The Reserveby Russell Banks - A perfect, genre-bending. end-of-summer novel, the setting is the 1930s Adirondacks mixed with flashpoints from an increasingly embattled Europe. A nutty heiress, a Hemingwayesque hero and sweeping scenery, The Reservehas a few noirish twists and is almost pulpy in its weirdness.  Plus, the Hindenberg! Hardcover

The Book Thiefby Markus Zusak - It may be narrated by Death, a weary, sardonic voice but he actually takes an interest in the lives of humans, especially orphaned Liesel Meminger. She lives with her foster parents in Molching, Germany through much of World War II where the author's use of magic realism is exactly on point. A stunning classic for adults, young adults and everyone in between. Paperback

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan - A minor work from the master, newly out in paperback.  It's 1962 and virgins Florence and Edward are on their ill-fated honeymoon in Dorset. A concise and almost harrowing tone poem about relationships and bitterness in a very specific time: before the Beatles and the world we presently know. Paperback