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'A Thousand Small Sanities' Is A Lesson In Understanding Liberalism

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'A Thousand Small Sanities' Is A Lesson In Understanding Liberalism

May 15, 2019 • By showing the impact it's had in the past, Adam Gopnik presents liberalism not only as a moral adventure but also as a necessity in an age of resurging autocracy and rampant bigotry.

'Nothing's Bad Luck' Zeroes In On The Life And Lasting Work Of Warren Zevon

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'Nothing's Bad Luck' Zeroes In On The Life And Lasting Work Of Warren Zevon

May 14, 2019 • C.M. Kushins has delivered a nuanced, in-depth, loving look at the complicated singer/songwriter, one that helps cement him as one of the most complex and captivating music figures of our times.

'Becoming Dr. Seuss' Reveals Theodor Geisel As A Complicated Icon

Theodor Geisel — Dr. Seuss --holds a toy of the Cat in the Hat, one of his most famous character creations. Bettmann Archive hide caption

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'Becoming Dr. Seuss' Reveals Theodor Geisel As A Complicated Icon

May 7, 2019 • Using personal papers, telegrams, biographies, unpublished interviews and letters, author Brian Jay Jones gives readers a comprehensive view of the complex, multifaceted creator who became a giant.

For 'Juliet The Maniac,' Healing Had To Come From Within

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For 'Juliet The Maniac,' Healing Had To Come From Within

May 1, 2019 • Juliet Escoria's autobiographical novel is a heartfelt, raw story about surviving mental illness and learning to cope with inner demons. It's not a comfortable read — but it is a powerful one.

'What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker' Is A Powerful Look At One Black Man's Life

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'What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker' Is A Powerful Look At One Black Man's Life

March 26, 2019 • Writer, critic and humorist Damon Young chronicles his efforts to endure the battles that come with being black; the beauty of his book is that he never tries to make it comfortable for his audience.

'The Lost Gutenberg' Traces One Bible's 500-Year Journey

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'The Lost Gutenberg' Traces One Bible's 500-Year Journey

March 20, 2019 • The depth of Margaret Leslie Davis' research on the tome's history cannot be understated — her writing is straightforward and, at times, heartbreaking, but outstanding reporting lies at the core.

'An American Summer' Presents The Human Side Of Gun Violence In Chicago

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'An American Summer' Presents The Human Side Of Gun Violence In Chicago

March 8, 2019 • Alex Kotlowitz's new book amplifies the words of those who have witnessed tragedy and makes their experiences available to readers — a chronicle that is painful but also necessary.

In 'Solitary,' Determination And Humanity Win Over Injustice

Albert Woodfox, who was in solitary confinement at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for more than 40 years, is seen here at a press conference on Nov. 15, 2016 in Paris. Alain Jocard/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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In 'Solitary,' Determination And Humanity Win Over Injustice

March 5, 2019 • Albert Woodfox's timely account of his wrongful conviction and time in solitary confinement shows that some spirits are unbreakable; it should be required reading in an age of Black Lives Matter.

'A Friend Is A Gift' For Crime Novel Fans

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'A Friend Is A Gift' For Crime Novel Fans

March 5, 2019 • William Boyle's new novel follows mob widow Rena, her granddaughter and an ex-porn-star neighbor, on the run from a crazed mafia enforcer in — what else? — a 1962 Chevy Impala.

Questioning Authenticity — And Reality — In 'The Made-Up Man'

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Questioning Authenticity — And Reality — In 'The Made-Up Man'

February 10, 2019 • Joseph Scapellato's new novel mashes up noir and philosophy in a multi-layered story about an aimless young man who gets caught up in his uncle's strange and possibly dangerous performance art.

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Nothing Is Taboo In 'Twenty-Ninth Year'

January 31, 2019 • Hala Alyan reflects on three decades of life in an intimate, unsparing new poetry collection that offers a unique look at life as a Palestinian in exile, a woman, and a young person looking for love.

'Horse Latitudes' Is A Gripping Mix Of Genres

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'Horse Latitudes' Is A Gripping Mix Of Genres

January 24, 2019 • Part thriller, part noir, and part tropical gothic, Morris Collins' debut novel follows a New York photographer on a dangerous and increasingly surreal journey through Central America.

'Amsterdam Noir' Finds Its Darkness Inside Us

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'Amsterdam Noir' Finds Its Darkness Inside Us

January 6, 2019 • Akashic Books' Noir series continues with a visit to Amsterdam — and finding the shadowy side of a peaceful city where crime is low proves a challenge for editors René Appel and Josh Pachter.

You Can 'Destroy All Monsters,' But You Can't Kill Rock And Roll

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You Can 'Destroy All Monsters,' But You Can't Kill Rock And Roll

October 20, 2018 • Author and musician Jeff Jackson's new novel paints a nightmarish world where the debate over authenticity and selling out has lead to an epidemic of musicians being killed on stage, mid-performance.

Difference Beats At The Heart Of 'White Dancing Elephants'

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Difference Beats At The Heart Of 'White Dancing Elephants'

October 13, 2018 • Chaya Bhuvaneswar's new collection can be a hard read at times — she doesn't shy away from the difficulties of the immigrant experience in America. But these stories also offer a core of hope.