Literature

"In this collection of brief, touching essays, an emergency room doctor presents poignant stories about disease and loneliness and argues that medical professionals are 'stewards' of their patients' stories, morally obligated to look beyond data and tests." -- The New York Times Book Review

Museum Confidential: Season 7, Episode 16.

"What if there's life out there? What would that mean for us? Ms. Green's book, alive with the color and drama of science fiction as well as scientific fact, helps us grasp that process of imagining -- its limits and its greater purpose." -- The Wall Street Journal

Our longtime book reviewer makes some page-turning suggestions for book lovers of all sorts -- and for those who might be shopping for book lovers.

"[Hamid] reminds us yet again that fiction sometimes provides the most direct path to truth." -- BookPage (starred review)

"[Hamid] reminds us yet again that fiction sometimes provides the most direct path to truth." -- BookPage (starred review)

The celebrated historical novelist died last week at age 70.

Mei, a teenage girl in 1960s China, becomes Mao Zedong's protégée as well as his lover -- and also a heroine of the Cultural Revolution -- in this captivating historical novel.

"An affecting and informative memoir about the lessons we can glean from life as well as death." -- Library Journal

"Recommended to fans of Paula McLean's 'The Paris Wife' and anyone who enjoyed Hemingway's 'A Moveable Feast.'" -- Booklist