by Daniel Kehlmann; translated by Ross Benjamin This biographical novel centered on the Austrian filmmaker G.W. Pabst doubles as a study of art in the shadow of totalitarianism. After finding fame with silent films like “Pandora’s Box,” Pabst finds himself stuck in Europe as the Nazis come to power and compelled to make movies for … Read more
Ian Kumekawa’s new book, “Empty Vessel,” promises in its subtitle to tell “the story of the global economy in one barge.” Along those lines, you could think of our recommended books this week as the story of the global economy in one list: Besides Kumekawa’s book, we suggest fiction and nonfiction set in Mexico, Germany, … Read more
LITTLE BOSSES EVERYWHERE: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America, by Bridget Read So enduring is the image of America’s door-to-door salesman — beguiling, relentless — that it can be easy to forget that the junk he is selling is often less pernicious than the junk he’s being sold. Neighbors might resent his hawking microwaves and … Read more
Dear readers, Anyone who is bad at meditating will be familiar with the tension that obtains when you try to force serenity. Nothing could be more aggravating than being told to relax — especially when you’re issuing the order yourself. In lieu of attempting to clear my head through more direct means, I’ve been gravitating … Read more
