Nonfiction: Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry (2008 by Simon & Schuster). An award-winning author discusses his other life, the one in which he's a book scout, a seller of antiquarian books, and a life-time reader of women's travel. It all started with a gift, a box of 19 books, from an elusive uncle, a gift that showed McMurtry the possibilities (and the beauty) of literature

Fiction...read more

19:11:35Nonfiction: The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow (2008 by Pantheon Books). A 16th-century gambling addict makes a discovery that lays the groundwork for Einstein's statistical approach to physics. The book also lays out a strong argument for keeping on coaches who've suffered through losing seasons.

Fiction: In Custody by Anita Desai (1999 by...read more

When I have conversations with readers, the most common question is about what I'm reading, where I get my information. So from time to time, I'll be listing my favorite recent reads and an interesting Web site or two in the category "What I'm Reading."

Nonfiction: How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer (2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Interweaving fascinating stories of poker players...read more