海角大神

This month's books are a feast for the intellect, including a highly anticipated fiction debut, a remarkable novel by a聽Zimbabwean writer, as well as the second compelling memoir by a former ambassador to the United Nations. Class is in session!

1.鈥堿 Door in the Earth聽by Amy Waldman

Amy Waldman sets her novel in an Afghan village where an idealistic young Afghan American woman, inspired by the work of a celebrity humanitarian, decides to visit. The book is both a coming-of-age story and incisive exploration of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.聽

2.鈥塗he Water Dancer聽by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Journalist Ta-Nehesi Coates brings his remarkable talent to his first novel, as he tells the story of Hiram Walker, a brilliant boy who seems to possess magical gifts. Born into slavery in 19th-century Virginia, Hiram survives a near drowning, an experience that emboldens him to try to gain his freedom. Using a whisper instead of a shout, Coates brings to life the experiences of those who were enslaved.

3.鈥塐ut of Darkness, Shining Light聽by Petina Gappah

Petina Gappah鈥檚 work of historical fiction delves into the story of two African servants of famed 19th-century explorer David Livingstone. After Livingstone鈥檚 death, the pair are among those who transport his body, and his notes, 1,000 miles to ensure the body鈥檚 safe return to England. The novel glows with the insightful voices of the two servants and the strength of their devotion.聽

4.鈥塕ed at the Bone聽by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson exquisitely examines the (dis)connections of a Brooklyn family, tenuously held together by Melody, whose coming-of-age ceremony is just beginning in her grandparents鈥� brownstone. Through 21 spare, dazzling chapters, Woodson reveals the past and present, and hints at the futures of Melody, her family, and friends.

5.鈥塗he World That We Knew聽by Alice Hoffman

Into the recognizable form of a Holocaust novel Alice Hoffman injects magical realism in the form of a golem, conjured from sacred Hebrew words. The golem, a monster in the guise of a woman, is entrusted with the safety of a young Jewish girl. Hoffman delivers a lyrical novel that underscores what makes us human and calls out how we deny humanity in others.

6.鈥碱办颈苍听by Emma Donoghue

Noah Selvaggio is a set-in-his-ways retired chemistry professor. The last thing he needs is a call from social services asking him to temporarily foster his little-known, pugnacious, 11-year-old grandnephew, whose mother is in prison. A captivating tour of the French town of Nice follows, as they piece together a World War II-era family mystery.

7.鈥塖tealing the Show聽by John Barelli

New York鈥檚 Metropolitan Museum of Art has been the scene of blockbuster exhibitions as well as fashion galas ... and, unfortunately, art thefts. John Barelli, the Met鈥檚 retired chief security officer, shares 40 years of insights into how the thefts occurred and how (most of) the art has been recovered. It鈥檚 an eye-opener into the inner workings of one of the world鈥檚 finest art museums.

8.鈥塖ontag: Her Life and Work聽by Benjamin Moser

This gripping biography of the iconic writer, intellectual, and social commentator is the first one to draw from Susan Sontag鈥檚 extensive private archives. It is fleshed out with dozens of interviews that combine to create a complex and challenging picture of her thought and legacy, as well as a reappraisal of her many works.

9.鈥塁ond茅 Nast: The Man and His Empire聽by Susan Ronald

A groundbreaking new biography captures the impresario behind the publishing empire that includes Vanity Fair and Vogue. This big, glittering book provides a full and human portrait of Cond茅 Nast. Lively, detailed descriptions of the early decades of the 20th century complete the setting of Nast鈥檚 life story.

10.鈥塗he Education of an Idealist聽by Samantha Power

Samantha Power was one of President Barack Obama鈥檚 ambassadors to the United Nations and won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for 鈥淎 Problem From Hell.鈥� In this memoir, she traces her life from her early years as an Irish immigrant all the way to the White House.