海角大神

How To Read a Book,聽by Monica Wood

Monica Wood鈥檚 engaging novel of fresh starts follows Violet, a 20-something woman fresh out of prison; Harriet, a retiree who leads a book club inside the women鈥檚 prison; and Frank, the retired machinist whose wife was killed in the hit-and-run for which Violet served time. Shot through with clever asides and spiky feelings, the story ponders trust, reformation, and forgiveness.

Daughters of Shandong,聽by Eve J. Chung

Eve J. Chung strikes historical-fiction gold, inspired by her own family鈥檚 story. During the 1949 Chinese Revolution, a father abandons his wife and daughters to seek safety in Taiwan. The women follow on their own harrowing journey, ultimately breaking through gender barriers to find freedom.

Long Island,聽by Colm T贸ib铆n

Moral quandaries abound in Colm T贸ib铆n鈥檚 compelling follow-up to 鈥淏rooklyn.鈥� Irish immigrant Eilis learns that her husband has impregnated another woman; worse, his family expects Eilis to raise the child. Returning to Ireland for solace, Eilis encounters inertia, judgment 鈥� and her former flame. T贸ib铆n鈥檚 portrayal of his characters鈥� wrestling is a sobering story of dishonesty鈥檚 toll.

The Stolen Child,聽by Ann Hood

A World War I veteran seeks redemption. As a young soldier, he was entrusted with the baby of a French artist, as well as with her paintings, which he had to abandon. Now in his 80s, he hires a college dropout to accompany him to Europe to learn what happened to them. The scenery unfolds from Paris to Naples in this beautifully written novel. 聽

Return to Blood,聽by Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett鈥檚 atmospheric sequel to 鈥淏etter the Blood鈥� finds former Auckland detective Hana Westerman adjusting to civilian life with her father and daughter. When two murder cases resurface, Hana feels compelled to unofficially investigate. Bennett鈥檚 thriller dives deep into Maori culture and gives voice to its complex characters.

Audubon as Artist,聽by Roberta J.M. Olson

Nineteenth-century bird artist John James Audubon is widely viewed as a genius. In this new reflection on his life and work, Roberta J.M. Olson explores how other artists helped shape Audubon鈥檚 vision. Beautifully reproduced images of Audubon鈥檚 work and those of key influencers help tell the story.

The Light Eaters,聽by Zo毛 Schlanger

Atlantic staff writer Zo毛 Schlanger debuts with an exploration of the new science of plant intelligence. In elegant prose and with a sense of awe, she describes plants鈥� remarkable adaptive techniques, communicative abilities, and social behaviors.

The Editor,聽by Sara B. Franklin

The best editors have a keen ear for voice, a firm but gentle touch, and the ability to disappear. Sara B. Franklin shines a light on legendary Knopf editor Judith Jones 鈥� mentor to Julia Child, John Updike, Anne Tyler, and many other literary icons who shaped American culture, food, and poetry during the nation鈥檚 turbulent midcentury.

The Playbook,聽by James Shapiro

The Federal Theatre Project aimed to put playwrights, actors, and other artists to work during the mid-1930s. In many ways, it succeeded: Over 1,000 plays were produced. But charges of politicization 鈥� and a firebrand senator 鈥� doomed the project.

The Demon of Unrest,聽by Erik Larson

The latest from the popular historian focuses on the period between Abraham Lincoln鈥檚 November 1860 election and the outbreak of the Civil War five months later. Erik Larson鈥檚 vivid account features profiles of lesser-known figures like Maj. Robert Anderson, commander of South Carolina鈥檚 Fort Sumter, where the war鈥檚 first shots were fired.