Our top six books this week: Hitler’s first victims and more

The Silk Road by Jonathan Tucker. Stretching from China to Rome via the vast expanses of Central Asia, the Silk Road was for about 2,000 years a vital artery for trade, commerce and culture. This beautifully illustrated travel book covers the Central Asia section and includes a foreword by Paul Theroux. (I B Tauris, February 28)

Gotti’s Rules by George Anastasia. The hubris, the violence, the bloody rise and fall. From the acclaimed US crime reporter comes the story of John Gotti and the Gambino family told from the viewpoint of the notorious hitman John Alite, who later gave evidence against them. (Dey Street Books, February 26)

If I Fall If I Die by Michael Christie. Will has never been outside. He has lived in his home with his ­agoraphobic mother who makes him wear a helmet. However, against her wishes he steps outside and starts to live. Coming-of-age tale that has received rave reviews. (William Heinemann, February 12)

Disinformation by Frances Leviston. How have we come to know what we think we know? Leviston’s poems deal with our ideas of ­identity and the falsehoods that often surround what we believe is true. Keenly expected follow-up for a poet whose debut was one of the most acclaimed in years. (Picador, February 12)

A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. The Whitshanks gather in their family home in Baltimore. Parents Abby and Red are getting older, their children have children of their own and decisions need to be made. Epic story of one family over more than three generations from a ­Pulitzer-winning author. (Chatto & Windus, February 10)

Take a look at the top six books we’re reading this week.