Books of August–2026

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

As the age-old saying goes: A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of djinn. This story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, an agent at the Ministry of Alchemy, as she tries to solve her hardest case yet. There is a mysterious figure that is claiming to be al-Jahiz, the man who release djinn into the world, and this person seemingly has the ability to control djinn. Fatma, her girlfriend, and her new partner at the Ministry have to figure out if this is an imposter and stop them from amassing a djinn army. This was a fun story that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I figured out the main plot twist before it was revealed, but it just felt gratifying to know that I was picking up on the breadcrumbs that the author was leaving for the readers. If you want to read an interesting book that blends genres, features a diverse group, and has cool fight scenes, then this is the book for you! Please read this book because it is so good!

It Devours by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor

Are you the sun god? Because I cannot look you directly in the eye. Nilanjana Sikdar is a scientist in Night Vale, and she feels a bit different from everyone else. She didn’t grow up in Night Vale, and people have a lot to say about it (they mostly yell, “Interloper”). Anyway, she meets Darryl, a loyal worshiper of the Smiling God, and they start a friendship. Unfortunately, one thing leads to another and a horrible beast is swallowing up people in Night Vale. Blah. Blah. Blah. The real question here should be: Will Nilanjana and Darryl date? Will they fall in love despite her being a scientist and him being a devout worshiper? You will have to read the book to find out. Also, you will find out what is happening to the people that are disappearing from Night Vale because of the giant holes that are sucking in large parts of the city. But we are all actually here for the romance, right? This was a fun book, and I loved the tension in all the relationships. I thought that a character had died, and I cried. Please read this book, and cry with me!

The Book of More Delights by Ross Gay

Let’s get more delightful up in this piece!! (Air-horn sounds). Ross Gay is back with even more delights. Can you believe it? This book is a series of essayettes that express delight, joy, and gratitude in one year. This is the second book of delights by Ross Gay. These new essays include things like the joys of gardening, embarrassing dreams, and the beauty of hugs. Ross Gay always infuses these delightful books with wit, humor, philosophy, political awareness, and sincerity. Now, delight does not negate reality, and some of these essays do deal with grief, racism, bigotry, and the Covid-19 pandemic. Importantly, this book serves as reminder that everyday has delights if we have eyes to see them. I enjoy reading Ross Gay’s books of delights to bring some joy in an ever-bleak world. If you want a bright, delightful book about the small (or big) beauties of the world, then this is the right book for you. Also, please read this book if you are feeling sad or hopeless.