The New York Times Book Review: October Revolutions (Russia 1917, etc.)

Dear Reader...  Gray318 This month marks the 100th anniversary of the October Revolution, which fundamentally shaped  and continues to wield influence over Russia and the rest of the world. Not surprisingly, publishers have put forth a number of related books, with major biographies of Lenin and Stalin, and many new works of Soviet history, including a new book by Anne Applebaum, “Red Famine.” Other books examine the present-day ripple effects of those tumultuous events. Masha Gessen’s “The Future is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia,” looks at the nation under Putin, and Maria Alyokhina’s “Riot Days” recounts the Pussy Riot musician’s time in prison, where she fought for prisoners’ rights. But many readers turn to older books for insight into the Russia of 1917 and the following decades. That's why we asked three writers and thinkers – the novelist Martin Amis, former secretary of state Condoleezza Rice and former deputy secretary of state Strobe Talbott to write essays on the books that to their mind best illuminate the events of October 1917. Meanwhile, in London, a columnist for The Guardian has written a thriller, “To Kill the President,” that some are calling a little too prescient. Amy Tan has reluctantly written a memoir. And we round up three smart books about sexual harassment in the workplace. Plus, Marc Maron of the WTF podcast joins us this week on our podcast. Please stay in touch and let us know what you think – whether it’s about this newsletter, our reviews, our podcast or what you’re reading. We read and ponder all of it. I even write back, albeit belatedly. You can email me at books@nytimes.com.  Pamela Paul Editor of The New York Times Book Review @PamelaPaulNYT