Jessica Simpson is an 'Open Book'

Also this week: Our March kids' books column, critics' picks and more [Open Book, by Jessica Simpson]( In her new memoir, Open Book, Jessica Simpson writes honestly about her career as a pop singer, her marriage to and divorce from Nick Lachey, her stint on reality TV, and her time with John Mayer. And she reflects on becoming a fashion mogul with a billion-dollar company. But she also opens up about sexual abuse she experienced in childhood — and addiction. "There's never been a moment in my life that I've been more honest with myself," [she tells NPR's Lulu Garcia-Navarro](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- [The Splendid and the Vile, by Erik Larson]( Author Erik Larson has transported readers to many times and places — from the 1893 World's Fair in The Devil in the White City to the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania in Dead Wake. We're proud to be able to bring you an [exclusive First Read]( of Larson's newest book, The Splendid and the Vile, a chronicle of Winston Churchill's first year as prime minister. Our critic Michael Schaub says The Splendid and the Vile is "nearly impossible to put down" -- [check out his full review here.]( [from Ghost River, by Weshoyot Alvitre]( Weshoyot Alvitre/Library Company of Philadelphia Ghost River: The Fall and Rise of the Conestoga is a new graphic novel and art exhibit that depicts a gruesome, footnoted event in American history — the 1763 Conestoga Massacre. Our pals at Code Switch talked to the people behind the artwork -- [find that conversation here.]( [This Brilliant Darkness, by Jeff Sharlet]( This Brilliant Darkness is a book born of insomnia and illness. It's a collection of snapshots and written profiles by author Jeff Sharlet that take us deep into other people's lives -- and in doing so, it tells his own story. "It's bookended by two heart attacks, my father's, and then two years later, my own," [he tells NPR's Ari Shapiro](. "I'm a journalist, and my life was sort of falling apart and the only way I knew how to put it together was through stories." [Jake the Fake Keeps it Real, by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach]( Our kids' books columnist Juanita Giles says her tween son wants nothing more than to be funny -- and she's at her wits' end trying to find books for him that are funny without being mean. "There were a lot of false starts, and a LOT of reading aloud at the breakfast table that I could have lived without," [she writes](. "But then (cue triumphant music) ... Jake the Fake arrived." Finally this week, critic Ericka Taylor says Hood Feminism " [thoughtfully and deliberately takes mainstream feminism to task]( Michael Schaub calls Little Constructions a "[bizarre and dark fever dream of a book]( that asks serious questions about misogyny. And Martha Anne Toll [takes a look at]( Supreme Inequality, which makes the case that Supreme Court decisions have widened the wealth gap. [Hood Feminism, by Mikki Kendall]( [Little Constructions, by Anna Burns]( [Supreme Inequality, by Adam Cohen]( — Happy reading! --------------------------------------------------------------- What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [books@npr.org](mailto:books@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Pop Culture, Code Switch and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Books emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](