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New paperbacks: Rainn Wilson, Mitch Albom and more


This month’s critic’s pick is Kill ’Em and Leave by James McBride (Spiegel & Grau, non-fiction, reprint)

McBride’s portrait of the late soul singer James Brown is “a feat of intrepid journalistic fortitude,” says reviewer Barry Singer. *** out of four stars

Also recently released:

It’s What I Do by Lynsey Addario (Penguin, non-fiction, reprint)

A memoir by the photographer who has been to many of the world's hot spots; with photos.

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom (Harper, fiction, reprint)

Fictional story of a singer/guitarist and his rise to stardom.

Game of Crowns by Christopher Andersen (Gallery, non-fiction, reprint)

Goes behind the palace walls to check in on “Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne.”

The Bassoon King by Rainn Wilson (Dutton, non-fiction, reprint)

Humorous memoir from the self-proclaimed “nerd”; includes a new chapter.

The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel (Spiegel & Grau, fiction, reprint)

A fable that weaves together three tales told over a number of decades; by the author of Life of Pi.

The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge by Charlie Lovett (Penguin, fiction, reprint)

In this amusing “update” of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, it’s 20 years later and old Scrooge is keeping Christmas year-round.

War of Two by John Sedgwick (NAL, non-fiction, reprint)

Attention Hamilton fans. This history recounts the conflict between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr that ended in a deadly duel.

The Passenger by Lisa Lutz (Simon & Schuster, fiction, reprint)

In this thriller, a woman on the run after her husband’s death assumes various identities.

Whatever Happened to Interracial Love? by Kathleen Collins (Ecco, fiction, paperback original)

Short stories about the African-American experience, by the filmmaker (Losing Ground) who died in 1988.

Fortunate Son by John Fogerty (Back Bay, non-fiction, reprint)

A memoir by the frontman of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll by Peter Guralnick (Back Bay, non-fiction, reprint)

A biography of the man behind Sun Records and its stars, among them Elvis Presley, Ike Turner and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Rosemary by Kate Clifford Larson (Mariner, non-fiction, reprint)

Tells the tragic story of Rosemary Kennedy, JFK’s sister, who was lobotomized when she was 23.