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An American Abroad [4]
Not all of these stories satisfy, but at least Ken Kalfus has dared to take a few chances.
— Steven Robert Allen, WEEKLY ALIBI
 
Love Stinks [5]
Czech writer Ivan Klima's short-story collection "Lovers for a Day" paints a discouraging portrait on love in a Cold War country.
— Adam Kirsch, THE BOSTON PHOENIX
 
Avrum Organick's Blessings [6]
A thinly disguised autobiography, Organick's book will appeal most to those who question the ongoing clash and blending of cultures.
— Steve Devitt, WEEKLY ALIBI
 

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Poor House [7]
In his reworked edition of "The Underclass," Ken Auletta takes a hard look at the underbelly of the American economy.
— Damon Smith, THE BOSTON PHOENIX
 
Creating Identity [8]
In his battle to resolve the seemingly endless disparities of being "Edward," Said never quite makes his point.
— Leigh Rich, TUCSON WEEKLY
 
Bob Zmuda's Andy Kaufman Revealed! Best Friend Tells All! [9]
A candid document of the comedian's private life and career.
— Mladen Baudrand, WEEKLY ALIBI
 
Now What? [10]
Love to read? Need some clever ideas? Our library of resources and staff picks are guaranteed to turn on plenty of mental light bulbs via your electrified eye sockets.
— WEEKLY WIRE
 

he Harry Potter books are favorites with lots of young people -- and their parents -- but an appearance by the author of the series at a Chicago bookstore doesn't have much to do with reading.

Two decades ago, university presses had a reputation for publishing books that were either quaintly local or unreadably erudite. Today, university presses' catalogs are filled with works designed to attract the general educated reader.

A revised and updated edition of Ken Auletta's groundbreaking "The Underclass" is a carefully balanced assessment of social policy and human behavior that courageously attacks thorny questions of race and class.

Plus, short stories from an American abroad and a Czech enamored, a glimpse of Andy Kaufman's life, and more.

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Writer's Block [2]
It's hands-off J.K. Rowling at a "Harry Potter" book signing.
— Brett McNeil, NEWCITY CHICAGO
 
Learning Process [3]
Regional university presses offer stimulation for the eye and brain.
— Diann Blakely, NASHVILLE SCENE
 

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