An astute observer once remarked to Scottish bookseller Shaun Bythell that “every industry has its porn.” For those who crave the specific “filth” of literary voyeurism: Bythell’s "Confessions of a Bookseller" is here to sate... Read More

Ten people drown every day in the US, one hundred around the world. Humans, the evidence shows, are not natural born swimmers. But swim we do. It’s the second most popular form of exercise in this country, behind walking. "Why We Swim"... Read More

In Muriel Barbery’s bewitching "A Strange Country", elves and humans cross the boundaries that separate their lands, hoping to correct a travesty that’s playing out in the “theater of worlds.” In a land of mists, an unusual elf... Read More

Questions of body image, sexuality, family, and racial identity are raised in Jessica Mehta’s novel "You Look Something". When Julia moves from a small community college to a university in Portland, she immerses herself in every... Read More

A meteorite plunges from the sky, its impact stirring up a small Finnish community’s vices. This celestial act begins "Little Siberia", the latest engrossing title from snark noir master Antti Tuomainen. Who owns the heavens? If you... Read More

Imagination and a love of fantasy transform an old fort in the woods into a grand castle one day and a pirate ship the next. A young prince and feisty pirate lass are at odds until they put their differences aside and join forces,... Read More

Through this lively introduction to the many facets of onomatopoeia, be the first to guess which noises from nature crackle, rustle, buzz, and whir on a rainy spring day. Listen closely to each sound word, then turn the page to discover... Read More

Dot and Duck are back for another tale of friendship, manners, and lighthearted humor. When Dot decides that she absolutely must have everything that Duck tries to play with, she takes things right out of his feathered hands without a... Read More