They make riveting, disheartening reading when print-size, illegible handwriting or the censor's ink don't interfere.

The fractured families, thousands of largely wasted dollars and bizarre parent-child lifestyle described made for riveting reading.

Even the most gifted editor would have problems turning much of the obligatory information into riveting reading.

It is Mr. Kadare's depiction of Mao that makes for the most riveting reading.

His hypochondria, another much-indulged passion, does not make for riveting reading, either.

Still, like flying aces, the obituaries of motor enthusiasts make riveting reading.

But we do have her biography of Graves - not the lie that fiction tells, of course, but riveting reading.

Thoughtful and riveting reading, "Passage to Nirvana" is an enlightening and educational read that shouldn't be overlooked for those looking for their own second chances.

Assange (et al.) will go down in history for this, and even if he doesn't want to write this book, it's going to be riveting reading.