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F.X. Toole wrote fiction all his life, but didn't see his stories in print until he was 70. Now, four years after his death, his first novel — Pound for Pound — has been published.

In his book, The Holy Vote, veteran journalist Ray Suarez explores the politics of faith in America. Suarez writes about gay marriage, intelligent design and other aspects of a fault line that often divides religious people from other religious people.

Fouad Ajami supported the U.S.-led war in Iraq. In a new book, The Foreigner's Gift, he says that the war went wrong because of the Arab world's prejudice against Shia Muslims and against the Americans who expected to help them lead Iraq.

Commentator Rod Dreher lives in Dallas. He's been driving back and forth to work in a car without air conditioning all summer long. And while it hasn't been comfortable or easy, it's made him appreciate the AC in his home and office. Dreher, a writer at the Dallas Morning News, is the author of Crunchy Cons. He blogs at Beliefnet.com.

Author and journalist Vijay Vaitheeswaran discusses the relative merits of alternative energy sources. He says spending on hybrid cars is an investment in the future, more than a way to save money now. Vaitheeswaran also says there are parts of the country where solar is price competitive with fossil fuels.

A forthcoming book by journalists Michael Isikoff and David Corn suggests that Richard Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State in 2003, may be the missing link in the story that has been called "Plamegate."

Alan Cheuse reviews The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud. It's a novel about a group of young New Yorkers and their struggles with family, work, and love.

In India, several states have banned the sale of Coke and Pepsi after a group called The Center for Science and Environment said the soft drinks contain unacceptably high levels of pesticide. The national government of India has said the Center's data is flawed. But the state governments continue to ban the products.

Commentator Jack Staub rhapsodizes about his favorite herb, basil, which is abundant at this time of year. He also offers hints about what to do with all of it, including a recipe for handy and easy-to-use pesto cubes.

In the world of specialty farming, biodynamic agriculture goes beyond organic in its arcane rules. The basics are that a good grape begins in the compost heap. A growing number of California wineries have joined this international discipline — and they're producing critically acclaimed wines.