Books in Brief

What we're reading: how to think of AI, a biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and an explanation of what went wrong with the trend of microfinance.

The editors read nonfiction about the work ethic, a memoir about the body, and a novel from a poet.

The editors read nonfiction about poverty and politics, art and education.

This month, the editors are reading nonfiction about interreligious dialogue in politics and democracy and trust, and a novel by Susie Boyt.

This month, the editors are reading film history, journalism about surveillance, and novels.

The editors read nonfiction about the escapist fantasies of the ultra-wealthy, novels about the Redwoods, and a memoir on Sikh teachings of service and love.

The editors read the new Russell Banks novel, nonfiction on rediscovering the sacred in nature, and the collected journals of longtime Roman resident Milton Gendel.

This month, the editors are reading crime fiction, theology, and cultural criticism in the form of a not-manual.

The editors are reading Harry Crews’ memoir, theology for a fruitful future Church, and poetry from a convert and Commonweal contributor.

The editors read essays about library, about global theology, and poetry about family and grief.

The editors read nonfiction about the role of silence in classical music and the nature of remote work, plus poetry about our changing natural world.

The editors read about the site of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting; the corrosive effect of capitalism on the climate; and horror stories.

The editors read Léon Bloy, an exploration of what it means to “do theology Latinamente,” and a study of medieval technology.

This month, our editors are reading about building a society that correctly values labor and human dignity, and about the Catholicism of Joe Biden.

The editors read nonfiction about the American land, untold stories of undocumented workers, and a new perspective on how Christians might view Muhammad.

This month: surviving pain through poetry, surviving the climate apocalypse through new (and ancient) narratives, surviving the present through dystopian fiction.

This month, our editors are reading nonfiction about the Weil siblings and ending child poverty, and poetry about Latina women.

New books about Hong Kong, poetry, and the art of Giotto.

Letters from Ralph Ellison, a pocket-sized history of cathedrals, and short stories from Edwidge Danticat.

Books about the American political divide, medieval monastic life, and the vicissitudes of mental illness are on our nightstands this month.

Global warming, the rise of the Latino vote, and, of course, millennial socialism. New books to keep an eye out for next time you browse the bookstore.