A new novella from the peerless A. G. Mojtabai tackles an underrepresented group: those who are growing old. Review by John Wilson

A.G. Mojtabai masterfully uses the visible and tangible to tell a story that makes the reality of the invisible and intangible impossible to miss. Review by Mark Clemens

Poet Kaveh Akbar’s first novel is a touching, funny, and profound exploration of getting what we need but don’t deserve. Review by Sarah Clark

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

Though it draws admiringly on figures of the past, Lilly’s new collection doesn’t lose 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