biography

The author recounts the stories, wisdom, wit, and idiosyncrasies of his father, a Russian immigrant grocer.

Discusses life in the streets in the Bronx during the late eighties and early nineties as the author recounts his time searching for an identity and escape from poverty while surrounded by drugs and violent crime before finally moving to Virginia.

Chronicles Edward Ball's investigation into his family history, discussing how his finding of hair in an old family desk prompted him to begin the research and what he was able to learn through DNA analysis and fingerprinting.

Traces the history of nomads in the United States, including truckers, tramps, rodeo cowboys, concert followers, traders, and retirees, and discusses how they have influenced the development of America.

Explores the life of Alice Pleasance Liddell Hargreaves, who was the inspiration for Carroll Lewis's character Alice; and discusses her legacy.

Biography of Siberian-born mystic Grigori Rasputin, discussing his religious visions and conversion, disagreements with the Russian Orthodox church, relationships and influence upon the Romanovs, and murder at the hands of a nobleman.

Mira Kamdar recounts her efforts to rediscover her roots and learn more about her Indian heritage.

Poet Nick Flynn describes his childhood in Massachusetts, which ended when his mother committed suicide; chronicles his years as a caseworker at a homeless shelter, where he met his absent father, a homeless, alcoholic con-man and would-be writer, for the first time; and reflects upon the parallels between their lives.