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Writer, critic and humorist Damon Young chronicles his efforts to endure the battles that come with being black; the beauty of his book is that he never tries to make it comfortable for his audience.

The depth of Margaret Leslie Davis' research on the tome's history cannot be understated — her writing is straightforward and, at times, heartbreaking, but outstanding reporting lies at the core.

Alex Kotlowitz's new book amplifies the words of those who have witnessed tragedy and makes their experiences available to readers — a chronicle that is painful but also necessary.

Part thriller, part noir, and part tropical gothic, Morris Collins' debut novel follows a New York photographer on a dangerous and increasingly surreal journey through Central America.

Akashic Books' Noir series continues with a visit to Amsterdam — and finding the shadowy side of a peaceful city where crime is low proves a challenge for editors René Appel and Josh Pachter.

Chaya Bhuvaneswar's new collection can be a hard read at times — she doesn't shy away from the difficulties of the immigrant experience in America. But these stories also offer a core of hope.