I cross referenced several 2017 best fiction lists. Here are the results.
Getting to know Ross Macdonald
“It’s All One Case: The Illustrated Ross Macdonald Archives” by Paul Nelson and Kevin Avery is this year’s Christmas present to myself.
My most given books
A comment during an interview with author Mark Helprin turned my thinking to the books I’ve given most as gifts. Here they are.
The power of love and conscience
If you’re looking for a novel to get lost in or for a holiday gift, here’s a recommendation: “Paris in the Present Tense” by Mark Helprin.
Pick a country. Read the books.
The 2018 International Dublin Literary Award longlist includes 150 novels nominated by worldwide librarians. Here are reading suggestions.
Longing for the unreachable past
"Katalin Street" by Magda Szabó offers a compulsive reading experience about three families who live side by side in 1934 Budapest.
Jennifer Egan’s remarkable storytelling
"Manhattan Beach" is one of the best novels I've read in a long time. Strong characters, plot complexity and a rich, wartime setting create deeply satisfying literature.
My two favorite memoirs this year
Benjamin Taylor and Joyce Johnson lived dramatically different young lives, but their stories similarly and movingly capture two iconic times in history: the Beat Movement and November 22, 1963.
The world will not take it
Espionage, betrayal and an ill-fated romance create a thriller-like narrative in "Dinner at the Center of the Earth" by Nathan Englander.
Five books not to miss this month
These new novels (and one non-fiction book) have received starred forecasts and promise to be great reads.
What was Lizzie thinking?
Author Sarah Schmidt impeccably reimagines the Lizzie Borden double-murder case in “See What I Have Done.”
The holy grail of contentment
"A Whole Life" by Robert Seethaler tells a memorable story about a mountain man with simple needs.
A city inspector’s book list
Every once in a while, a person I hire to work at my house will pause in front of the book cases. This is one of those occasions.
An old good book for the beach
"Birdsong" by Stephen Faulks is a powerful epic not to be overlooked and a stunning portrayal of courage and redemption.
An open house with poets
Why is poetry ignored by most Americans? And what if Jay Whitman read more poetry on the CBS drama "Madam Secretary"?
The Longest Chapter 