Books

Dark Matter By Blake Crouch

'Dark Matter' Is A Jet-Propelled Science Thriller

by Jason Sheehan

Blake Crouch's new book — about a mild-mannered professor who's conked on the head and wakes up in another universe — doesn't make much sense, but it's a fast, tasty read with a killer twist.

Dentist Protagonists In Literature

Last week on the show author Dave Eggers and Scott Simon agreed that they couldn't think of any protagonists in fiction who are dentists. This week we have a correction, and literary dentist readings.
Lots of colleges have these reading programs; some are just for freshmen, and for others, the entire campus or local community joins in. The idea is that books will stir discussion — and unite a class or campus around a topic.

What College Freshmen Are Reading

by Elissa Nadworny

Book programs for freshmen — or a whole campus or community — are meant to spark discussion and unity. This year's picks at nine U.S. schools range from memoirs to political advice from 64 B.C.

Indie Bookseller Recommends 3 Vacation Reads

Nina Barrett, owner of Bookends and Beginnings in Evanston, Ill., recommends The Royal We by Heather Cox and Jessica Morgan, Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld and The Violet Hour by Katie Roiphe.