Author! Author! is a monthly-ish roundup of new books by Bay Area Jews.

Is suicide contagious?

Science writer Lee Daniel Kravetz takes on this question and others in his new book “Strange Contagion.”

Shortly after moving to Palo Alto in 2009, Kravetz learned about a cluster of suicides by local high school students within the span of several months. What caused this sad phenomenon?

Kravetz explores the factors behind the teen deaths and posits that emotions and behaviors may be as contagious as viruses.

Kravetz will be at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera at 7 p.m. July 10. He will be in conversation with New York Times writer Scott James. For additional talks, see leedanielkravetz.com.

“Strange Contagion” by Lee Daniel Kravetz (267 pages, HarperCollins)

Science and health writer Brad Stulberg of Oakland uses real-life examples to explain how routine and environment contribute to great accomplishments.

His book “Peak Performance: Elevate Your Game, Avoid Burnout, and Thrive with the New Science of Success” (co-written with running and performance coach Steve Magness), profiles some of the most productive, innovative and effective leaders across various disciplines, and digs to uncover key insights on how people excel.

“Peak Performance” by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness (240 pages, Rodale Books)