This Month

This month, it's all about shape-shifters, illusionists, and con men. Kelly Link explains how she spellbinds readers of all ages, while Lee Israel shares secrets of forging hilarious letters by Noël Coward and Dorothy Parker. There are some equally devious books under review: Russian novelist Victor Pelevin's madcap werewolf love story, Jonathan Ames' graphic novel about alcoholism and recovery, and Rick Perlstein's epic biography of Tricky Dick. We also consider Steve Toltz's Booker-nominated sensation from Down Under, a new translation of Pinocchio, and a comprehensive history of the joke.