Michel de Montaigne provided answers in his famous essays to the universal question of how to live. Sarah Blackwell's biography of the 16th century philosopher weaves those answers into his life story. Also in this week's literary encounters, a memoir of piano lessons, some poetry and even an illuminated breviary.
Category: New Books
A year of reading old books
How would you react if you were given a mandate of no new books for one year? That's what Susan Hill gave herself, when she discovered dozens of books in her personal library she hadn't read. Her new book, soon to be released, tells the journey.
This debut tells a remarkable story
I had a feeling "The Gendarme" would be a good book, and that instinct was on target. Author Mark T. Mustian's fictional story is unusual, set during the Turkish deportation of Armenians during World War I. Not only an engaging story, but an important one for the history it brings to light.
Andrew Ervin’s “Extraordinary Renditions”
Here's a novel that's exquisitely created in a trim 192 pages, interrelating three lives in three stories. Not a book to pick up if you're looking for heart-thumping romance or stay-up-all-night drama. This is a book that tells a thoughtful, moving story.
For your September reading table
Promising new novels with diverse plotlines and protagonists, the latter ranging from an Irish Catholic schoolboy to a World War I veteran, a retired Boston farm owner to a five-year-old narrator. Brief synopses and links provide detail.
Missing the masterpiece
How do you know you've read a masterpiece? Over and over in Tom Grime's memoir "Mentor," the word from various sources planted itself on Frank Conroy's "Stop-Time." I read Conroy's classic, but too quickly and carelessly.
Braving my escape into Y.A. novels
A recent essay in The New York Times Book Review explains why more adults are reading Young Adult novels. It sheds light on my own desire to read books written for kids, a tenacious desire I've resisted, until now.
“The Personal History of Rachel DuPree”
Ann Weisgarber's first novel is a captivating story about African-Americans settling the West. Its smooth prose and dramatic urgency make it hard to put down.
Man Booker 2010 longlist announced
Last year at this time Hilary Mantel's "Wolf Hall" was among the Baker's Dozen of longlisted candidates for the Booker prize she eventually won. This year, who will take the prize? I'm not hearing a buzz yet for one among these 13. Except about "The Slap." Some say it's too offensive to even be listed.
Graphic classics coming soon
Ginsberg's "Howl" and Dante's "Divine Comedy" and the life story of Anne Frank are being published as graphic books in the upcoming weeks. They look interesting, especially the movie "Howl," which is the purpose for the graphic book (as movie tie-in). Here's a look at what's on the horizon, plus links to the "Howl" movie trailer and a YouTube video of the Frank biography.
Alan Furst’s new day in the barrel
Alan Furst wasn't always a best-selling espionage novelist. He's traveled his way to the top, starting with three novels he'd rather not talk about and a cult following for his now acclaimed WWII series. Here's some insight on his literary journey, and also his newest novel, published this summer.
Books from the week: war, mud & more
Some books I came across this week during my usual perusal of all things about books.
Six short story books & a big prize
Cork, Ireland hosts an annual literary festival in honor of native son and acclaimed Irish short story writer Frank O'Connor. With the festival comes an award for the best short story collection published the year before the award is given. The short list has been announced, and it offers up great selections for good reads.
Where are the wrong books, please?
I stumbled upon some interesting lists and share them here on TLC, including "The Best Bad Books You've Never Read."
Ann Beattie’s “Walks With Men”
This 102-page novella is a quick read. A confusing one, too.
