All Book Reviews
Henry Adams clung to the idea of a ruling elite in American lifeA biography of Henry Adams, a blue-blooded Bostonian descended from two presidents, explores his resistance to societal changes and industrialization.
‘The Last Days of Ellis Island’ probes bureaucracy and abuse of powerA historical novel imagines the thoughts of a fictional commissioner, whose assault on a young immigrant years before leaves him full of regret.
‘Black Sun’ weaves fantastic worlds in faraway landsAn ambitious fantasy series is packed with vibrant characters and political intrigue – and isn't stuck in the classic Eurocentric setting, either.
Remember ‘My Dinner with Andre’? He has more wisdom to bestow.Theater director André Gregory has had a rocky career and personal life, but one thing shines through: his devotion to the pursuit of perfection.
‘The Light Ages’ argues for a rebranding of the medieval periodThe Dark Ages were not solely about battles and plagues, says historian Seb Falk. Instead, they included a flourishing of scientific inquiry.
A life unconquered by Taliban rule in ‘Dancing in the Mosque’As a girl, Homeira Qaderi watched the Taliban take over her home city in Afghanistan. As a young woman, she took a dangerous stand.
Obama memoir ‘A Promised Land’ delivers earnest self-reflectionThe 44th president of the United States does more than defend his legacy; he shares the values that have animated his life and political career.
‘Tecumseh and the Prophet’ shines a light on Native American resistanceShawnee warrior Tecumseh has been portrayed nobly, while his brother fared poorly at the hands of historians. Peter Cozzens balances the story.
A bear lives, hunts, and watches the Arctic melt in ‘Ice Walker’Through the eyes of a polar bear comes a beautifully-written, wrenching narrative of a warming planet and the struggle to survive.
‘Fossil Men’ explores breakthrough science – and human natureA new book tracks the discovery of a ground-shaking addition to the fossil record, and shows how science ultimately comes down to the human element.
Steve Martin brings the cartoon fun in ‘A Wealth of Pigeons’A collaboration with New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss yields a droll collection that pokes fun at human foibles and offers gems of comic wisdom.
A family history in trees and flowers: A biologist’s memoirPart memoir, part travel narrative, and part nature writing, a biologist visits Taiwan – her ancestral homeland – and unravels her family history.
Richard III struggled against his two brothers for the crownEnglish history recounts many tales of bloody battles, but the infighting among “The Brothers York” was legendary for its ferocity.
A star architect and his son go on a journey in search of beautyThe pursuit of the mythical Atlantis inspires Renzo Piano to review his career, which includes landmarks such as London’s The Shard skyscraper.
A chance to redo the past in ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’Time travel and café culture yield a lovely, wise brew in a translation of Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s popular play-turned-novel.
‘Cassius X’ captures the spiritual awakening of Muhammad Ali“The Greatest” is most known for his stunning knockouts and his braggadocio – but a new biography focuses on his conversion to Islam.
The intricate inner workings of a Japanese police departmentPart procedural and part office drama, four novellas paint a portrait of the complex mechanisms of police bureaucracy in Japan.
‘The Russian Pink’ offers jewels, thrills, and sneaky charactersStudded with facts about black market diamond trading, this fictional thriller has adrenaline rushes, villainous plotters, and glamorous gems galore.
Brexit brings together two lovers, both of whom are outsidersIn Xiaolu Guo’s novel “A Lover’s Discourse” two people of different backgrounds are drawn together as Britain moves to isolate itself from Europe.
Bank shot: A sports writer and a superfan bond over Knicks basketballIn “Our Last Season: A Writer, A Fan, A Friendship,” Harvey Araton pays tribute to the woman who gave him tips about the team – and about life.
