THE TIME TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO MEDIEVAL ENGLAND: A HANDBOOK FOR VISITORS TO THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY, is a fabulous romp through times unimaginable. Don’t let the first chapter’s rather graphic depiction of overcrowding and the plague put you off. Historian Ian Mortimer is an excellent writer simply preoccupied by how people managed in another time. Truly a travelogue for those who might wax nostalgic about simpler times, readers will learn everything from what to wear (weasel if you’re royalty, homespun if you’re not), where to stay (inns, monasteries, or castles), and what to eat (bacon if you’re royalty, rats if you’re not). Only occasionally nauseating, it’s a fascinating read. (Hardcover, $26.00) Recommended by Kelly.

The subject of dysfunctional families is a cliche in literature, but with rich and diverse possibilities, when done right it can be a joy to read. THE LONELY POLYGAMIST taps into that realm with originality and empathy. I’ve been waiting for more from Brady Udall ever since reading his first novel, THE MIRACLE LIFE OF EDGAR MINT, back in 2001. Udall has finally returned and his success with this one makes the nine-year span between books understandable and well worth the wait. The story’s protagonist is Golden Richards, a southern Utah polygamist who juggles four wives, 28 children, a diaper-wearing dog, church duties, and a construction contracting business that has recently begun building a brothel in Nevada. When it seems things can’t possibly get more complicated, an overwhelmed Golden begins to fall for another woman. This book is less about the odd lifestyle of polygamy and more about the trials of a keeping a family (any family) together and, hopefully, happy. Udall’s greatest gift as a writer is his ability to create alternately heartbreaking and hilarious scenes with compassion for his characters as they search for meaning and acceptance. In THE LONELY POLYGAMIST he continues to succeed in grand fashion. Read an excerpt here To be released May 3. (Hardcover, 26.95) Recommended by Judd.

Have you been by our New & Forthcoming Mysteries page lately? We recently updated the list to include forthcoming titles through June.

In related news, check out the New York Times reviews of some new crime and mystery books.

For those of you familiar with the mystery, “Who in the Hell is Wanda Fuca?” By G.M. Ford, you are aware of this writer’s sense of humor.  That humor continues in NAMELESS NIGHT, not one of his Waterman or Corso series, but a fine suspense novel on its own.

Paul has been living in an assisted living home since an accident 7 years ago, which not only messed up his face, but left him unable to remember anything, even daily tasks.  He has another accident and the resultant surgery to his head starts releasing some memories.  In pursuit of his lost identity he stirs up government forces, which in the post 9/11 era puts him and those close to him in danger.  The action gets intense and scary, but the humor relieves the tension.  I will be reading more G.M. Ford novels even if it takes me into early morning, as this one did. (Paperback, $7.99) Recommended by Julie.

If you are like us, you miss the broadsheet newspaper — full of investigative reporting, in-depth feature writing, book reviews, comics and big, beautiful pictures that threaten to swallow you whole. The always-innovative McSweeney’s Quarterly has produced a beautiful one-time newspaper. THE PANORAMA is full of both the glory that the news used to be delivered in and the creative swagger for which McSweeney’s is known. Initial printings sold out quickly, but The Raven has received copies!

The issue has ovver 150 contributors, including journalism, features, reviews, and fiction by the likes of Michael Chabon, Stephen King, Dave Eggers, Miranda July, Bob Porterfield and William T. Vollman. Featuring a 16 page comics section with contributions from Art Spiegelman, Chris Ware and others, 16 pages of sports, a 96 page section about books and a food section. ($16).

WALKING ON WATER by Madeleine L’Engle

I read this book years ago and was reminded of it after recently reading Wrinkle in Time.  L’Engle is an author who submitted that novel 23 times before it was accepted, so she knows intimately the struggle between staying true to your inner vision and compromising to produce a salable commodity. She writes about her Christian faith and its intersection with creativity, but the book transcends the limit of a single faith perspective: it deals with the creative process flowing through the writer, artist, photographer, etc. when they allow themselves to be “vessels”.

An inspiring book for all the artists amongst us.  It reminded me of the fun I had with clay when I didn’t worry about the end product – like being a freed child.  (Hardcover, $13.99) Julie recommends.

CHASING VERMEER by Blue Balliet. $7.99.  This is the first of three in a series.  The book mixes mystery, puzzles, possibilities, and art as outsiders Petra and Calder become friends while trying to find a missing Vermeer painting.  Lots of excitement and challenge — really entices the reader to think about the Big Questions.  Ages 9 - 14.  Female and male protagonists.  Heidi recommends.

INTO THE WILD by John Krakauer. $7.99. Source of the recent movie of the same name, this account of Alexander Supertramp, the ill-fated Atlanta runaway out to seek a more purposeful life in Alaska, is at-once soulful and entertaining. A cautionary tale. Kelly recommends.

HIS DARK MATERIALS series by Philip Pullman. $7.50. Broken into three novels beginning with THE GOLDEN COMPASS, this series delves into fantasy with a twist, showing the devolution of the Roman Catholic Church into a repressive political system. These books will keep even adults up ‘til the wee hours.

THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton. $9.99. This classic story about the power and loyalties of teen street gangs has held up well with the passage of time. Kelly recommends.

ASTONISHING LIFE OF OCTAVIAN NOTHING series by M.T. Anderson. Winner of the National Book Award for Children, this first volume in a series of historical cliffhangers will appeal to the Gothic-loving child in your life. It’s full of creepy characters, ominous experiments, and intrigue. Kelly recommends.

Books by David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell. You can’t go wrong giving a teen books by America’s foremost humorists. You’ll seem so cool. Kelly recommends.