: the story is immeasurably cool, yet still quite heartfelt. In addition, the writing is fantastic.

Weike Wang’s “Joan is Okay” is the second book I’ve read by the author. Her deadpan, humorous style strikes an original chord, with a sneaky, subversive streak shot through.

Lan Samantha Chang’s “The Family Chao” is both funny and heartfelt. The titular family, struggles with identity, power and separation in this original novel.

Annie Hartnett’s “Unlikely Animals” charms from the first page. One of those books that passes from reader to reader, Hartnett’s tale bursts with quirky characters and a terrific setting and premise.

“One Day I Shall Astonish the World,” by Nina Stibbe, showcases the writer’s dry wit and blazing intelligence. The story of two unlikely friends veers dramatically from the sugar-coated friendships that permeate the genre.

Fans of “Election” rejoice! Tom Perrotta brings back our beloved Tracy Flick in his new novel, “Tracy Flick Can’t Win.” Let’s hope Reese Witherspoon takes note.

A book to savor, “Fellowship Point,” by Alice Elliott Dark is a family saga for the ages. This epic story encompasses all of life’s big challenges, from love to friendship to time itself.

The “Midcoast,” by Adam White is set in Maine. Why are so many terrific reads set in Maine? It must be the mix of tourism, small towns and epic scenery - a potent cocktail.

Marcy Dermansky writes the books I immediately reach for and read in a day. “Hurricane Girl” is no exception.

The title, “The Wise Women,” by Gina Sorell, is both ironic and not ironic. Like Jane Austen’s infamous Emma, Sorell’s protagonists know both more and less than they think they do. Maybe like all of us?

THRILLERS

Jean Hanff Korelitz’s “The Plot” and “The Latecomer” both beg to be read as quickly as possible in a luxurious chunk of free time. Get lost.

“The Body on the Bed,” by Leonard Krishtalka is an interesting twist on the murder plot. Set in the midwest in the 1800s, this story of a woman questioning the status quo, feels timeless.

“Something to Hide,” by Elizabeth George, is not for the weak-willed reader. Enormous and engrossing, you will find yourself cancelling engagements just to be able to finish it.

“Looking for the Good War: American Amnesia and the Violent Pursuit of Happiness,” by Elizabeth D. Samet, couldn’t come at a better time. Just the book to wake you up.

Rachel Hawkins’ “Reckless Girls” tackles the wandering bug and the hubris of travelers imagining the world as an oyster waiting to be gobbled up. Instead, the ideal vacation in this novel, becomes something else entirely.

POEMS

“Yellow Rain: Poems,” by Mai Der Vang has been a finalist for just about every giant poetry prize. The main subject, delving into biological weapons used during the Vietnam War, couldn’t be more chilling.

ESSAYS

If you were a reader in the ‘90s, you likely read some of Chuck Klosterman’s glorious essays on pop culture. Everything comes full circle with the author’s new essay collection on the decade, “The Nineties.”

MEMOIR

“Hello, Molly!,” by Molly Shannon, is, of course, funny. What might come as an astonishment to those who don’t know much about the comedian, is how dramatic her life has been. Shannon jumps right into the sticky stuff and pulls out pure honey.

What a story! Chrysta Bilton’s “Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings” is actually even crazier than it sounds. Bilton’s life is ripe for a Netflix docuseries. It’s that juicy.

GIFTS

Phaidon’s “The Gluten-Free Cookbook,” by Cristian Broglia is a terrific present for just about anyone who likes to cook. If the person happens to be gluten-free, even better. It turns out you
don’t have to sacrifice anything in terms of flavor, texture and indulgence.