In the Land of the Nobles there is a plant called the xunhua. Its life is very short. It sprouts in the morning and dies the same evening. It is 1989, Beijing. Dai Wei, son of a labeled Rightist during China's Cultural Revolution, is a PhD student in Biology at Beijing University. He spends his free time discussing politics, playing mahjong and thinking about girls. He is head of security for the Beijing Students' Federation, a pro-democracy union started by old friends, and has ambitions of moving to America with long-time girlfriend Tian Yi. On June 4th, he is shot in the head in Tiananmen Square.

At once political testimony, hopeful romance, and psychological exploration, Beijing Coma is the story of Dai Wei's journey through his own body. As the China around him barrels toward modernity, Dai Wei is left with his past. Uncovering memories deeply webbed into flesh, Dai Wei peels away his vivid account of events leading to the Tiananmen Square Massacre, three powerful love affairs, and the dark childhood memories of a fearful and changing China.

Not simply political commentary, Ma Jian's Beijing Coma begins to touch something far more elusive. As Dai Wei traces all the phantoms in his life, we are left wondering exactly where we are each day. Just what is beyond the body's storehouse? Faced with physical deterioration, Dai Wei's spirit begins to flourish and yet, what does one do with such vision? Ma Jian's appreciation for detail and brilliant storytelling make this a truly wonderful novel not to be missed. -- Sean Mix

It's a rare book that can deal with race in America in a way that's as outrageously funny as it is heartbreaking. But I'm Down does just that. Born a self-described honky into south Seattle's all-black Rainier Valley, Mishna Wolff must not only contend with the neighborhood kids for respect but with the expectations of her father - a white man who, having grown up in the valley, identifies as black. Wolfy, as his buddies call him, quickly impresses on his young daughter the importance of "being loyal to the neighborhood", a.k.a. not being too white. Thus begins Mishna's journey in being "down," with mixed and often hilarious results. Then, just as she's beginning to find her way, she's sent to an all-white school where her new found social skills produce only bafflement and alienation, and force Mishna to decide for herself what it means to be white, what it means to be black, and what it means to be Mishna. -- Colin Waters

The latest cookbook from renowned health and wellness spa, Canyon Ranch, is a feast for the eyes and the palate. An array of original recipes, including numerous gluten- and dairy-free, are accompanied by full-color photographs that will make your mouth water. From home-style classics like beef short ribs and lasagna to contemporary fare such as chili-rubbed tequila shrimp and Thai french toast with orange ginger syrup, all the ingredients can be readily found and the recipes are uncomplicated to prepare. You absolutely will not believe that these dishes are so wholesome and nutritious. -- Cheryl Ryan