CHARMING, DIFFIDENT META-ETIQUETTE guide from the ever delightful Henry Alford has good advice amid the laughs.

ENGROSSING, THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED look at Queen Victoria’s very public mourning for husband Prince Albert.

AN ARTIFICIAL ISLAND CITY wracked by class struggle and environmental threats in a future world; compelling.

INSIDE ARTISANAL MARIJUANA culture in Holland and the US. Fascinating topic marred by smug, annoying writing.

NOVELIST JEANETTE WINTERSON’S lyrical memoir testifies to her faith in love despite her grueling childhood.

NUANCED, POETIC NOVEL explores love, death, memory, and secrets among three generations of a Finnish family.

TRAVELOGUE OF THE WORLD’S most polluted places is unexpectedly funny, unsurprisingly thought-provoking.

HIGH-ENERGY FANTASY of an alternate England where a vampire Victoria has ruled for generations. Entertaining!

SEARINGLY HONEST, SURPRISINGLY funny memoir of recovery from addiction, illness from actor Kristen Johnston.

LONDON’S PECULIAR CRIMES Unit rides again, in another entertaining mystery starring the UK’s oddest cops.