What I’m reading now This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein (devastating); The Radetzky March, by Joseph Roth (startlingly modern); Occupy, by Noam Chomsky (timely — as always with Chomsky); and Defying Hitler, by Sebastian Haffner (second time — very good examination of intellectual rebellion during the rise of National Socialism).

What I’m reading now This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein (devastating); The Radetzky March, by Joseph Roth (startlingly modern); Occupy, by Noam Chomsky (timely — as always with Chomsky)

What I’m reading now This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein (devastating); The Radetzky March, by Joseph Roth (startlingly modern);

What I’m reading now This Changes Everything, by Naomi Klein (devastating)

What was the last book that made you cry? I was on holiday years ago with “Corelli’s Mandolin.” Rendered inconsolable and had to be put to bed for the afternoon.

What’s your favorite Shakespeare? “King Lear.” The most humane portrait of the human condition I know.

A young, aspiring actress wants your advice on what to read. What books do you suggest? “A Strange Eventful History,” by Michael Holroyd, because it’s so interesting about the discipline of acting.

What was the last truly great book you read? “Wolf Hall,” by Hilary Mantel. It was a marvel.

What book is on your night stand now? “Mary Poppins,” by P. L. Travers. “Dancing to the Precipice,” by Caroline Moorehead. “Bring Up the Bodies,” by Hilary Mantel. I’ve always got two or three on the go.

What book is on your night stand now? “Mary Poppins,” by P. L. Travers. “Dancing to the Precipice,” by Caroline Moorehead. “Bring Up the Bodies,” by Hilary Mantel. I’ve always got two or three on the go.

What book is on your night stand now? “Mary Poppins,” by P. L. Travers. “Dancing to the Precipice,” by Caroline Moorehead. “Bring Up the Bodies,” by Hilary Mantel. I’ve always got two or three on the go.