Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for May 16–22
This week, we feature a riveting biography of a late 16th-century artist and an insightful account of one woman's unlikely challenge to forego screens.
Biography
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By Andrew Graham-Dixon
He is known as Caravaggio, though his name, which the artist adopted, stems from the city in which he was born. His childhood was inflicted by the horrors of the Black Plague, and his life and art often reflected the horrific and painful. Creating works of unmistakable originality, Caravaggio is one of the masters, known for his usage of light and shadow. Graham-Dixon has unearthed a volatile artist, presenting him in the same ferocity with which he lived his life.
W.W. Norton, 2012, 544 pages
Nonfiction
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By Hannah Brencher
The heart of this book—which combines personal anecdotes and reflections on matters of spirit, religious faith, and culture—is the author's challenge: to endure 1,000 unplugged hours in one year. Feeling worn down and empty in 2021, Brencher got what she calls one of her nudges: to turn off her phone and keep turning it off. Here, she recreates that journey of reengaging with people and nature. It's an excellent reminder of the benefits and blessings received when we take some time away from our screens.
Zondervan, 2024, 272 pages
Energy
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By Rebecca Tuhus-Dubrow
Nuclear energy is regaining favor with some environmentalists. They see it as a green alternative to fossil fuel, but with greater reliability and smaller environmental impact than solar. It led to a 2024 decision to keep California's last nuclear plant open. This book explains how the reversal happened. It explores the emergence of a 21st-century nuclear power renaissance and shows how environmentalists joined forces with traditional nuclear advocates to create a reappraisal of nuclear energy.
Algonquin Books, 2025, 288 pages
Historical Fiction
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By L. Sprague De Camp
Best known for his science fiction, De Camp also wrote five historical novels set in ancient times. Xerxes, King of Persia, desires immortality. His court magician claims Xerxes can get it with an elixir made from the blood of a dragon and the heart of a hero. He tells Xerxes that dragons live in the southern Nile River. Xerxes commutes the death sentence of Bessas of Zarispa, an officer, with promise of a pardon if Bessas returns with a dragon. This tale follows Bessas's adventures seeking a dragon.
Phoenix Pick, 2013, 382 pages
Classics
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By Boris Pasternak
Set in Russia between the Revolution of 1905 and World War II, this 1957 novel roused enormous controversy, won the Nobel Prize for the author, and became a smash Hollywood hit in 1965. Physician and poet Yuri Zhivago, his family, and his love for Lara are at the story's heart, but the book is fascinating as well for its many discussions about Russia, history, art, faith, and more. Banned by the Soviets until 1988, Pasternak's romantic saga remains a warning against the dangers and cruelty of Marxism.
Vintage, 2011, 704 pages
For Kids
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By Alice and Martin Provensen
French aviator Louis Blériot made the first powered airplane flight across the English Channel on July 25, 1909. This story begins with the Blériot family living in Cambrai, France in the year 1901 and depicts how Papa Blériot was inspired to fly and came to accomplish this monumental feat. It's a story of persistence, innovation, and family love.
Puffin Books, 1987, 40 pages
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