FACT-RICH, CHARMINGLY readable bio of Voltaire sheds new light on the life and work of the Enlightenment figure.

OPENHEARTED, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN history of cancer looks at research, clinical advances, patients’ stories.

DOWAGER QUEEN of memoir Diana Athill shares the story of her complex friendship with a gifted but troubled man.

BREEZY ESSAYS on evolutionary biology and psychology: some intriguing insights, some flimsy generalizations.

INSIDE THE COLORFUL world of Adult Fans of LEGO with a writer who rediscovers his own love for the iconic toy.

QUIRKY, OFTEN POETIC memoir of art, nature, family, and Native culture from Leslie Marmon Silko.

SCIENCE WRITER’S MEMOIR of her daughter’s recovery from anorexia is a tough read, but a helpful resource.

FASCINATING PREMISE–a woman’s diary of a year spent celibate by choice–doesn’t pan out. Psychobabble ahoy!

BREEZY FIELD GUIDE to collecting and enjoying wild mushrooms focuses on New England varieties. Yummy recipes!

AUTHORITATIVE BIOGRAPHY of Thomas de Quincey, famed writer, opium addict, and Wordsworth/Coleridge groupie.