Sex is everywhere in 1913 Vienna, but the consequences are murky.

Inspired by the lives of her own grandparents, who came to America from northern Italy in the early 20th century, Adriana Trigiani’s new book might be considered the ur-story behind her string of heartwarming family sagas. It’s an old-fashioned, romantic tale of two star-tangled lovers, Enza Ravanelli and Ciro Lazzari. Beginning in the Italian Alps, the story travels to New York’s Little Italy, a Hoboken factory, backstage at the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota’s Iron Range and the trenches of France. A love story, yes, but also a paean to artisanal work, food, friendship and family.

Former Secretary of State examine the past from a Czech point of view.

In the sinewy, dark illustrated memoir <span class="italic">Fun Home</span>, Alison Bechdel combined her own lesbian coming-out story with a blazing portrait of her father, a tyrannical funeral director and obsessive Victorian-house restorer who was also a closeted gay man and possibly a suicide.

Taschen launches a limited edition photo book on The Beatles that features iconic pictures by Harry Benson.

With daring humor and compassion, John Irving examines the shifting tides of sexuality.

A Carnival King watches a Caribbean nation come into being.

“I just reread Homer’s <span class="italic">The Iliad</span> because of my book, which really sort of resurrected the Trojan War in my mind. I’ve read parts of it in Greek in my college days, and I wanted to reread it. It is the most stunning description of war ever, with so much relevance to our lives to day, and it’s absolutely beautiful poetry. I love it.”

Pop’s most successful female songwriter finally opens up about her past.

Reporter examines the ingrained allure of routine.