Book Reviews

Marina Benjamin's book is more impressionistic and personal than scientific: Don't look here for an explanation of the chemistry or biology of nocturnal wakefulness.

Gorey, whose art formed the basis of Mystery! and who was the mind behind The Gashlycrumb Tinies, is undeniably one of the most influential American writers and illustrators of the last century.

In the 1920s, Edith Thompson was executed along with her lover, who was found guilty of murdering her husband. Laura Thompson looks at how social conventions may have lead to an unjust outcome.

The singer-songwriter tells the story of how a kid from a Midwestern, working-class family became an idol to country-punk and alternative rock fans — and the obstacles and celebrations along the way.

The former first lady's new book is a story about her history, how that influenced who she is — and learning to adapt after agreeing to let that life be hijacked by politics.

Mikita Brottman takes readers through a years-long journey of obsessive curiosity, trying to get to the truth of what happened after a body is discovered her apartment complex, formerly an old hotel.

Lavie Tidhar's new novel asks the questions we've all asked occasionally: How sure are you that the world you see around you every day is real? How sure are you that it's the only one, the real one?

Distinguished scholar of Christianity Elaine Pagels sets out to explain why religion is still around today, through the lens of her lived tragedies — the deaths of her son and husband 30 years ago.

Through the arc of the poet's career, Craig Morgan Teicher shows that while we are often too distracted to appreciate each other and our universe — poetry demands that we pause and listen.