The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: Investigations into a Forgotten Mystery Author

An animated, unpersuasive case for a writer’s resurrection.

Reading Genesis

By Marilynne Robinson

Reading Genesis

An inspired reconsideration of the Old Testament’s opener.

The Confidante

By Christopher C. Gorham

The Confidante

Meet a 20th-century trailblazer you’ve probably never heard of.

Sleepless: Unleashing the Subversive Power of the Night Self

Arise, insomniacs! Your alter ego has things to do.

Song Noir

By Alex Harvey

Song Noir

How the gravel-voiced singer was birthed by the City of Angels.

Medgar & Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America

An appealing look at the civil-rights icons’ private lives.

Alphabetical Diaries

By Sheila Heti

Alphabetical Diaries

These inwardly focused ruminations are alternately solipsistic and sublime.

The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians

A witty, mostly winning compilation of the columnist’s previous work.