Our "Fall Books" issue is best experienced in person (especially with Vermeer's The Milkmaid gracing the cover). But we've put a few choice articles online for all to read:

• Our editorial on the recovering economy: "Stimulate"
• A review of the Vermeer exhibition at the Met by Leo J. O'Donovan, SJ: "An Eternal Now"
• My review of Lit, the newest work from memoirist and poet Mary Karr: "Catching Fire"

There's much more for subscribers in this Fall Books Issue: David Impastato contributes a feature article, "Secular Sabbath," about the New Atheism on display in Ian McEwan's novel Saturday. Lucy Lethbridge reviews Hilary Mantel's Booker Prize-winning historical novel Wolf Hall. Anthony Domestico reviews Richard Powers's new novel, Generosity. Margaret O'Brien Steinfels reviews Nicholas Thompson's The Hawk and the Dove. William A. Galston reviews Michael J. Sandel's Justice. Plus columns by E. J. Dionne and Jo McGowan, and a new columnist, the pseudonymous pastor "Fr. Nonomen." Richard Alleva reviews the new film Bright Star. Not to mention our lively letters, an extra dose of commentary from the editors, and a stimulating Last Word.Become a supporter -- subscribe, or give Commonweal as a gift!