An Improbable Psychiatrist by Rebecca Lawrence review – doctor turned patient
A brave memoir from a psychiatrist with severe mental illness that describes a failing system from within
The City and Its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami review – a labour of love
On his third attempt, the author finally sets down a story that has haunted him for decades
That Librarian by Amanda Jones review – one woman’s brave fight against book banning
A small-town US librarian’s lively account of her battle with a group of far-right censors reveals the toll it took on her health
Crime and thrillers of the month – review
A French assassin whose memory is failing; murders in a Swedish town that no one can leave; and some light crime-solving during an Australian Christmas
Rebel Musix, Scribe on a Vibe by Vivien Goldman review – hanging with the punks and the Rastas
From Bob Marley embracing the Clash to Brian Eno hurling his phone against a wall, this wide-ranging collection of music writing evokes an era in which journalists and musicians existed side by side
Freedom by Angela Merkel review – settling scores with silence
The former German chancellor slights her enemies by barely mentioning them – and is frustratingly opaque on her own big calls
The Memoir: Part One by Cher – a gutsy tale of showbiz survival
The first chapter of the superstar performer’s recollections is full-blooded and hearty, but only hints at her real persona
Downfall by Nadine Dorries review – a grubby business
The former Tory MP’s sequel to The Plot – her story of the ousting of Boris Johnson – is absurd and, for all the talk of Tory members, pretty dull
Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know by Mark Lilla review – the enduring power of stupidity
A New York scholar’s study of our long history of acclaiming the fool and ignoring the facts is timely and terrifically witty
The Chronicles of Doom review – unmasking hip-hop’s peerless prankster
SH Fernando Jr’s exhaustive biography of MF Doom takes us on the underground rapper’s strange musical journey from New York suburb to Yorkshire social club
Bill Clinton grapples with his past in memoir – too much, too little, too late
The 42nd president’s book is a prolonged stroll down memory lane that never quite reaches a desired destination
The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze by William Saroyan review – vividly crafted Depression-era tales
The US author’s debut collection from 1934 focuses on impoverished individuals in precarious times using language that is punchy and full of compassion
In brief: Boy from the Valleys; The Wood at Midwinter; A Bird in Winter – review
Actor Luke Evans’s affecting childhood memoir; a haunting illustrated novella by Susanna Clarke; and a riveting female-centred spy thriller
Citizen: My Life After the White House by Bill Clinton review – convivial without being confidential
In this account of his years after leaving office, Clinton is a hyperactive and loquacious presence, helping out in disaster zones and pontificating about public service – but he reveals little about his private life
The Strangers by Ekow Eshun review – five Black pioneers
From Malcolm X to Justin Fashanu, Eshun uses historical figures to illuminate contemporary struggles – and his own alienation