Harper Lee's second book "Go Set a Watchman" is now published. This literary event forever changes Ms. Lee's famous one-book legacy of the phenomenal classic, the incomparable "To Kill a Mockingbird." Here's how I prepared to read "Watchman," as well as information about the shifting story regarding its "accidental discovery."
The books I won’t be reading
The well-known and, by now, tired saying, "so many books, so little time," has created this library habit of mine.
James Salter’s Ohio connection
Several years ago, I had a memorable conversation at Barnes & Noble that revealed a little known fact about novelist and short story writer James Salter. Here's the story, as well as a remembrance of this exceptional author who died last week.
A legal thriller I couldn’t put down
Consider a trial lawyer who's an ex-con artist and a Russian mob boss on trial for murder who forces him into service via a bomb tucked into his coat, and you've got the beginning of Steve Cavanagh's debut legal thriller. It's filled with surprises and high entertainment.
Through the thin spaces, into plenitude
David Constantine is well known in Britain for his award-winning poetry, translations and fiction. "In Another Country: Selected Stories" is his literary debut in the United States. The 17 stories in the collection are 17 rich, unusual narrative adventures.
They couldn’t find Mick
This is a moving first novel, "The Given World," by Marian Palaia. It takes place during the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's in the life of a woman whose brother goes missing in the Vietnam War. Palaia perfectly captures how the war changed the lives of the loved ones back home.
Compelling tales nominated by librarians
We're in the count-down days to the announcement of the winner of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It's not the winner I'm most interested in but the short-list of nominees, which always provides a whopping good reading list. Here are the 10 in the line-up.
Books to look forward to in May & June
A gathering of five books -- fiction and non-fiction -- soon to hit bookstores.
Andreï Makine and the Soviet experience
Andreï Makine is a French-Russian author whose novels should not be missed, especially by readers looking for unusual, moving stories. The two novels here richly evoke Soviet life with unforgettable main characters. I read one and immediately picked up the other. And I'd continue, chain reading his novels, if I had the time to do so.
Steinhauer’s new, unnerving espionage
Olen Steinhauer is a dependable author for delivering a great story when it comes to the fictional spy world. His newest "All the Old Knives" seduces with a meeting of two CIA agents over dinner at a posh restaurant. Here's what it's about.
A way of being in the world
In his new memoir, "All the Wrong Places," Philip Connors achieves a superb middle ground between journalism and the intimacy of confessional expression. This is the story of a tragedy that became the central event of his life during his years as a Wall Street Journal editor. He writes with enticing humor and insight. A memorable book.
Eloquent, magical, suspenseful new books
Six books for you to browse and consider, including a family saga and a spy novel. All being published in upcoming weeks.
A retreat into wildness
"H Is for Hawk" is Helen Macdonald's British award-winning memoir. There are few like it, notably because of its combined exploration of grief, falconry and the life of author T. H White, known best for penning "The Once and Future King." If anything, at least check out the great cover illustration. The book goes on sale in the U.S. next month.
Harrowing tale, breathless thriller…
The Edgar Award nominees have been announced, and the list includes novels of well-known mystery writers as well as debut authors. Every year I select a few to read before the award ceremony. Here are this year's choices.
Three anthropologists, four liars
Lily King's highly acclaimed novel "Euphoria" draws its plot from the life of anthropologist Margaret Mead. E. Lockhart's popular Young Adult novel "We Were Liars" intrigues with a mysterious accident. These are two very different books and stories, and they are brought together here by a January habit of mine.
The Longest Chapter 