Stein introduces his readers to ten caretakers of dying traditions and celebrates their rituals with the affection of rich detail. Review by Elise Tegegne

Sally Thomas’s debut short story collection deals with the many faces of grief, yet places them all solidly where they belong: in the midst of life. Review by Drea Jenkins

Marie Howe is one of our greatest living poets on the subject of death—and consequently, on what it means to live, as we all do, in death’s shadow. Review by Whitney Rio-Ross

Chapman’s sophomore collection skillfully and delicately marries joy with despair, bitterness with optimism, and hope with disappointment. Review by Josiah Cox

sight of a future hopefully glimpsed in new life. Review by Matthew Pullar

Fairy tales are a wonderful place to find reminders of what the good things in life are really made of, as well as a respite from the holiday rush. Review by Megan Foster

A promising young writer’s debut memoir is stifled by self-sabotaged attempts at transformation. Review by David Priest

A short, unusually structured novel, Whole illustrates the path to spiritual growth in both its form and the story it tells. Review by Liv Ross

Haines-Eitzen brings the sounds of the desert to an uninitiated audience, showing what can be learned through deep listening. Review by Micah Clark

When we chase after greatness, who and what are we leaving by the wayside? Review by Heidi Klumpe