All Books
'Fly Girls' tells the early history of women in aviationNPR contributor Keith O鈥橞rien profiles women who were brave and determined although not always victorious.
'Chopin's Piano' profiles an instrument linked to much transcendent musicIn graceful prose, Australian conductor and author Paul Kildea explores developments in the history of piano-making, changes in the way pianists have approached their craft, and, most luminously, the music of Chopin.
Antonia Fraser profiles a mighty battle over religious freedomPrejudice against Catholics in Britain seems to have been centered around the idea that a society must limit its freedoms in order to protect its freedoms.
'Travelers in the Third Reich' examines outsiders' views of Hitler's GermanySimilar books have been attempted before, but this one stands out due to both its the breadth of its investigation and the palpable tone of frustration that runs through it.
V.S. Naipaul found rich literary material in places where colonizers once ruledA complex man himself, Naipaul had a gift for revealing in his writing dimensions other observers might have missed.
'The Billionaire Raj' explores India's new wealth 鈥� and the corruption it breedsNational University of Singapore professor James Crabtree succeeds in making India's economy 鈥� potentially the world's largest by mid-century 鈥� a deeply engaging topic and a fascinating read.
'Dopesick' brings the opioid epidemic to heart-breaking lifeIn heart of the crisis, author Beth Macy finds perseverance amid tragedy.
'Chesapeake Requiem' explores a cherished site perhaps doomed by climate changeJournalist Earl Swift weaves a masterful narrative of place, people, and nature, supported by the best sort of on-the-ground journalism.
Vermont libraries provide community, not just booksIn an era when memberships in social clubs and church attendance are down, and critics say social media appears to be fracturing rather than knitting society together, libraries are stepping in as so-called third places where people can meet and socialize.
10 best books of August: the Monitor's picksThe Silk Road from a bicycle seat. A satirical novel with Shakespeare as a character. Iraq and Afghanistan through the experiences of six service members. The genius of Chopin. All are among our picks for the best books of August.聽
'Eager' is a passionate, captivating love letter to the beaverThe subject of聽environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb's enthusiasm is Castor canadensis, the North American beaver.
'Just a Shot Away' redefines the 1969 Altamont tragedy as a racial crimeWriter Saul Austerlitz revisits the fatal stabbing at a disastrous late '60s rock concert to focus on the nearly forgotten victim.
'The Quiet Side of Passion' is another McCall Smith tale of the triumph of good
'City of Devils' tells the story of two Westerners who reigned in old ShanghaiFrench, author of 2012's bestselling 'Midnight in Peking,' has lived and worked in Shanghai, and tells a fascinating story of two of the central characters of the demimonde of old Shanghai.
'Three Not-So-Ordinary Joes' wonderfully explores the links of literary influenceHow witty British literati Addison and Steele left their mark on America's Southern literature, via Uncle Remus.
'Not the Girls You're Looking For' follows a rudderless Iraqi AmericanThis dark but clever YA novel confronts topics that are not tidy 鈥� because, as Safi reminds us, these are not tidy times.
'Indianapolis' resolves a long uncertain World War II tragedyWith help from an elementary school student, a naval captain has finally been exonerated.
'A Bite-Sized History of France' delightfully combines French history with gastronomyWhatever this rollicking survey lacks in focus, it more than makes up for with its brisk, witty, imaginative voice.
Afghan women write their own stories to fight for gender equityFree Women Writers, a nonprofit in Afghanistan, strives to foster a shift in thinking about women in a nation rife with gender-based violence. It has published poems, memoirs, and articles written by more than 140 women and creates scholarships for women with the proceeds.
'Barons of the Sea' chronicles the race to build the perfect clipper shipClipper ships are the dream floating before the eyes of all the characters in Steven Ujifusa's fast-paced and entrancing new book.
