Book Reviews

In Sara Collins' new novel, a former slave accused of murder recounts her life — but, as Frannie Langton herself says, no one expects a woman like her to tell her story, or for it to include joy.

David Epstein's book, though it doesn't rely heavily on science, is an engaging survey of research and anecdotes supporting that a thoughtful, collaborative world is a better and more innovative one.

Agnete Friis' new novel takes place in flashbacks, jumping between the present and a rural Danish farm during the summer of 1978 — a seemingly idyllic time, until two people go missing.

Two new books — a reissue of 1971's Yellow Yellow and a compilation of Stamaty's MacDoodle Street newspaper strips — highlight the artist's joyful ability to imagine the world the way kids do.

Ryan Chapman's debut novel opens in the middle of a prison riot as the unnamed narrator cowers in fear for his life — which doesn't seem like a setup for comedy, but it's packed with dark laughs.

Linda Taylor rose to infamy during the 1970s, when prize-winning reporter George Bliss brought her criminal activity to light — and then-candidate Ronald Reagan turned her into the Welfare Queen.

The late Uruguayan novelist Mario Levrero was known for his gleeful weirdness. Empty Words follows a writer who tries to cure his block by writing boring nothings — and it's anything but boring.

Gifted writers Dan Abrams and David Fisher, who previously brought us Lincoln's Last Trial, are clearly fascinated by how Teddy Roosevelt's court case played out — bringing an enthusiasm to readers.

Right-wing Fox host Mark Levin conducts no interviews and offers no original research in his book; it is little more than a free gift with purchase: People are instead buying his message to the media.