Books
Forgotten Muslim builders gave medieval Europe its iconic architectureHistorian Diana Darke argues in “Islamesque” that Europe’s monuments owe a vast debt to Muslim craftsmen and designers.
How four women physicists escaped the Nazis, but lost their life’s work“Sisters in Science” tells of the rise of female scientists in 1930s Germany – some of whom were Jewish – whose careers were ended by Adolf Hitler.
From indigo to the blues, the history of Black people is woven in a single colorImani Perry’s essay collection “Black in Blues” threads together the cultures and lore of the Black diaspora into an insightful commentary.
A travel writer finds inspiration in staying stillPico Iyer makes time for retreats at a Benedictine hermitage in California. In “Aflame: Learning From Silence,” he writes about finding clarity.
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War worries heavy? Internet out? In Ukraine, books are the balm.Russian President Vladimir Putin has made Ukraine’s book publishing industry a target of the war. But the industry and Ukrainian readers are keeping books alive as a source of Ukraine’s resilient culture, and of solace and distraction.
How the Librarian of the Year is helping his beloved Los AngelesLibrarian of Year John Szabo, of the Los Angeles Public Library, talks about the fires and why libraries are so important in these political times.
Makers of the world’s rarest pasta and soy sauce inspire aweIn “Custodians of Wonder,” Eliot Stein takes readers on a tour from Japan to Peru to meet the artisans keeping ancient crafts alive.
‘I Am Nobody’s Slave’ charts a course toward intergenerational healingIn “I Am Nobody’s Slave,” memoirist Lee Hawkins reaches deep into his family history and finds redemption in understanding his roots.
A humble berry at the heart of a virtuous cycleRobin Wall Kimmerer reflects on the cooperation among plants and draws inspiration for human societies in “The Serviceberry.”
A biographer celebrates Benjamin Franklin’s curiosity and joy in scienceThe ‘ingenious’ Founding Father Benjamin Franklin receives his due as scientist-inventor in Richard Munson’s sparkling biography.
Raise the curtain on the 10 best books of JanuaryThe 10 best books of January 2025 embrace living on the edge, escaping convention, and confronting racism.
Music unlocks secrets about the design of the universeDaniel K.L. Chua’s expansive, eye-opening book documents how music from China to Greece has underpinned humanity’s search for joy.
End the year on a high note with the 10 best books of DecemberThe 10 best books of December include a spy novel, essays by physicist Alan Lightman, and a group biography of four women scientists in Nazi Germany.
Woodrow Wilson stood on the wrong side of historyIn “Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn,” former U.S. Rep. Christopher Cox examines how the president undermined rights for women and Black people.
Monitor's Best: Top 5
Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship could upend 150 years of law
FocusAn uncivil union: Can America break its addiction to violent rhetoric?
Trump review of foreign aid reopens debate: How reliable is the US?
Cover StoryAfter Assad’s fall, Syrians search for lost loved ones – and a path forward
Why Republicans blasted Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. – and bear-hugged Kash Patel
