Bailey writes an essential companion to Philip Roth's semi-autobiographical novels. Langdon Hammer & Stephen Yenser compile the varied letters of poet James Merrill.

Trent Preszler uncovers family heirlooms in Little and Often. Paris Without Her by Gregory Curtis explores the depths of grief. Lorenzo Carcaterra's Three Dreamers is a reflective story of family.

The Eisner awards are announced. Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden wins Best Graphic Album – New, while Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki, Rosemary Valero and the Invisible Kingdom series by G. Willow Wilson, Christian Ward win the most categories. Deadlock by Catherine Coulter leads holds this week. People’s “Book of the Week” is Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell. The nominees for the 2020 Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards are announced. Comic-Con@Home gets wide coverage. O: The Oprah Magazine will cease regular print publication as of December 2020. George Clooney is in negotiations to direct the Amazon Studios's adaptation of J.R. Moehringer’s The Tender Bar. A stage musical adaptation of Hidden Figures is on the board at Disney.

These 39 titles include events that mirror our own times, and perhaps provide some warnings.