The It Books of November 2025

The Quick and the Dead by Pavel Tsatsouline offers a unique approach to training, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness. The book outlines protocols like the 5/4 and 10/2 methods, which are designed to enhance endurance without excessive physiological stress. It is praised for its innovative integration of Russian training science, providing a comprehensive guide for athletes and fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced minimalist training techniques.

The Blind Assassin is a historical fiction novel by Margaret Atwood, set primarily in the 1930s and 1940s. It follows the lives of sisters Iris and Laura Chase, weaving together multiple narratives that blur the lines between reality and fiction. The novel includes a novel within a novel, also titled 'The Blind Assassin', which is initially attributed to Laura but later revealed to be written by Iris based on her own experiences.

In this novel, Margaret Atwood delves into a future where genetic engineering and pharmaceutical manipulation have catastrophic consequences. The story follows Jimmy, also known as Snowman, who survives a global pandemic that wipes out most of humanity. The narrative alternates between Jimmy's current survival in a harsh environment and his past, where he grew up in a corporate-controlled world. The novel introduces the Crakers, genetically engineered beings designed to replace humanity, and explores themes of genetic modification, corporate power, and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Atwood raises profound questions about the ethics of scientific intervention and the future of humanity.

The Long Emergency delves into the effects of a peak in oil extraction on American society and the world. Kunstler argues that the economic upheavals caused by peak oil will force societies to become more localized and self-sufficient. He predicts significant problems in transportation, electrical power generation, and food production due to oil scarcity. The book also discusses the inadequacy of alternative energy sources and the potential for mass starvation, disease, and civil unrest as communities struggle to adapt to these new challenges.

The novel is set in a near-future New England in the Republic of Gilead, a patriarchal, totalitarian state that has overthrown the United States government. Offred, the narrator, is one of the 'Handmaids', women who are forcibly assigned to produce children for the ruling class, known as 'Commanders'. The story explores themes of powerless women, loss of female agency and individuality, and the suppression of women's reproductive rights. Offred's life is marked by her restrictive routine, her memories of her past life, and her interactions with the Commander, his wife Serena Joy, and other Handmaids, including her friend Ofglen who is part of an underground resistance movement. The novel is a scathing satire, an ominous warning, and a tour de force of narrative suspense.

Alice Oswald's "Memorial" is a powerful reimagining of Homer's Iliad, shifting the focus from epic heroes to the ordinary soldiers who perished in the Trojan War. Oswald's innovative approach uses fragmented narratives and poetic language to evoke the experiences of these nameless individuals. The book explores themes of mortality, loss, and the human cost of war, offering a fresh perspective on a classic text. Through its unique structure and evocative imagery, "Memorial" creates a haunting and unforgettable reading experience. The work challenges traditional notions of heroism and invites readers to contemplate the enduring impact of conflict.

In 'Victory City', Salman Rushdie narrates the journey of Pampa Kampana, a nine-year-old girl orphaned by war in 14th-century Southern India. After hearing the voice of a goddess, Pampa gains magical abilities and vows to prevent other women from suffering the fate of her mother. She creates the city of Bisnaga, which becomes a melting pot of diverse cultures and a symbol of progressive ideals. The story follows Pampa's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the complexities of ruling in a patriarchal society, critiques societal gender norms, and grapples with the fleeting nature of power. The narrative is framed as Pampa’s narrative poem, the 'Jayaparajaya', discovered centuries later, emphasizing that while individual power may fade, our stories endure.

Oyinkan Braithwaite's "My Sister the Serial Killer" is a darkly comedic novel exploring the complex relationship between two sisters. One sister is a serial killer, and the other is tasked with covering up her crimes. The novel is characterized by its witty prose, sharp social commentary, and unexpected twists. It examines themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. The book's unique blend of humor and suspense has earned it critical acclaim and a devoted readership.

In 'Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder', Salman Rushdie provides a gripping and detailed account of the traumatic events following the knife attack on him in August 2022. The book is a meditation on his survival, the metaphysical implications of his experience, and the purpose of writing. Rushdie describes the horrific wounds he suffered, including the loss of his right eye, and reflects on the miraculous nature of his survival. The memoir is characterized by its lack of self-pity, despite the immense pain and struggle Rushdie faced during his recovery. It also touches on themes of art, pain, love, and the ongoing battle for free speech.