Writing a novel becomes high-stakes drama in this clever, entertaining story about a mega-selling author and a wealthy book collector.
Category: Good Books
What books do you reread?
I know someone who rereads Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles." I know someone who rereads the books of Charles Dickens. Me? I don't reread. But that doesn't mean I don't want to reread. Here's my wish list, and why the books are on it.
You run the race you run
Mark Slouka's new novel takes place in the late Sixties, in a small town. Here two teenagers form a bond that becomes their salvation. Seductive, nostalgic prose, vivid, likable characters and a masterful story. It's all here.
The Cold War, Ernest Shackleton and Tartt
Three new novels caught my attention this week. I thought I'd share them here because they just might catch your attention, too.
Justice for the disappeared
Europa Editions publishes some of the best world literature, and that includes Caryl Férey’s "Mapuche." It's absorbing crime fiction that draws from Argentina's dark time of "the disappeared." Intense and gratifying.
The art of motorcycle speed
Rachel Kushner's "The Flamethrowers" is one of those novels that has all the qualities of an award-winner with its complex narrative, bold characters and creative theme. It's a uniquely written story narrated by a young girl who's an artist and motorcycle rider during the 1970s. Here's what "The Flamethrowers" is all about.
By the stars, sun, wind and ocean swells
How's your sense of direction? Can you find your way without the GPS on your Smartphone? "The Lost Art of Finding Our Way" is about how we can orient ourselves, and find our way, by natural direction indicators. Without that knowledge, you could find yourself in a situation similar to two girls kayaking off the coast of Cape Cod. The book is dedicated to the memories of those two girls.
A world of crime on Martha’s Vineyard
A. X. Ahmad has created an intriguing protagonist in his first novel, “The Caretaker.” Add to that India’s nuclear capability, an American hostage in North Korea, a nervous U.S. Senator and a bunch of thugs, and you've got an exciting literary thriller.
The Longlist: What you can read now
It's that time of year -- Britain's Man Booker longlist is out. And so begins the anticipation for which books will make the shortlist, and then which one of them will win the prestigious annual prize for best novel. Being the prize is for novels by British, Irish and Commonwealth authors, including Zimbabwe, the books may or may not have been published in the U.S. So here's the longlist, with short summaries and links to their Man Booker pages, plus identification of the novels we Americans can get our hands on.
When there were monsters
Neil Gaiman is the author of more than twenty books and the recipient of numerous literary honors. His newest novel is "The Ocean at the End of the Lane."
The question of his life
I read an essay in "The New York Review of Books" about author James Baldwin in which Darryl Pinckney wrote, "I fell under the spell of Baldwin's voice." Pinckney's story about reading Baldwin connected me to "Giovanni's Room," Baldwin's bold second novel, a classic I'd skipped in my reading journey. Now I can say it's one of the most moving books I've ever read.
Can you speak rhinoceros? Of courserous!
Once out of print and then later back in print with revisions, "The Story of Doctor Dolittle" now has a place on my bookshelf -- the 1920 edition, that is. Here's a few illustrations from that original classic children's book, plus why it went out of favor.
Where lies the ulterior truth?
Poet Christian Wiman wrote an essay about despair that went viral. It explored his life in brief, specifically writer's block, falling in love, being diagnosed with an incurable cancer and faith in God. His new book, "My Bright Abyss: Meditation of a Modern Believer," grew from that essay. Here's a glimpse.
In this Indiana, bird bird bird is the word
Here is a debut novel that's rich in setting and very fun to read. Its odd events are highly entertaining, and the narrator is a good guy with a clever sense of humor. He's tracking birds in deep forests at 5 a.m. and experiencing hilarious situations. Killer tornado included.
A story of friendship, sacrifice and loyalty
Here's a novel categorized for teens, but just like "The Hunger Games" and "The Book Thief," "Code Name Verity" is a good bet for adult readers. It's an involving story created with an unusual narrative strategy, making this Edgar Award-winner a five-star read.
The Longest Chapter 