The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves, by Matt Ridley (Harper Perennial), is, as its title suggests, a book of bold optimism that covers economics, technology, innovation, and the daily lives of human beings as they, according to Ridley, rapidly improve in almost every way. Using evidence from science and history to validate his own hopefulness and the hopefulness he attempts to impart to the reader, The Rational Optimist examines human life and advancements starting 200,000 years ago, passing the present day, and continuing on to almost 100 years in the future. Even if you do not agree with Ridley's laissez-faire opinions (he opens with a quote from Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations), his anthropological insight and quirky writing style make this a fast and entertaining read that's also insightful and informative.
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter, by Mark Seal (Viking), is a true crime tale with the high-speed pace of a thriller and the hard facts of a stranger-than-fiction account. Seal explores the life and lies of Clark Rockefeller, aka Christian Gerhartsreiter (and a host of other aliases) in the story of how one man fooled strangers, friends, and the woman he was married to for over a decade. Had he not attempted to kidnap his daughter, his true identity may never have come to light, and neither would a series of other possible crimes, including murder. The story, which smacks of both the fictionalized true tale of Catch Me if You Can and the sinister feel of The Talented Mr. Ripley, delves into the layers of secrets and lies of the imposter Rockefeller. Seal leaves a lot of questions unanswered, and the story continues to unfold in real life every day. This is a book you won't want to miss and a story that won't leave you even after you've turned the last page.
"There Are Things I Want You to Know" About Stieg Larsson and Me, by Eva Gabrielsson with Marie-Francoise Colombani (Seven Stories Press), is recommended for fans of Stieg Larrson's Millennium Trilogy, which includes the international sensation The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Much controversy surrounds Gabrielsson, the domestic partner of Larsson for over three decades who, under Swedish law, was given no claim to the author's estate. Oftentimes bitter and sometimes strange, "There are Things" recounts Gabrielsson's life with and without Larsson, addresses many of the perceived wrongs aimed at the two of them, and shows some insight into the decisions made for the characters and settings of the trilogy. A contemplative work unlike Larsson's thrillers in pacing and style, Gabrielsson's memoir shows new perspective on the man and the books that shook the literary world.
One Summer, by David Baldacci (Grand Central), is not the kind of book readers have come to expect from the action author. Having proven himself a master of thrillers, Baldacci turns now to a sentimental story of family, love and loss, and the fight for life and connection. Terminally ill Jack Armstrong is making peace with his impending death and saying goodbye to his loved ones when his wife Lizzy is killed in a car accident on an icy road. His household is divided as the children are sent to different guardians and Jack is sent to a hospice to die alone. Miraculously, his health improves. One Summer is the story of Jack's reunion with his children and the trip they take together to Lizzy's childhood home on a South Carolina beach. The book is endearing and heartfelt, a great beach read. Great for Baldacci fans and new readers alike.
