Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, When summer opens, I see how fast it matures, and fear it will be short; but after the heats of July and August, I am reconciled, like one who has had his swing, to the cool of autumn.

Readers may feel like their swing through summer books was all too brief, before autumns highly anticipated books begin arriving in September. No matter. There is still plenty of daylight and time left to explore a wealth of fiction and nonfiction titles published this month.

Books can provide a change in perspective, a different angle on a subject we think we know well. Whether the topic is poet Emily Dickinson or the patriarch of the Kennedy clan, the titles this month explore alternative viewpoints.

As August leans into September, the book satchel may not travel to the beach, but it doesnt need to hang in the closet. These novels, memoirs, and works of history are well worth carrying into fall.

1.Emilys Houseby Amy Belding Brown

Irish immigrant Margaret Maher works as the maid in the family home of poet Emily Dickinson, cleaning, cooking, and defending her mistress from prying eyes. Margarets Tipperary-tinged voice brings this captivating novel to life; its a perspective rife with honesty, humor, and clever observations. Upon discovering Emilys verses, Margaret breathes, Like sparks they were tiny scraps of light.

Books can provide a change in perspective, a different angle on a subject we think we know well. Whether the topic is poet Emily Dickinson or the patriarch of the Kennedy clan, the titles this month explore alternative viewpoints.

2.The Human Zooby Sabina Murray

A Filipino American writer named Ting flees to Manila, where her extended family lives in fading, upper-class ease. As she researches a native tribe for a book on human zoos, Ting witnesses the human and political damage inflicted by the countrys strongman leader. Sabina Murrays smart, idea-packed story grapples with corruption, identity, and loyalty, building to a searing climax.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

3.Agatha of Little Neonby Claire Luchette

When people saw our habits, they ceased to see our faces, muses Agatha, one of four young nuns tending to the residents of Little Neon, a lime green-colored halfway house in Rhode Island. The relationship between individuality and faith underpins Claire Luchettes spare, deeply sympathetic debut. Sharp dialogue and fresh observations bring the characters quirks and doubts to life.

4.The Madness of Crowdsby Louise Penny

Louise Pennys 17th mystery in her Chief Inspector Gamache series deals with hot-button issues, from free speech and academic freedom to euthanasia. Set in a post-pandemic world (Penny wrote the novel during the coronavirus lockdown), this riveting murder mystery explores moral quandaries with her trademark incisiveness.

5.The Husbandsby Chandler Baker

This feminist noir mystery is a gender-flipped Stepford Wives in which high-powered working women attain their dream careers while their men handle the domestic duties. With satirical wit and insightful compassion, author Chandler Baker gives voice to the frustrations borne of societys expectations of women. The books thriller undertones make for propulsive reading.

6.The Long-Lost Julesby Jane Elizabeth Hughes

When a suspiciously charming Oxford professor begins traipsing after a shy London banker, insisting she is the long lost heir of Henry VIIIs last queen (Katherine Parr), an enthralling contemporary romantic mystery heats up. Add in secret agendas, family drama, international money-laundering rings, and European locations, and this is a terrific romp for history buffs and adventure lovers.

7.All Inby Billie Jean King

The tennis champion writes about her life with self-awareness and humility, while not underplaying her role as a trailblazer for womens rights. She gently criticizes her younger self for feeling a need to hide her sexual identity to safeguard her career, and touches on the toll that secret exacted. Find the full review here.

8.Pastoral Songby James Rebanks

English sheep farmer and writer James Rebanks offers a sustainable method for raising animals, preserving habitat, caring for the environment, and nurturing small farmers all at the same time. Find the full review here.

9.The Ambassadorby Susan Ronald

Susan Ronald, who wrote a thought-provoking biography of Cond Nast, turns to a different name-brand plutocrat: Joseph Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy family, concentrating on his disastrous turn as ambassador to England. Ronald respects her readers by not trying to rehabilitate Kennedy; instead, she presents a three-dimensional portrait of a flawed but fascinating man.

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10.All the Frequent Troubles of Our Daysby Rebecca Donner

Rebecca Donners harrowing book tells the story of American-born Mildred Harnack, a bright, unassuming young woman who played a central role in organizing German resistance to the Nazis planning sabotage and helping Jewish people escape.

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Carry the summer into fall with the 10 best books of August - Christian Science Monitor