Why I picked it up? This book is making the rounds and was recommended by several friends. I enjoyed the author’s other works Say Nothing, which is about the IRA and Empire of Pain, about the Sacklers and the opioid crisis. At heart, Radden Keefe is an investigative reporter and his portrait of modern London is fascinating and appalling.

Who would I pass it on to? My nephew Joe. He took a spur of the moment trip to London recently. Not much older, he would find this tragic tale of a young man, who tries to shortcut success via tall tales and hubris mesmerizing.

Author: Patrick Radden Keefe
Published: 2026

Why I picked it up? After watching the Britbox series “Outrageous,” I was curious to know more about a family both famous and infamous as authors, fascists and English nobility. Much has been written about the six sisters, but this book focuses on their mother.

Who would I pass it on to? I’ve recommended it to many people trying to understand our current political climate. But specifically, I would send it to my friend Jean who longs for civil discourse and cares very much.

Author: Rachel Trethewey
Published: 2026

A little bookshelf roulette drew me to a red spine and then a cover bursting with spring vegetables. So a friend and I set out to make dinner from a new cookbook. A souvenir from a recent trip - Sicily: The Cookbook Recipes Rooted in Tradition by Melissa Muller was the choice. It turns our that this was perfect for a summer evening. To fuel our cooking with had a simple apero board featuring fresh figs and an aged Sicilian balsamic vinegar.