Book Review

Open Throat by Henry Hoke

Something to chew on… Open Throat by Henry Hoke. MCD. pp. 176. $25 From Animal Farm and Watership Down to the Warriors and Red Wall series, “animal literature” is its own class of interesting and just plain bizarre. And we aren’t talking cheerful, little Peter Rabbit here either. Whether it’s murder […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Weeds by Katy Simpson Smith

Two botanists discover themselves in the world of weeds. The Weeds by Katy Simpson Smith. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. pp. 320. $27. Can you identify a dandelion? Probably. But do you know the name’s origins? Dents de lion, French for: teeth of lion. Katy Simpson Smith’s new novel holds these little […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Old Place

Small towns have secrets, obviously, but sometimes’s it good to air them out. The Old Place by Bobby Finger. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. pp.336. $27. In many small-town communities, residents know very little about personal space. Billington, Texas (the setting of New York-based journalist and podcaster, Bobby Finger’s novel, The Old […]

by Lauren Carpenter

Knot by Forrest Gander

The Pulitzer Prize-winning poet returns with photography-paired poems. Knot by Forrest Gander. Copper Canyon Press. pp.72. $25. Both photography and poetry need the “viewer/reader” to function properly. Poet Forrest Gander, who grew up in Annandale, and photographer Jack Shear’s first collaboration, Knot, works doubly hard to provide and elicit meaning […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Singularities

The Irish prose master returns with a novel filled with his past work. The Singularities by John Banville. Knopf, pp.320. $30. If there is a lonely man and an old house, you’re probably reading a John Banville novel. And one does not read Banville for plot—his unreliable narrators’ reliability make […]

by Konstantin Rega

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver’s latest novel follows an Appalachian orphan with a nod to Dickens. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Harper. pp.560. $32.50. A number of years ago, I met Barbara Kingsolver at Harvest Table (the restaurant founded by the author and her husband, Steven Hopp) in Meadowview. As my husband […]

by Staff

Founding Trip Advisor

Armed with Jefferson’s travel tips, writer Derek Baxter hits the road in his new book. (Engraving by Jane Braddick Peticolas, 1825) In Pursuit of Jefferson by Derek Baxter. Sourcebooks. pp.416. $27.99. When two of Jefferson’s compatriots asked his advice on traveling through Europe, he responded by pouring the insights […]

by Staff

3 Micro Reviews

We’ve picked three books that are sure to spark an interest for every type of reader. A BRAVE AND CUNNING PRINCE by James Horn (Basic Books) As a youth, Chief Opechancanough of the Powhatan tribe was taken to Spain—where he was a favorite of King Phillip II—and then to Mexico by Spaniards exploring […]

by Konstantin Rega

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Brook’s sixth novel dives into the life of the great racehorse Lexington and his trainer Jarret. (Painting by Edward Troye) Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Viking. pp.416. $28 “To be alive is to be in perpetual conflict,” is Sartre being a classic cynic but also a truth-teller. Conflict is everything […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Crocodile Bride

Pedersen’s debut examines the myth and reality of female roles in the South. The Crocodile Bride by Ashleigh Bell Pedersen. Hub City Press. pp.296. $26. Deep in the Black Bayou, a ravenous crocodile feasts on everything from human bones to the surrounding physical landscape, and even the odd diamond ring […]

by Lauren Carpenter

My Name is Yip

English writer Paddy Crewe explores the South with a character who doesn’t need to speak to be heard. My Name is Yip by Paddy Crewe. Harry N. Abrams. pp.368. $28. Paddy Crewe’s debut novel, My name is Yip, is very much like its namesake: not at all what it immediately appears to […]

by Matt Cantor

Tied Together

Tyler returns to what she does best, writing about families and making small events paramount. French Braid by Anne Tyler. Knopf. pp. 256. $27.00. Anne Tyler has been writing about families since the 1960s. In her 24th novel, French Braid, she continues that tradition following the Garrett’s from the […]

by Konstantin Rega

Journey with Ernie

A dog lover shares the lessons of an overseas adoption. Leigh Ann Burdett When she adopts a golden retriever from Turkey, Yorktown high school teacher Heidi Speece finds her life turned upside down. Why Turkey? Unlike in the U.S., where dogs are like family, it’s not uncommon there for owners to abandon […]

by Konstantin Rega

The Violin Conspiracy

Does the instrument make the musician? The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Anchor Books. pp.352. $28 Brendan Slocumb’s debut novel, The Violin Conspiracy, tells the story of Ray McMillian, a young black violinist who discovers a lost family secret that beggars belief—a genuine Stradivarius violin in his grandmother’s attic, worth […]

by Matt Cantor

A Place of One’s Own

Morgan Thomas explores identity across several Southern landscapes—including Virginia. Manywhere By Morgan Thomas. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. pp. 224. $26.00 In Morgan Thomas’s debut short story collection, Manywhere, the titular story opens with the line: “My father walks circles around my kitchen.” We learn of a man on a journey. Yes, it’s literally […]

by Lauren Carpenter

Boats, an Island, and Murder

Our exclusive interview with bestselling author Rachel Hawkins about her latest thriller, Reckless Girls. Rachel Hawkins was born in Newport News, Virginia, but lives in Alabama. She is the author of the bestselling thriller, The Upstairs Wife, which is followed up by her latest adult thriller, Reckless Girls (St. Martin’s Press), now out […]

by Konstantin Rega

Nature: A Restoration

Diana Woodcock’s poetry collection discusses our world, how it’s eroding, and hope for the future. Facing Aridity by Diana Woodcock. Wayfarer Books. pp. 168. $18.00 The poems in Facing Aridity were inspired by research expeditions and residencies in Alaska, the Arctic Circle, the Everglades, and southern Africa; and by fifteen years spent living […]

by Staff

Legends that Linger

Virginia’s history includes stories of sasquatch sightings and pirate gold. Virginia Legends & Lore by Charles A. Mills. History Press. pp.173. $21.99 Virginia Legends George Washington’s secret son, the origins of Chincoteague’s wild ponies, the hiding place of the mysterious Beale Treasure? Virginia is full of strange […]

by Konstantin Rega

A Mixed Bag of Stories

This Southern short story collection is a mixed bag filled with good reading treats. Getaway by Glen Pourciau. Four Way Books. pp. 176. $19.95 Getaway by Glen Pourciau, like so many bags, is mixed. However, this quirky short-story collection is filled with mostly the good stuff. Pourciau is strongly […]

by Matt Cantor

Pages: 123

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The U.S. DOE Labeled These Virginia Schools Outstanding

Eight Virginia schools received the National Blue Ribbon 2024 award for their high performances. The Exemplary High Performing Schools are Spring Hill Elementary in McLean, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary in Hampton, and St. Andrew the Apostle School in Clifton. The Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are Central Academy Middle […]

by Gabriela de Camargo Gonçalves

UVA Claims Top Spots Among Public Universities

The University of Virginia has climbed to No. 4 among public universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Colleges rankings, advancing one position from last year. The university maintained its No. 24 overall ranking, tying with Emory and Georgetown universities. UVA’s commitment to accessibility and student success stands out in several key metrics. […]

by Madeline Mayhood

Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking views, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife—the perfect prescription for nature lovers. Some spots to add to your itinerary include: This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.

by Stacy Watkins

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Can’t-Miss Spots in Shenandoah National Park

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