On this edition of The Weekly REader, we review two new books steeped in back-of-the house tales of intrigue, drugs, general excess, and of course, mind-blowing International travel and cuisine: California Soul, by Keith Corbin and Kevin Alexander, and The Lemon, by S. E. Boyd. 

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When you think of the future, what do you imagine? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels with a decidedly dystopian view of things to come: "Vigil Harbor" by Julia Glass, and "The Displacements" by Bruce Holsinger. 

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Move over, Oliver Twist! Step aside, Lil Orphan Annie! I’m Lisa Morgan and today on The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new books that remind us that be it the Victorian Era, the roaring twenties, or the present day, “coming of age” can be tricky business. Hi, Marion!

"Coming of Age" can be a tricky business. Just look at Oliver Twist and Little Orphan Annie! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new books that prove that growing up is as hard today as it was in the Victorian Era and the Roaring Twenties: Barbara Kingsolver's "Demon Copperhead" and Jonathan Escoffery's "If I Survive You." 

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, scary stories just in time for Halloween! Our book critic Marion Winik reviews two new frighteningly good books: "Bliss Montage" by Ling Ma, and "Motherthing" by Ainslie Hogarth. 

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we turn once again to one of the most beloved and prolific writers we know: Elin Hilderbrand. We review the short story collection "Endless Summer" and the audio version of "The Matchmaker." 

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What makes Texas such fertile ground for tall tales and great storytellers? O this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels brimming with Texas twang and swagger: Bobby Finger's "The Old Place" and Stacy Swann's "Olympus, Texas." 

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In the 21st century, the American Dream comes in a lot of flavors. On this edition of  The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fitting in, making friends, and staying true to yourself while finding your way: "American Fever" by Dur e Aziz Amna and "The Life and Times of Hoodie Rosen" by Isaac Blum.

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Oh, Hollywood! So much glamour, so much power, so many stars! On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels that remind us once again that not all that glitters is gold: Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra, and Mr. Wilder and Me by Jonathan Coe.

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we praise funny books and the women who write them: our reviews of "Bookish People" by Susan Coll and "The Means" by Amy Fusselman. 

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What is it about rich people? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about fabulous people leading glamorous lives, but things aren't quite what they seem: "The Work Wife" by Allison B. Hart and "The Club" by Ellery Lloyd. 

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