The Right Stuff
Reimagining the life of Lucille Ball, a new book evokes the star’s groundbreaking influence and evergreen coolness
Heart of Stone
The life of Confederate general Albert Pike, a member of the Freemasons, offers a new look at the secret brotherhood
Kurt Andersen
Out with a new “recent history” of America, the writer suggests four books that helped influence his own work
War Games
In 1946, John Hersey revealed the Hiroshima cover-up to the world. A new book tells how he got the scoop
In Search of Lost Pianos
A journey to Siberia reveals the life of a 19th-century Russian princess who, in extreme isolation, found solace in music
Back to the Future
Alvin and Heidi Toffler’s book Future Shock, published a half-century ago, got a lot right about our current times
Jennifer Weiner
The author of In Her Shoes recommends the best books for the exercise-curious
On the Dodge
Retracing the life of Butch Cassidy, the American West’s answer to Robin Hood
In Cold Blood: A Why-Dunnit
A closer reading reveals a theory about Truman Capote’s attraction to the story—and the killers