GREAT PRESIDENTIAL WIT: I WISH I WAS IN THE BOOK
By Bob Dole, Scribner, $22

One of the most gracious losers of a presidential election, Bob Dole adds to his reputation with this collection of hundreds of humorous anecdotes covering every chief executive. His “Dole Poll” labels Lincoln the funniest president and Clinton “blessed with great speaking ability and talented joke writers.”

DR. FOLKMAN’S WAR
By Robert Cooke, Random House, $25.95

Two years ago, critics were quick to dismiss Dr. Judah Folkman’s work on anti-angiogenesis — killing cancer cells by starving them of blood. But as Folkman seems closer than ever to replicating the results among humans, this book gives the fascinating story of a fight against both a medical enemy and the medical establishment.

ILL NATURE
By Joy Williams, The Lyons Press, $22.95

These opinionated essays provide a psychological and emotional context for the “want and want and want” of consumer culture, including the
“competitiveness” of hunting, the American propensity to over
procreate, and human tendency to save cute animals first.

SEX AND SENSIBILITY
By Deborah Roffman, Perseus Publishing, $26

A renowned educator offers real-life examples and straightforward advice for parents on how to talk to teens about sex, for healthy and appropriately slow sexual development.