Xochitl Gonzalez stopped by TODAY on Sept. 3 to share the books she’s excited about in September, including a thriller-meets-family saga set in the Dominican Republic and two modern classic mysteries.
Gonzalez is the author of novels “Olga Dies Dreaming” and “Anita de Monte Laughs Last,” and her next novel, “Last Night in Brooklyn,” is a modern retelling of “The Great Gatsby.”
Read on for her book picks for September 2025.
‘What We Can Know’ by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan’s “What We Can Know” is set in two time periods: in 2014 and 2119, the latter in which is ravaged by climate change. The book is focused on scholar Tom Metcalfe, who exists in the year 2119 and looks for a poem from 2014 that may be significant not only to him, but to all of humanity.
‘Dominion’ by Addie E. Citchens
Addie E. Citchens’ literary debut dives into the inner workings of a small Mississippi town where nothing is as righteous as it seems. “Dominion” uncovers the life of Reverend Sabre Winfrey, shepherd of the Seven Seals Missionary Baptist Church and a fixture of the town. He and his wife, Priscilla, share five young boys — including Emanuel, who goes by Wonderboy, their pride and joy. But when Wonderboy has an unusual encounter with a stranger, it threatens to topple the very structure that keep the Winfreys on top.
‘The Grand Paloma Resort’ by Cleyvis Natera
Cleyvis Natera’s “The Grand Paloma Resort” explores class, scandal and family. Meet Laura, a manager of the Grand Paloma Resort in the Dominican Republic. Her sister, Elena, is a babysitter at the same hotel, but she hasn’t been the same since their mother’s death, turning to pills and partying as an escape. After a child is found dead under Elena’s care, she finds herself in a seemingly impossible situation. She ends up accepting a risky trade from the child’s father in exchange for private time with two local girls. The deal seems promising — until the girls are reported missing. This tale reveals the cost of luxury and the power of love.
‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and ‘The Impossible Fortune’ by Richard Osman
This first book of this best-selling series introduces the Thursday Murder Club, a group of amateur detectives in a sleepy retirement home. When a local developer turns up dead, the club finds themselves with their first real case — but are they up to the challenge? Then, there’s the last book in the series, “The Impossible Fortune,” which comes out later this month. The gang reunites to search for a missing wedding guest named Nick, who has a suspicious business partner.
Watch the movie version of “The Thursday Murder Club” now on Netflix.
‘Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, Jesus Is Alive!’ by Melissa Lozada-Oliva
Melissa Lozada-Oliva is known for her haunting and humorous short stories. This collection, “Beyond All Reasonable Doubt, Jesus Is Alive!,” is filled with tales of girls and women, angels and demons alike.