Find a "slightly absurd" read or listen to a podcast dedicated to books and champagne at Dog-Eared Books, an indie store in Ames, Iowa.

Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present Ruth Ben-Ghiat. Norton, $28.95 (384p) ISBN 978-1-324-00154-6 ...

Catherine Raynes shares her thoughts on Patrick McGee's 'Apple in China' and 'The Good Father by Liam McIlvanney.