Animal’s People
By Indra Sinha
Simon & Schuster, $15
A chemical accident leaves a man’s bones so twisted he walks on all fours in this powerful novel of what it means to be human.
Body Copy
By Michael Craven
Harper, $13.99
A formerly famous Malibu surfer becomes a detective in this murder mystery.
General Lee’s Army: From Victory to Collapse
By Joseph T. Glatthaar
Free Press, $18.95
The author, a professor of history, deeply researches the soldiers in Robert E. Lee’s Northern Virginia army and the society they fought to preserve.
The House on Mango Street
By Sandra Cisneros
Vintage, $10.95
The 25th anniversary edition of Cisneros’ collection of vignettes set in a Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago.
In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams
By Tahir Shah
Bantam, $13
The author uses his family’s history of storytelling to describe Morocco and to assist him on a quest to find his own identity.
In the Ring: The Trials of a Washington Lawyer
By Robert S. Bennett
Three Rivers Press, $15.95
This super-lawyer’s memoir traces his path to political drama and high-profile clients.
Note By Note: A Celebration of the Piano Lesson
By Tricia Tunstall
Simon & Schuster, $13
A homage to the piano teacher-student relationship, including lessons, recitals and self-discovery.
People are Unappealing: Even Me
By Sara Barron
Three Rivers Press, $13.95
This comedic memoir follows the author’s childhood in Chicago’s suburbs and her big move to New York City, highlighting her ridiculous experiences and encounters along the way.
The Scavengers’ Manifesto
By Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson
Tarcher, $14.95
The eco-minded “Scavenomics” philosophy that takes “recycle and reuse” to a new level.
Shakespeare’s Wife
By Germaine Greer
Harper Perennial, $14.99
Incorporating research and creative speculation, this portrait of Ann Hathaway, the Bard’s wife, proves to be a rebuttal to the many Shakespeare scholars who have been harsh toward her.
Sit, Ubu, Sit: How I Went from Brooklyn to Hollywood with the Same Woman, the Same Dog, and a Lot Less Hair
By Gary David Goldberg
Three Rivers Press, $13.95
Tales of the award-winning television writer/producer’s Hollywood career.
The Sorrows of an American
By Siri Hustvedt
Picador, $14
This novel of secrets and sadness offers its characters little relief from their troubled lives.
