All Book Reviews
'When Einstein Walked with Gödel' is science writing at its bestJim Holt's collected essays are like a series of dispatches from the larger scientific world inhabited by Einstein and Gödel.
'Atticus Finch' tackles tough questions about an American iconEmory University professor Joseph Crespino uses the writings of real-life Atticus Finch (A.C. Lee, father of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' author Harper Lee) and Lee herself to bring context to a controversy.
3 books about planetsThe more astronomy has learned about our solar system, the more fascinating the planets have become.
'Our Story' offers a graphic glimpse of a China that no longer existsAn illustrated memoir by a Chinese nonagenarian brings back images censored by state propaganda.
'The Way You Make Me Feel' follows a teen's journey from 'chill' to sincereClara Shin is a sardonic slacker for whom effort is the ultimate sin – until she meets over-achiever Rose Carver.
'Tyrant' examines the evidence of popular attraction to demagogues as seen in Shakepeare's playsThe Bard was no distant or indifferent observer of politics or power.
- 'A Line in the River' tells the story of Khartoum, one of the world's most troubled cities
'A Line in the River' is a nuanced exploration of Sudan’s history of colonialism, religion, and politics.
'The Perfectionists' manages to make precision engineering fascinatingSimon Winchester writes about the raw engineering and precision manufacturing that makes the dreams of scientists possible.
'The Soul of America' reminds us that living up to our highest ideals has always been trickyMeacham’s latest book serves as a sobering reminder that protest, divisive politics, and partisan rancor have been near-constants in the United States.
'From Cold War to Hot Peace' offers a US ambassador's up-close view of RussiaMichael McFaul served as the United States Ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014.
'The Ideal of Culture' showcases Joseph Epstein’s familiar ease with the treasures of Western cultureIt is Epstein’s gift to be able to take a reader by the sleeve and gently tug him into a topic he had no idea he’d be interested in.
'The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs' covers millennia of dinosaur dominanceUniversity of Edinburgh paleontologist Steve Brusatte transforms great piles of geological and paleontological data into an absorbing historical saga.
'1983' chronicles a Cold War-era narrow escape from nuclear warThe incident was sparked by a routine NATO military exercise and occurred when mistrust and suspicion between superpowers America and the USSR was sky-high.
Three compelling biographies of remarkable womenSpanning 500 years in history, these bios profile women who made their marks in the fields of art, astronomy, and philanthropy.
'Buttermilk Graffiti' is a road trip in search of contemporary American cuisineStar chef Edward Lee drives across the United States as he explores a mind-meltingly diverse world of food.
'Beneath a Ruthless Sun' is a wrenching story of bigotry – and an inspiring tale of heroesThis kind of narrative is familiar territory for Gilbert King, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his remarkable 2012 bestseller "Devil in the Grove," another look at violence, injustice, and heroic opposition.
'The Best Cook in the World' is Rick Bragg's tribute to his mother and her somewhat exotic culinary skillsThe book includes 75 recipes, which read like oral tradition.
'You Think It, I’ll Say It' shows Curtis Sittenfeld at her best, where gender meets classSittenfeld trafficks in the minor humiliations of fictional women who often self-sabotage, or at least overthink.
'Dread Nation' is a rollicking 'Gone With the Wind + Zombies' adventureBut don't underestimate the latest YA novel by activist Justina Ireland – it's also a biting commentary on contemporary race relations in America.
'God Save Texas' is Lawrence Wright’s affectionate, eye-opening, slightly rueful love letter to his native stateIntended to be part travelogue, part reportage, and part memoir, 'God Save Texas' reads less like a coherent narrative and more like a collection of essays.
