"A Scattering" by Christopher Reid is 62 pages of moving poetry -- a tribute to Reid's wife who died in 2005. It's a worthy and very satisfying collection to read during April, National Poetry Month.
Category: Good Books
1970 novel to get award in 2010
Forty years ago, rules for the Man Booker Prize changed, causing a year of British authors and their books to be skipped for award consideration. The Lost Man Booker Prize will fill the gap. Here's the shortlist of finalists, and why I think they should let well enough alone.
The bird that was tragedy
Heidi W. Durrow's debut novel "The Girl Who Fell From the Sky" tells the story of a family tragedy and also explores issues about race and identity. Told from multiple viewpoints, it succeeds where other novels of similar technique have failed.
Hans Fallada’s must-read masterpiece
Melville House, an independent publisher, has rediscovered and reissued books written by the once popular German novelist Hans Fallada. His last novel, "Every Man Dies Alone," wasn't available in English until Melville House hired a translator, Michael Hofmann. From reviews of the book to interviews with the publisher to articles about both, the message is clear: this book should not to be missed.
Hilary Mantel wins again with “Wolf Hall”
The National Book Critics Circle announced the winners for their annual awards in fiction, nonfiction, autobiography, biography, criticism and poetry. Here's the list.
Athill’s “Somewhere Towards the End”
Diana Athill is a founding editor of the prestigious London-based publishing house Andre Deutsch, Ltd. Her memoir "Stet," published in 2000, recalled her years as one of the 20th Century's greatest editors, spanning five decades. Her newest memoir shares what it's been like for her, now 91, to grow old. It's an engaging, frank memoir.
Huneven’s novel about guilt and forgiveness
Michelle Huneven's "Blame" is a finalist for the National Book Critic's Circle award in fiction (to be announced March 11). It's up against "Wolf Hall" and "American Salvage". Here's what it's about and why I'm baffled by its award nomination.
My Reading Table gets a make-over
I keep piling books on the reading table to the point where it becomes another book shelf. So, the RT has been reorganized. Here's what moved off and what it looks like now, with descriptions of the 12 books. Realistic versus hopeful.
Good stories: “Something Is Out There”
Richard Bausch is one of our present-day masters of rich short fiction. His new collection is the usual good stuff. Here's a review.
Trial lawyer walking
"The Unnamed" is the recently released second novel of Joshua Ferris. It's absurd, unique and ultimately sad, commenting on the fragility of a good, secure life. Not for every reader. Here's why.
Grodstein’s “A Friend of the Family”
An absorbing novel of suburban tragedy. At the center is an over-protective father. Here's a glimpse of what the story is about.
National Book Critics Circle finalists
The NBCC announced the list of finalists for their 2010 awards. Five books in each of six categories. A great list to cherry pick good reading for these gray winter days.
Caldecott, Newbery and NBCC awards
It's one of those award weeks showcasing good books for kids and adults. The 2010 Newbery and Caldecott award winners were announced Monday, and we'll soon be hearing the line-up of contenders for the National Book Critics Circle 2010 awards. Here's the scoop.
Keep your books
There are way too many books coming into my life to keep all of them, but I wish I'd kept my copy of Stephen King's second novel, "Salem Lot". I sold it 20+ years ago, and now it's commanding a pretty nice price.
What urban dwellers never see
"Burtynsky: Oil" is a photography book that questions human accountability regarding the cost of the resource we so depend on to run our cars. It's worth a look. Also, check out the video of the curator at The Corcoran Art Museum who says, "Burtynsky shows us a world that has incredible importance in our lives."
The Longest Chapter 