From 'American Dirt' to 'Why We Can't Sleep': 20 of the best books out this February

Are you still on a mission to read a tome (or two) a month after making all those New Year's promises to yourself? This new batch of books will have you exceeding that limit in no time. From the greatest works of non-fiction and a set of intriguing novels, these are the best books out on shelves this February. by Ezra Klein The co-founder of Vox offers a framework for understanding the American political system, from Trump's rise to the Democratic Party's leftward shift and the politicisation of everyday culture. by Lisa Gardner Three of the bestselling author's most beloved characters come together in a twist-filled new thriller that sees the trio investigate a mysterious murder from the past, and uncover a deceased serial kidnapper's most sinister secret yet. by Charles Yu Charles Yu playfully yet masterfully incorporates Hollywood tropes and Asian stereotypes in this deeply personal novel that explores matters of race, pop culture and escaping the roles society expects us to adopt. by David G Marwell A former Justice Department official, who was chief of investigative research at the Office of Special Investigations in the 1980s, unpicks the life of one of the world's most notorious war criminals: Josef Mengele. This biography of the infamous Nazi doctor comes from a man who worked his case, interviewed his victims and visited the scenes of his crimes. by Tanis Gray If you thought there was no angle left to explore in the Hogwarts universe, this book is here to prove you're wrong. It's the first official Harry Potter knitting book, with a guide to creating more than 25 themed knits based on the beloved series. Think school scarves and even Mrs Weasley's Christmas sweaters. It's a true fan must-have. by Carol Leonnig and Philip Rucker The Pulitzer Prize winners provide a new insider narrative of Donald Trump’s presidency. The book relays scores of exclusive new interviews with some of the most senior members of the Trump administration and also take a closer look inside Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and the president's defense. by Jeanine Cummins On the one hand, this book was hailed as "a Grapes of Wrath for our times", while on the other Latin American critics accused it of stereotyping and racism. Nonetheless, American Dirt has had people talking. It follows a mother and her son Luca as they flee their Mexican hometown after her husband publishes a tell-all profile about the boss of the city's newest drug cartel. It explores the hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for hope. by Isabel Allende Isabel Allende, author of bestseller The House of the Spirits , really shows off her writing chops in this epic piece of historical fiction that spans decades and continents, following two young people as they escape the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War and look for somewhere to call home. She explores topics of hope, exile and belonging. by Matt Parker If, at school, you wondered when you'd ever end up using what you'd learnt in maths class, then this book is for you. Matt Parker uncovers strange ways maths has tripped us up in the past – with examples involving the internet, big data, elections, lotteries and even the Roman Empire – and what this reveals about its essential place in our world. by William Gibson From the writer who coined the term "cyberspace" and popularised it in his 1984 novel Neuromancer comes this new science-fiction thriller heavily influenced by current events. It's a thought-provoking piece taking place in the years 2017 and 2136 with the complex concept of virtual time travel across parallel universes via remote telepresence (and in the form of avatars) at its heart. by Amber Rae In the words of renowned author and alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra: "Amber Rae's very personal journey of moving from self-limiting beliefs to her true self offers inspiring insights and lessons for anyone wanting to unfold their infinite potential." by Ransom Riggs The newest installment in the bestselling Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series sees Jacob Portman's story take a brave leap forward as he endeavours to save Noor Pradesh, the subject of an ancient prophecy that foretells a looming apocalypse. by Rick Wilson The longtime Republican strategist and author of Everything Trump Touches Dies is back with a no-holds-barred guidebook to making Donald Trump a one-term president, something he says can only happen if the Democrats run to win in 2020. by Anna Wiener Anna Wiener left a job in publishing to join the world of startups in Silicon Valley and now she's penned this defining memoir for the digital age. It offers a first-person glimpse into an ambitious, reckless startup culture at a time when it was barely regulated. Part coming-of-age story, part portrait of a bygone era, Uncanny Valley is a cautionary tale. by Megan Angelo Social media star wannabes Orla and Floss live 35 years behind Marlow, who has 12 million followers and resides in a monitored California village built just for celebrities. But Followers traces their paths as they wind towards each other and a cataclysmic event. It's a darkly funny story that reminds us that what we actually crave in life is genuine human connection. by Ada Calhoun When Ada Calhoun began experiencing her midlife crisis, she set out on a mission to find answers, and discovered Generation X women, the ones raised to "have it all", are mostly miserable, exhausted and overwhelmed. She opens up the cultural and political contexts behind this predicament. by Marie Benedict The New York Times bestselling author is back with a novel that focuses on Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston, an ambitious woman who did not flinch as the darkness of war descended. Liz Moore Two once-inseperable sisters have found themselves at odds in the midst of America's opioid crisis. Kacey is an addict, while Mickey joined the police. When Kacey disappears at the same time as a mysterious string of murders begins, Mickey becomes obsessed with finding the culprit – and her sister. by Martha Stewart Move over Marie Kondo, as one of America's most trusted lifestyle authorities offers guidance, methods and DIY projects for organising in and around your home. From room-by-room strategies to seasonal advice, this might just become the new go-to bible for organisation in 2020. by Elizabeth Kendall This updated edition of Elizabeth Kendall's 1981 memoir about her relationship with one of the world's most notorious serial killers includes a new introduction and afterword, never-before-seen photos and a chapter from Kendall's daughter, Molly, who is sharing her story for the first time. _________________ Read more: Why 'The Book Thief' author Markus Zusak believes 'a little bit of ignorance can go a long way' House of Wisdom: Sharjah's high-tech library will open in April 'Everything is so incredibly depressing': Indian author Kunal Basu on why he writes fiction _________________

From 'American Dirt' to 'Why We Can't Sleep': 20 of the best books out this February

From non-fiction works on American politics to Harry Potter knitting patterns and fictionalised goings-on in Mexico, these are the top books to read now