All Books
- Milton Friedman left a complex legacy, says his biographer
The conservative economist stayed true to individual choice as his standard, says biographer Jennifer Burns. He championed privatization and free markets.
- The 10 best new books of March 2024
Books we love this month include a poetic romance, a thriller set in Ireland, and a biography of the architect of the Marshall Plan.
- Elizabeth Barrett’s poetic love story stirs the novel ‘The Swan’s Nest’
Poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning’s “How do I love thee” courtship spurs Laura McNeal’s historical novel.
- Mother of James Foley embodies grace in new book ‘American Mother’
James Foley’s mother looks for the humanity in her son’s killer in the new book “American Mother” written by Colum McCann with Diane Foley.
- How mistrust explains all those frustrating things about US politics
U.S. politics isn’t working how it used to. The system seems brittle and unresponsive. Making a difference starts with understanding mistrust.
- Writing workshops offer a refuge in Oregon’s prisons
A literary journal called ponyXpress, featuring poetry and prose, is helping incarcerated writers in Oregon develop their talents.
- From Africa to Alabama: Stories of survivors of the last slave ship
Captives on the ship Clotilda survived the middle passage and enslavement. After Emancipation, they carved out lives and towns in Alabama. But they struggled to escape poverty.
- Women of the Italian Renaissance held their ground
Renaissance women, long relegated to obscurity, are receiving their due as power brokers, artists, poets, patrons, and healers.
- ‘Help Wanted’ uses satire to illuminate plight of low-wage workers
Adelle Waldman’s novel “Help Wanted,” centered on workers in a big-box warehouse, is sociologically astute, deeply humane, and cleverly plotted.
- Scoundrels, as well as heroes, shaped America’s founding
Two historians tackle the daunting task of giving Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr – two of America’s most infamous villains – more nuanced portraits.
- An indie publisher finds its future – with a public library
Angel City Press in Los Angeles has long published local authors. In a bold move, its founders are now giving the press to the city’s public library.
- The 10 best books of February reckon with the past – and present
Race, reparations, and renewal are threaded through many of the 10 best books of February. The characters imagine a changed world.
- Half the globe is now middle class. Is that sustainable?
Middle-class prosperity has risen around the world. But the expectation of ever-expanding economic growth comes with social and environmental costs.
- What happens when achievement turns toxic – and how to fix it
College prep increases the pressure on teens to succeed. Author Jennifer Breheny Wallace offers tips for turning down the heat.
- First LookFor libraries, e-book lending is a new chapter – and a new challenge
The “Netflix model” of leasing e-books to public libraries is expensive, full of limitations, and potentially a boon for censorship, librarians say. It’s a growing business model that shifts power to publishers and makes access harder for patrons.
- A jazzy new biography unfurls Ella Fitzgerald’s life and career
Blending historical knowledge with insights gleaned from newly available archives of Black newspapers, Judith Tick recounts Ella
Fitzgerald’s trailblazing career. - She fled the Taliban, but leads efforts to help educate Afghan girls
The daughter of an Afghan tribal leader, Pashtana Durrani grew up in Pakistan, but was drawn back to Afghanistan to bring education and hope. Her autobiography inspires and illuminates.
- President Lincoln has long provided wisdom. What can he offer today?
Lincoln led a country divided not just over slavery, but also over immigration. One biography delves into this corner of his career. And a second biography focuses on Lincoln’s stalwart faith in democracy.
- Your Valentine’s Day reading list needs more than romance novels
Our book reviewers offer up bouquets to unexpected tales of love and affection, from a long marriage to a passion for the movies.
- Father and son cooking duo stirs up Chinese cuisine
Making Chinese food at home is “way easier than people would think,” says Kevin Pang, who with his dad, Jeffrey Pang, has written “A Very Chinese Cookbook.”