The best books to inspire compassion
From Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life to a manifesto by Elif Shafak … Christie Watson explores kindness and courage in the face of suffering
No Fixed Abode by Maeve McClenaghan review – how rough sleepers die
A meticulous investigation exposes the shameful truths surrounding the UK’s homeless population
The Shift by Sam Baker review – funny, frank and empowering
Although this ‘menopause memoir’ doesn’t break new ground it is still vital reading
The best books about medical breakthroughs
Amid the rush to find a Covid-19 vaccine, Mark Honigsbaum picks his favourites, including a novel that has inspired generations of medical students and the story of Henrietta Lacks
The Wild Silence by Raynor Winn review – in search of healing and home
In this unflinching sequel to The Salt Path, nature provides solace against forebodings of mortality
James Partridge obituary
International campaigner who helped transform attitudes to people with facial disfigurements
Stephanie Yeboah: ‘How I learned to stop using my body as a punch bag’
As a plus-size black woman, Stephanie Yeboah has faced decades of racism and fat phobia. Here the author of Fattily Ever After reveals how she overcame prejudice to accept herself – and live with confidence
How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division by Elif Shafak review – a poignant look back at another age
What has happened to the belief that social media can create a new and better world?
Glennon Doyle: how the author and love warrior changed Adele’s life
The singer has credited Doyle’s latest bestselling self-help memoir, Untamed, with transforming her sense of self. And Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon are similarly impressed
Spoon-Fed by Tim Spector review – food myths busted
Are coffee and salt so bad for us? Are calorie counts on menus worthwhile? An experts explains why so much of what we’re told about food is wrong