(Alfred A. Knopf)

The author, a former foreign minister of Mexico, looks at contradictory characteristics of Mexico and its people: For example, Mexicans traditionally avoid conflict, he writes, though the nation is plagued by violence. Castañeda, who teaches politics and Latin Ameri­can studies at New York University, examines the ways in which such contradictions may hinder Mexico’s progress.

(Princeton University Press)

In this collection of 38 poems, a follow-up to his debut, Tom Thomson in Purgatory, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award, Jollimore takes the reader on a journey through bowling alleys, bookstores, movie theaters, and the vastness of outer space while exploring philosophical concepts, particularly the individual’s relationship to the larger world. Jollimore teaches philosophy at California State University, Chico.

(Wrong Records)

The 11 tracks on this CD feature Gerson singing a selection of traditional, country, and folk songs, half of which, she says, are murder ballads that tell stories of domestic violence. Gerson will perform a series of benefit house-concerts for organizations that work to prevent domestic violence; proceeds from the album will be donated to such organizations. A singer/songwriter, Gerson also is a vocal coach.