All Book Reviews
-
Declaring His Genius
In his 1882 lecture tour of the US and Canada, Irish wit Oscar Wilde let his clothing and set design do half the work.
-
The World Until Yesterday
Relying on his vast knowledge of New Guinea, Jared Diamond asks what moderns like us can learn from traditional societies.
-
The Last Lion: Defender of the Realm
Despite some noteworthy shortcomings, Paul Reid's examination of the last third of Churchill's life gives us the British statesman in all his robust complexity.
-
Nature Wars
How can we best handle the wildlife now turning up in our own backyards?
-
The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton 1965-2010
The poetry of Lucille Clifton is engaging enough to win over any reader.
-
Great Expectations: The Sons and Daughters of Charles Dickens
Despite a world-renowned father and merry times at Christmas, the lives of the 10 children born to Charles Dickens were anything but easy.
-
3 YA books just perfect for adults
These young freedom fighters are worthy of readers of all ages.
-
Code Name Verity
This young adult novel of female friendship and peril amid World War II is an unexpected gem.
-
The Oath
New Yorker writer and CNN analyst Jeffrey Toobin offers an astute and thorough analysis of the relationship between the Obama White House and the John Roberts-led Supreme Court.
-
The Watchers
While some parts of Stephen Alford's book are repetitive, his study of life during Queen Elizabeth I's reign is a thought-provoking read.
-
A Thousand Mornings
Mary Oliver's poetry collection showcases her clear, strong voice and celebrates nature.
-
'Crossing to Safety': Wallace Stegner's poignant classic turns 25
Wallace Stegner's novel about a decades-long friendship between two couples is just as rewarding on its 25th anniversary as it was when first published.
-
Building Stories
Chris Ware's unusual graphic novel is a triumph of imagination and originality.
-
Ike's Bluff
Writer Evan Thomas's perceptive analysis of the 34th president shows a shrewd operator who played his cards close to the vest.
-
My Ideal Bookshelf
Thessaly La Force's collection of essays on cultural figures' favorite books will fascinate any bibliophile.
-
On the Road to Mr. Mineo's
Barbara O'Connor never disappoints. Like her other children's novels, this one is a keeper.
-
Detroit City Is the Place to Be
Mark Binelli offers a sharp, sad, insightful look at Detroit – a city so lost that it has made failure chic.
-
Escape From North Korea
Journalist Melanie Kirkpatrick shares the harrowing stories of North Koreans desperate to escape a despotic regime.
-
Commander
Stephen Taylor offers insight into the complicated world of the British Royal Navy.
-
The Black Count
New Yorker writer Tom Reiss gives us the rattling good tale of the real Count of Monte Cristo.
Become part of the Monitor community