Jeff VanderMeer's "Annihilation," his first book in the new Southern Reach Trilogy, became my obsession for a few days. I could've read it in one day -- it's just south of 200 pages -- but I didn't want this riveting, bizarre story to end.
A golden whistler, a burdened ornithologist
Alice Greenway's second novel focuses on a World War II veteran who's newly retired from his job at the Museum of Natural History in New York. As the title suggests, he's an ornithologist, and his story in "The Bird Skinner" is deeply affecting.
Have you seen me?
Three good novels that are "must reads." If they're not to your taste, they are at least worth noting because they are among the best.
The completely disguised Albanian kid
Derek B. Miller's "Norwegian by Night" is as intense as it is entertaining -- a crime story taking place in Oslo and the hinterlands of Norway, featuring an octogenarian Korean War vet who deserves a place in the Colorful Characters Hall of Fame,
Two novels to anticipate
New literary escapes for your New Year -- a powerful story from National Book Award winner Richard Powers, and what promises to be a fun read from "The Silver Linings Playbook" author Matthew Quick.
In search of the last original penguin
Jeremy Page's third novel is an engaging voyage to the Arctic Circle to learn the truth about the extinct Great Auk. The story takes place in 1845. Its atmospheric, poetic prose and unusual characters (the sea captain is a sociopath who embroiders) make the story a distinctive reading experience.
Run to Bethlehem
A Merry Christmas wish via poet W. H. Auden, whose "For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio" is available in a new edition from Princeton University Press. I so loved this discovery.
Two excellent novels
Nothing like a good story, one that keeps you away from everything you should be doing, especially during a busy holiday season. To that end, here are two opportunities for rich reading and great escapes. One takes place in 19th century Iceland, the other before and during The Battle of the Somme.
“Ich bin ein Berliner”
These four German words, translated "I am a Berliner," concluded President John F. Kennedy's Berlin speech Wednesday, June 26, 1963, and went down in history. Hamburg photographer Ulrich Mack was among the press corps capturing the event, as well as the prior days Kennedy spent in other German cities. "Kennedy in Berlin" is Mack's collection of unpublished black-and-white photographs. Here's a peek.
Where business is war
"The Navigator" is a financial thriller that takes place on Wall Street and in Washington D.C. At its heart is a trillion-dollar, private business deal that's got the attention of a U.S. senator, a former communist spy and conniving entrepreneurs. An expertly plotted debut.
Translating the natural world
This is one of those books I fall for, not because of story, but because of the way it informs about the world, in this case, the natural world. Also for the way it's illustrated. "Field Notes on Science & Nature" may be a far cry from the literary novels I read voraciously, but it nevertheless caught my interest.
A book written for one reader? Priceless
Writing a novel becomes high-stakes drama in this clever, entertaining story about a mega-selling author and a wealthy book collector.
What books do you reread?
I know someone who rereads Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles." I know someone who rereads the books of Charles Dickens. Me? I don't reread. But that doesn't mean I don't want to reread. Here's my wish list, and why the books are on it.
You run the race you run
Mark Slouka's new novel takes place in the late Sixties, in a small town. Here two teenagers form a bond that becomes their salvation. Seductive, nostalgic prose, vivid, likable characters and a masterful story. It's all here.
The Cold War, Ernest Shackleton and Tartt
Three new novels caught my attention this week. I thought I'd share them here because they just might catch your attention, too.
The Longest Chapter 