Long before opening the New York Times acclaimed Red Rooster in Harlem, Marcus Samuelsson was an orphan in Ethiopia. Marcus and his sister survived an early battle with tuberculoses and were soon adopted. After working in several European restaurants, cruise ship kitchens, and eventually obtaining a celebrity chef status, Marcus has made his home in New York City.

(Harper Perennial, March) by Nick Arvin

John Shors’ latest masterpiece is a journey through Asian culture—and the chaos of the heart.