Who Wants Normal? The Disabled Girls’ Guide to Life by Frances Ryan review – countering the stereotypes
The journalist’s second book offers positivity in the face of the obstacles confronting disabled girls and women
Nova Scotia House by Charlie Porter review – a headlong rush through the turbulent Aids era
Porter’s urgent prose propels the reader into the gay scene of the 1980s and early 90s as his protagonist’s life is torn apart by the HIV crisis
Bird School by Adam Nicolson review – where are all our feathered friends?
The nature writer turns a beady eye on the fluctuating fortunes of bird species and considers why the past 60 years have seen such a drop in numbers
Mad House: new book exposes Capitol Hill’s absurdity and dysfunction
Reporters Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater shine a jaundiced spotlight on the foibles and foolishness of the US political class
Forgotten: Searching for Palestine’s Hidden Places and Lost Memorials review – existence is resistance
In mapping the Palestinian history and culture that persists despite Israeli suppression, Raja Shehadeh and Penny Johnson display a strength of purpose and a promise of hope
Greater Sins by Gabrielle Griffiths review – a dark discovery upturns a Scottish village
The unearthing of a woman’s body in a peat bog during the first world war is the catalyst for a gritty tale of secrets, guilt and desire
In brief: Uncommon Ground; The Pretender; All That Glitters – reviews
Patrick Galbraith debunks the cliches of country life; Jo Harkin’s auspicious debut brings the wars of the roses to life; and Orlando Whitfield’s impressive memoir illuminates his friendship with a fraudster
Erik Satie Three Piece Suite by Ian Penman review – the radical lord of light entertainment
This glorious biography of the whimsical, elusive French composer celebrates the depths of his seemingly sunny music and the impact he had on other forms
Name by Constance Debré review – a demolition of bourgeois life
The French author takes aim at marriage, childhood and her illustrious family name in the finale of a landmark autofictional trilogy
Knife by Salman Rushdie audiobook review – 27 seconds that changed everything
The author recalls the attack that almost killed him in an honest, terrifying and life-affirming memoir
The best science fiction, fantasy and horror – reviews roundup
Sleeper Beach by Nick Harkaway; Some Body Like Me by Lucy Lapinska; City of All Seasons by Oliver K Langmead & Aliya Whiteley; Rose/House by Arkady Martine; The Cat Bride by Charlotte Tierney
38 Londres Street by Philippe Sands review – Pinochet and the Nazis
A human rights lawyer skilfully gathers the threads that link the former Chilean dictator to a fugitive SS officer
The Evin Prison Bakers’ Club by Sepideh Gholian review – like no recipe book you’ve ever read
A political prisoner lifts the lid on the hardships and fantasies of inmates in Iran’s most notorious jail
I Ate the Whole World to Find You by Rachel Ang review – an unforgettable graphic novel
In their darkly comic story, the Melbourne artist leans into the possibilities of the graphic novel, charting a young woman’s frustrated attempts to be understood
Babe review – tale of the talking sheep-pig a charming relic of its time
A startling novelty 30 years ago, the film’s now antique effects and strange anti-Orwell farmyard tale feel dated, but is still a quaintly comfortable place to visit