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Our list of this year's best biographies focuses on books about individuals who lived their lives off the beaten path. From the story of a spy turned chef to the story of the real Count of Monte Cristo, these books chronicle subjects who refused to conform to the expectations of others.

There are an increasing number of LGBT characters in mainstream superhero comics — but visibility isn't everything. NPR's comic-book guy Glen Weldon has a roundup of manga and independent graphic novels that offer a deeper and more nuanced portrayal of LGBT life.

In softcover fiction, Deborah Harkness sends a witch and a vampire back to Elizabethan England, and John Lanchester looks at London circa 2008. In nonfiction, Sally Koslow explores parenting adult children, and Andrew Blum reveals the infrastructure behind the Internet.

To bring the past to life and make it matter, historical fiction must do more than conjure up an exotic backdrop for a conventional story. These six books challenge our preconceptions and help show how the past shaped the world we live in today.

What are the best of the books? NPR Books looks at this year's National Book Award nominees for fiction and nonfiction. These 10 books — which tell the stories of a young drug smuggler, lovable philanderers, holograms in the Saudi desert and more — inspired, informed and entertained readers.

In softcover nonfiction, Tom Reiss explores the inspiration for The Count of Monte Cristo, Ben MacIntyre depicts a World War II effort to fool the Nazis, and Justin Lee recounts his struggle for acceptance as a gay Christian. In fiction, Dennis Lehane imagines a Prohibition-era mobster.

A lot of people think Valentine's Day is a commercial, made-up holiday — but even Chaucer noted it as a day to send sweets and gifts to loved ones. And what better than to read romance on such a romantic day? Author Bobbi Dumas has recommendations for great romance reads in every genre.

In softcover fiction, Hilary Mantel imagines Anne Boleyn's downfall, Martin Amis satirizes England, Paul Theroux sends a narrator back to the village he volunteered in, and Peter Heller depicts a post-apocalyptic life. In nonfiction, Robert Caro continues his LBJ biography.

Author Sloane Crosley is moving apartments — and, just as importantly, her library. Some books will come with her; others won't. But when she can't find the sheets or shampoo, these are the titles she'll want easy access to.

In fiction, Stephen L. Carter's reimagining of Lincoln's presidency and Joshua Henkin's tale of a family's fragmented mourning arrive in paperback. In softcover nonfiction, Bill Clegg recounts his attempt to stay clean, and Tim Kreider lifts the curtain on the human condition.