Michael Miller

In 1925, the Scopes Trial sparked national debates about creationism and secularism, and put Dayton, Tenn., on the map. Now another debate is happening in Dayton about whether it's appropriate to memorialize the secular side with a statue.

Bookforum editor Michael Miller shares his top picks for this years releases in books… that take on music. The high profile (Keith Richards and Patti Smith), mix in with some unexpected (fiction about The Smiths, scholarly pieces about jazz musician Art Pepper) and more.