All Book Reviews
'Among The Living And The Dead' is a moving search for traces of the author's Latvian familyJournalist Inara Verzemnieks fuses world history with personal history as she travels to Latvia to trace the surviving branches of her family.
'Hannibal' relates the famous general's story with wonderful energyArcheologist and historian Patrick Hunt distills his survey of literature about the Second Punic War into a brightly dramatic story that covers virtually every anecdote connected with Hannibal.
'The Hidden Machinery' unveils the magic behind the literature we loveMargot Livesey becomes our guide into the hidden machinery behind great stories.
'Reading with Patrick' tells of a teacher's extraordinary journeyA Harvard-educated idealist takes a two-year teaching job in one of the country鈥檚 most depressed, segregated cities 鈥� then returns again when a beloved student goes to jail.
'Woolly' is a page-turning look at scientists pushing the limits of DNA researchBestselling author Ben Mezrich tells a true story of genetics research being done at the cutting edge of science, morality, conservation, and 鈥� some might argue 鈥� humankind.
'Six Encounters with Lincoln' challenges America's view of its 16th presidentIn her final book, a historian looks to take an objective measure of the administration of an American icon.
'To the New Owners' is a bittersweet ode to a Martha's Vineyard homeWhat happens when you sell a house you love this much?
'Havana' probes the mysteries and magic of the Cuban capitalMark Kurlansky takes his idiosyncratic approach on a trip to the fabled Cuban city.
'Theft By Finding' opens a window into David Sedaris's past through his diariesDavid Sedaris has made a literary career out of transforming the events of his life into mordantly comic prose. What does a look into his source material tell us?
'History of a Disappearance' tells the story of a once vibrant Polish townThis imaginative reconstruction of the life of a centuries-old town is 'a superb work of intelligence, originality, and tremendous enterprise.'
'Toscanini: Musician of Conscience' is a feast of music, culture, politicsToscanini's life intersected with the lives of a range of fascinating figures, including Puccini, Verdi, Mahler, Horowitz, the relatives of Richard Wagner, and聽 diabolical characters like Mussolini and Hitler.
'Golden Hill' is a terrific debut historical novel, set in 1746 ManhattanA stranger bearing a large bill arrives in the small muddy town of colonial New York, and high jinks ensue.
'Sea Power' views the world's oceans as crucial avenues of hope and danger'Sea Power' author and admiral James Stavridis has created a thoroughly fascinating look at how the world's major bodies of water and politics intersect.
'The Windfall' adroitly probes questions of money and true worthWhen an East Delhi man sells his website sale for a 'windfall,' he and his wife struggle to adjust to a newly luxuriously style of life.听
'John Quincy Adams' shares the diary of America's most passionate presidentTo mark the 250th anniversary of John Quincy Adams's birth, the Library of America has brought out a spell-binding edition of his life-long diary.
'Kennedy and King' portrays two giants of 1960s AmericaPresident John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King are profiled in parallel but unconnected stories.
'The Trial of Adolf Hitler' details the 'what if' moments of the 1923 putschDavid King's engrossing and well-researched new book provides context explaining why so many tolerated Hitler before and after his failed beer hall putsch.
'Be Free or Die' profiles former slave and US Congressman Robert SmallsThis neat piece of narrative history explores a remarkable life story that deserves a wider audience.
'The Essex Serpent' pits nature against faith in a fabulous summer readA Loch Ness-like monster last seen in the late 1600s rears its head again in this delightful novel set in the Victorian era.
'Adua' explores the relationship between colonizer and colonizedSomali-Italian author and journalist Igiaba Scego writes with forthright simplicity and unblinking honesty.
