Adam Johnson, Muriel Spark, bardic rivalry… and 25 more books out in paperback this September.

September brings a diverse array of new books in paperback editions. Adam Johnson's "The Wayfinder" is an epic novel that blends South Pacific myth, quest, politics, environmental issues and feminism with psychological realism. Gish Jen's "Bad Bad Girl" is a deeply personal exploration of the immigrant experience, delving into mother-daughter relationships.

Megha Majumdar's "A Guardian and a Thief" is a rich, atmospheric novel set in a deteriorating city, where markets sell seaweed and synthetic fish. Frances Wilson's biography of Muriel Spark, "Electric Spark: The Enigma of Dame Muriel", promises to be one of the most compelling biographies of the year. Stephen Greenblatt's "Dark Renaissance" offers a thrilling account of Christopher Marlowe, the shoemaker's son and Shakespeare's rival.

Adam Nicolson's "Bird School" is a lyrical exploration of birds observed in his Sussex home, highlighting the impact of human activity on avian populations. Walter Mosley's "Gray Dawn" prompts reflection on the enduring effects of segregation, lynchings and hatred. Karl Ove Knausgaard's "The School of Night" is a new chapter in an already groundbreaking series, capturing an intense, immersive reading experience.

Sarah Moss's "Ripeness" is a tender yet rueful tale about being a foreigner, moving between 1960s Italy and 2020s Ireland. Ian Leslie's "John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs" offers the best study yet of the enduring friendship between two Liverpool boys who changed the world with their music. Hu Anyan's "I Deliver Parcels in Beijing" provides a rare and urgent perspective on working-class life in China and the gig economy.