Books Best Read Out of the Cold

The Wager

by David Grann

From the Jacket

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Killers of the Flower Moon, a page-turning story of shipwreck, survival, and savagery, culminating in a court martial that reveals a shocking truth. The powerful narrative reveals the deeper meaning of the events on The Wager, showing that it was not only the captain and crew who ended up on trial, but the very idea of empire.

From the Discussion

"I was surprised by the easy read. I thought there was just the right amount of detail about shipbuilding, scurvy, and history and personalities to make the story flow quickly. If I didn’t know that it was factual, I would think that it was a fictional story."

—Peggy_H

"The author did a great job describing people and places. I could almost feel myself on those ships in turbulent waters holding my breath." —Ann_H

"I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a compelling story of survival."

—Maureen_Connolly

The Frozen River

by Ariel Lawhon

From the Jacket

From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small community.

From the Discussion

"I loved the book, could not put it down. The character development, the plot, the information about midwifery, the murder mystery, the drive for justice...This is a book club gem — soooo much to discuss!" —Susan_W

"One of my favorite reads of 2023 and makes for a perfect winter book. The story is gripping, atmospheric, and rich in historical detail." —Mitzi_K

See what people are saying in response to this question: "Martha and her daughters spend much of the novel immersed in everyday household labor such as making candles, baking bread, weaving, and killing chickens. Were there any 1780s tasks you've tried or would be interested to try for yourself?"

Countertexts and Shifting Perspectives

Dark Laboratory is an incredible reconfiguring of a historical moment that provides a new understanding of the current climate crisis and how it is intertwined with the legacies of colonialism.

One way of thinking about the book is as a countertext to commonly taught histories of globalization, colonialism, and climate change. A countertext is a text or narrative that presents events from a different perspective. They are most frequently studied in literary and sociological contexts, but, as Tao Leigh Goffe proves, they can be equally important when contemplating history and the environment. A countertext can be a work of nonfiction or fiction, but in both cases, it is meant to add to, intervene in, or counteract the narratives that readers might think they know well.

For example, Wide Sargasso Sea (1966) by Jean Rhys provides readers with a clear vision of Mr. Rochester's first wife from Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, through a postcolonial and feminist lens. ... continued

Article by Michelle Anya Anjirbag

Whether you're looking for something funny, serious, or both, we have your March reading covered.

We bring you an intriguing family drama from a Nobel laureate, a humorous character-driven debut set in a South Dakota town, a call to action on book bans from YA authors, and a new translation of a darkly comedic novel featuring a disabled woman's exploration of pleasure that won Japan's prestigious Akutagawa Prize.

Watch out for coverage of these books in upcoming issues of our digital magazine. ... continued