All Book Reviews
'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聽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 鈥� 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 Sh奴saku End艒 explores themes of life, death, and moral value in a searching and disquieting novel.聽
'One Child' considers the long-term impact of China鈥檚 one-child policyJournalist Mei Fong makes a convincing argument that the number of births prevented by the policy 鈥� while great 鈥� is not as large as the Chinese government says.
'The Relevance of Religion' reconciles faith to politics 鈥� and Americans to each otherJohn Danforth reflects on more than half a century of 海角大神 faith, American government, and how knowing the difference can make our country work.聽
'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?'
'A Just and Generous Nation' casts the Civil War as a philosophical battleIf the South had won the Civil War, what would have happened to the American dream of an upwardly mobile, progressive, and middle class nation?
'A Long Walk Home' records life as Eli Reed saw itReed's photos are remarkable for their lack of judgment of the people or the situations he encountered.
'For the Record' is a cool YA sneak-peak into life on the road and on the stageCharlotte's Huang's debut young adult novel delivers a frothy yet realistic look into the life of a young musician.
'The Hired Girl' stars a plucky heroine whose writing skills save the dayReaders witness not only the protagonist's maturing thought, but also her growth as a writer.
'The Traitor's Mark' weaves a Tudor mystery from scraps of factThe historical record tells us that famous Tudor portrait painter Hans Holbein died in the autumn of 1543, possibly of the plague. But did he really?
'Leftover Women' reveals unequal shares of China鈥檚 growing wealthMao Zedong's communist party was set to modernize the rights and roles of women in China. However, within years of taking power, the party stopped its efforts 鈥� leaving Chinese women facing societal gender bias even as China rises as a dominant power.聽
'Tiny: Streetwise Revisited' is an evocative followup from Mary Ellen MarkThe gifted portraitist captures decades of life lived on the edges.
