This week's book highlights are ready to take readers around the globe, back in time, and deep into human consciousness as we consider Mars on Earth, the captivating and lyrical travel memoir by American Mark Johnson, describing his expatriation to Chile and the beauty of the Atacama Desert; and Lost in Austin, British journalist Alex Hannaford's well-researched evaluation of the famously "weird" Texas capital; as well as The Bible: A Global History, Bruce Gordon's gripping account of literacy, bookmaking, and power; and Mindless, Robert Skidelsky's thoughtful reflection on AI and its implications for humanity's future. Plus, in Pick the Lock, A.S. King relies on her signature surrealism for a sensitive look at the emotional reality of domestic abuse faced by 16-year-old Jane as she finds empowerment and freedom.
In The Writer's Life, artist Maira Kalman highlights the subtle nuance that separates remorse from regret in discussing her new book, Still Life with Remorse, a charming, insightful, sometimes wistful collection of personal anecdotes and arresting illustrations.