Here are three books that have many indications they'll be interesting, intriguing and/or entertaining. I've given brief descriptions with links to their publishers' websites for further exploring.
Category: New Books
The Devil made them do it
Three years ago, Ohio author Donald Ray Pollock received widespread acclaim for his fictional debut, "Knockemstiff," a collection of short stories some likened to a modern-day Winesburg, Ohio, or what the New York Times quaintly referred to as "Winosburg, Ohio". His new novel is out this month, and it's another fine walk on the dark side of Ohio.
The story that’s changing your life
Here’s a book title I’d normally run from so fast there’d be a wind storm in my wake. "Monoculture" brings to mind dry, academic prose proclaiming huge, important concepts that would put me to sleep, or to quick shame for my inability to grasp them. And yet, when approached by the book’s publisher, I agreed to read it, driven to accept her request by a strong instinct. The result? A satisfying surprise.
“Ex Libris: The Art of Bookplates”
Yale University Press has published a book showcasing bookplates housed at the British Museum. Here's a description of it, plus links to a slide show, for a preview.
A therapy of summer morning
"Give Over, Graymalkin" is Gaylord Brewer's eighth collection of poetry, but it's the first I've read of his work. Here's a glimpse into Brewer's new poems that take us to India, Spain and France, and also celebrate the "dead metaphors" of life.
The story of “Jasper Jones”
Craig Silvey's novel is part murder mystery part coming-of-age story. The book's been winning awards and even got short-listed for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. But is it for teens or adults?
A thirst for fame: John Wilkes Booth
This historical novel about President Lincoln's assassination was published 50 years ago and is newly reissued by the New York Review of Books Classics. It's a great rip of a read that, unlike more contemporary historical novels, sticks close to actual events and people.
A whale of a story shortlisted by IMPAC
Michael Crummey's "Galore" set in Newfoundland made it to the shortlist of the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It's a terrific novel filled with offbeat, magical realities. Here's a few words about it, plus the other nine novels on that shortlist.
Everything that matters is present
"You Are My Heart and Other Stories" is a new collection by veteran writer Jay Neugeboren. Published this month, the gathering of 11 stories has an unusually powerful effect -- driving us toward self-awareness and recognition of the human condition.
This is what guilt is like
Darin Strauss is the acclaimed author of three novels, including his 1999 debut, "Chang and Eng." His new book is a memoir about a car accident he was involved in when he was 18 and how it's affected his life. It won the 2011 National Book Critic's Circle Award for autobiography, and it's a stunning tribute to the human struggle with forgiveness.
A debut novel with a captivating narrator
"The Sojourn" is a new novel published by Bellevue Literary Press. It's beautifully written in first-person prose -- a World War I story and also a coming of age story that's profoundly moving and filled with hope.
10 Good Stories, 10 Good Times
Press 53 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina recently published a short story collection that's got inventive plots, humor and characters from the New Jersey shore that are colorful and memorable. This is the author's debut, and his creativity is a refreshing new voice.
Francisco Goldman’s “Mi Amor”
In the summer of 2007, author Francisco Goldman lost his young wife Aura Estrada in a swimming accident on a beach in Mexico. His new book, "Say Her Name," is a mix of fact and fiction that tells the romantic yet tragic story of their brief years together. It's beautifully written and consuming.
My wallet was a book
It's true. I have a wallet made from a book. You can see it here. Also in this post, a photo of a book with wings, plus information about "Bookwork" to be released this spring from University of Chicago Press.
Jo Ann Beard & Marcia Clark publish novels
The novels of these two authors caught my attention from a list of 12 debuts that Kirkus deems outstanding. Both are scheduled for release in April. And yes, that's Marcia Clark of O.J. Simpson fame.
The Longest Chapter 