When bicycles were introduced in the 19th century, they were largely condemned as hazardous fads; nevertheless, by the end of the century, bicycling had become not only a crucial mode of transportation, but also a popular pastime. That popularity increased after the invention of a new, safer...

Fictional characters whose lives read like real-life news stories about war and political intrigue are brought into sharp focus in Inside Out, the new cutting-edge novel by Barry Eisler. Given their relevancy to today’s political climate, stories of torture, “ghost detainees” and...

Two macabre new releases filled with memorable characters will be discussed in a double author appearance this week at the Sugar Maple bar in Bay View.

The Marrowbone Marble Company offers more than just another depiction of a man aspiring to create his own utopia in the midst of post-World War II America. This sophomore release by Glenn Taylor assumes a harrowing and honest look at issues of race and class as told through the socially astute Loyal Ledford...

Located over 2,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Lake Michigan isn’t a likely Mecca for surfing aficionados; however, in the 1960s, the Williams brothers created a “Malibu of the Midwest” in Sheboygan, WI and their amazing tale that revolutionized surfing culture comes alive in William Povletich’s Some Like It Cold...

The Marrowbone Marble Company is not merely another depiction of a man aspiring to create his own utopia in the midst of post-World War II America. This sophomore release by Glenn Taylor is a harrowing and honest look at issues of race and class as told through the socially astute acumen of Loya...

Harry Potter may have brought mainstream America to greater awareness of magic, spells and wizardry, but J.K. Rowling isn’t the only author with a handle on the fantastical. Author Robin Hobb recently released Dragon Haven, the second work in the trilogy known as “The Rain Wild Chronicles...

Jean Kwok offers a fresh, clever take on the immigrant experience in her debut novel, Girl in Translation. At the heart of this semi-autobiographical tale is Kimberly, a bright young girl who moves from Hong Kong to Brooklyn at the age of 11. Like many newly arrived...