Best Of: Why Do We Itch? / Writer Richard Price

Set in Harlem in 2008, 'Lazarus Man' follows the aftermath of a five-story tenement collapse that kills several people. The story centers around Anthony Carter, a 42-year-old unemployed biracial schoolteacher and recovering cocaine addict, who is miraculously pulled from the rubble 36 hours after the collapse. Carter's survival sets off a media frenzy and transforms him into an unlikely motivational speaker. The novel weaves together the lives of several characters, including police detective Mary Roe, young freelance photographer Felix Pearl, and others, as they navigate the community's response to the tragedy and Carter's newfound role as a symbol of hope.

In this collection, Billy Collins writes about the joys and mysteries of daily life. The poems delve into the ordinary, highlighting the beauty and irony that can be found in everyday experiences. As a former Poet Laureate of the United States and New York Times bestselling author, Collins brings his signature style and depth to these new works.

The book tells the story of a young pup named Amaya who is rescued by an aging wolf from a terrifying encounter with his pack. The unlikely pair embarks on a journey to follow the moon in an attempt to reunite Amaya with her parents. Along the way, they face various obstacles such as eerie woods and forgotten cities, and learn profound lessons about love, sacrifice, and the importance of embracing change. The story is a moving reflection on love, loss, grief, and growth, accompanied by stunning artwork from James Norbury.