Spare

Why I'd hand it to you

Prince Harry tells his story from the death of his mother when he was twelve through school, his military service in Afghanistan, his marriage and his break with the royal family. The early chapters on grief are the most moving, and the writing is vivid. It is candid to the point of being uncomfortable. That candor is also my caution. It is one-sided by nature, and many readers feel he shares private family conflicts that were better left unsaid. If you have strong views about the royals, the book will probably confirm them. As a portrait of unresolved grief, it is worth considering.

— Matt Jordan