All Book Reviews
'Bookishly Ever After' is a YA novel that entertains – and then challengesFor high school geek Phoebe, real life can’t possibly measure up to bestselling fiction. What happens if she fails at her first attempt at romance outside a book?
'Ostend' evokes Belgium in the summer of 1936, as Europe stood on the brinkIn this novelistic telling of history, Joseph Roth and Stefan Zweig – whose friendship is characterized by both admiration and resentment – encounter a series of other authors and cultural figures displaced by the intellectual unrest that preceded the carnage of World War II.
'The Dictator' completes the Robert Harris trilogy about the great CiceroHarris brings Cicero to life with wit, verve, and vanity.
'Sailor and Fiddler' is Herman Wouk's nonchalantly charming memoir'Sailor' and 'Fiddler' are both in the same key: anecdotal, glancing, casual, and far more concerned with sharing fun facts about Wouk’s career than divulging anything especially intimate.
'The Past' ruefully explores childhood memories of a beloved family homeA family of adult siblings must decide whether their money can stretch far enough to fix the roof of their grandparents' cottage or whether it’s time to let Kington go.
'Their Promised Land' follows the author's grandparents in wartime EnglandThe descendants of German Jewish emigre families, Bernard and 'Win' both pride themselves from the beginning on their assimilated British status.
'The Road to Little Dribbling': yet another chance to walk with Bill BrysonBryson walks the length of his adopted country, lamenting as he goes.
'But You Did Not Come Back' recalls a father lost to the HolocaustMarceline Loridan-Ivens writes a love letter her father and begs readers not to forget the victims of atrocity.
'The Invention of Nature' positions Alexander von Humboldt as the godfather of environmentalismOver the course of his life, however, Humboldt would slowly upend the Enlightenment idea of nature he was taught.
'The Geography of Genius' asks why genius so often emerges in clusters?Journalist and author Eric Weiner explores a series of so-called genius clusters and searches out the commonalities among these fecund urban areas.
'The Temptation of Elizabeth Tudor' explores Tudor intrigue with knowledge and nuanceThe latest book by prolific Tudor historian Elizabeth Norton is as much about the political machinations of the Seymours and their friends and enemies as it is about the rumored romantic dalliances of a young princess.
'The Expatriates' explores three overlapping lives in Hong KongThree expats seek out love, happiness, and identity in a bustling 21st-century melting pot.
'The Confidence Game' explores our willingness to be connedYou think you're capable of spotting a swindle? Maria Konnikova argues otherwise, and she's got science on her side.
'Vasilisa the Beautiful' brings Russian fairy tales to life with gorgeous new illustrationsA new edition of a classic Russian story of magic and heroism comes with illustrations to dazzle and delight.
'War at the End of the World' recounts the battle for New Guinea – a vital yet overlooked World War II storyThe fighting lasted for almost four years, and all of its commanders considered it a crucial turning point in the war, and yet the entire operation is often relegated to also-ran status.
'Silence' is being re-released in English translation in advance of a 2016 film adaptation by Martin ScorseseJapanese novelist Shūsaku Endō explores themes of life, death, and moral value in a searching and disquieting novel.
'One Child' considers the long-term impact of China’s one-child policyJournalist Mei Fong makes a convincing argument that the number of births prevented by the policy – while great – is not as large as the Chinese government says.
'The Relevance of Religion' reconciles faith to politics – and Americans to each otherJohn Danforth reflects on more than half a century of Christian faith, American government, and how knowing the difference can make our country work.
'No More Champagne' reveals Winston Churchill's spendthrift waysChurchill was a big and careless spender throughout his life, endlessly hustling for loans and deals to support his pricey and princely habits.
'The Last Volcano' is the remarkable story of a forgotten scientific pioneerThe eruption of Mount Pelee in the Antilles in 1902 made Thomas Jagger wonder: 'Why hadn't human knowledge advanced enough since Pompeii to prevent a replay of such suffering?'
