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The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter, A Portrait of French Philosopher Rene Descartes by Steven Nadler

On May 22, 2013, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, by Editor

A unique combination of philosophy, biography, and art history, The Philosopher, the Priest, and the Painter investigates the remarkable individuals and circumstances behind a small portrait. Through this image–and the intersecting lives of a brilliant philosopher, a Catholic priest, and a gifted painter–Steven Nadler opens up a fascinating portal into Descartes’s life and times.

What Soldiers Do, Sex and the American GI in World War II France by Historian Mary Louise Roberts

On May 22, 2013, in Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, by Editor

While never denying the achievement of D-Day, or the bravery of the soldiers who took part, What Soldiers Do reminds us that history is always more useful—and more interesting—when it is most honest, and when it goes beyond the burnished beauty of nostalgia to grapple with the real lives and real mistakes of the people who lived it.

The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America, An Examination of a Nation in Crisis by George Packer

On May 20, 2013, in Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, Political, Social Studies, by Editor

A riveting examination of a nation in crisis, from one of the finest political journalists of our generation. In The Unwinding, George Packer, author of The Assassins’ Gate: America in Iraq, tells the story of the United States over the past three decades in an utterly original way, with his characteristically sharp eye for detail and gift for weaving together complex narratives.

Stuck in the Middle with You, A Memoir of Parenting in Three Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan

On May 19, 2013, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, by Editor

New York Times bestseller and acclaimed author Jennifer Finney Boylan returns with a remarkable memoir about gender and parenting, including incredible interviews discussing gender, how families are shaped, and the difficulties and wonders of being human.

That’s That, A Memoir of Growing up Catholic in Northern Ireland during the Troubles by Colin Broderick

On May 19, 2013, in Biographies & Memoirs, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, by Editor

Colin Broderick grew up in Northern Ireland during the period of heightened tension and violence known as the Troubles. The first book to paint a detailed depiction of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, That’s That is told in the wry, memorable voice of a man who’s finally come to terms with his past.

The Roberts Court, The Struggle for the Constitution by Washington Correspondent Marcia Coyle

On May 18, 2013, in Book Reviews, History, Law, Nonfiction, by Editor

Marcia Coyle’s brilliant inside account of the High Court captures four landmark decisions—concerning health care, money in elections, guns at home, and race in schools. Coyle examines how those cases began—the personalities and conflicts that catapulted them onto the national scene—and how they ultimately exposed the great divides among the justices.

Robot Futures, About Our Robotic Friends and Foes by Illah Reza Nourbakhsh

On May 18, 2013, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Technology, by Editor

With robots, we are inventing a new species that is part material and part digital. The ambition of modern robotics goes beyond copying humans, beyond the effort to make walking, talking androids that are indistinguishable from people. Future robots will have superhuman abilities in both the physical and digital realms.

Citizenville, How to Take the Town Square Digital and Reinvent Government by Former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom

On May 18, 2013, in Book Reviews, Nonfiction, Political, by Editor

A vision for better government that truly achieves the ancient goal of commonwealth and a triumphant call for individuals to reinvigorate the country with their own two hands, Citizenville is a timely road map for restoring American prosperity and for reinventing citizenship in today’s networked age.

The Third Coast, When Chicago Built the American Dream, A Richly Detailed History by Thomas Dyja

On May 17, 2013, in Book Reviews, History, Nonfiction, by Editor

Though today it can seem as if all American culture comes out of New York and Los Angeles, much of what defined the nation as it grew into a superpower was produced in Chicago. In luminous prose, Chicago native Thomas Dyja re-creates the story of the city in its postwar prime and explains its profound impact on modern America.

Make Good Art, His Commencement Speech Turned Into a Book by Neil Gaiman

On May 16, 2013, in Art & Photography, Book Reviews, Nonfiction, by Editor

This book, designed by renowned graphic artist Chip Kidd, contains the full text of Gaiman’s inspiring speech. Whether bestowed upon a young artist beginning his or her creative journey, or given as a token of gratitude to an admired mentor, or acquired as a gift to oneself, this volume is a fitting offering for anyone who strives to make good art.