I've never read nor intend to read "Steal This Book" by the Sixties anti-establishment icon Abbie Hoffman, but that didn't get in the way of my wanting the book. Not any edition, rather a first edition paperback, signed by the activist, for sale at last weekend's New York Antiquarian Book Fair. Here's the tale of that brief love affair between me and the book, plus a look at Terry Bisson's new novel that takes place during Hoffman's busiest protesting years, "Any Day Now."
Ah, Grendel! You’ve come back
John Gardner published "Grendel" in 1971, eleven years before his tragic death at age 49 in a motorcycle accident. The story is a spin-off taken from the medieval epic poem "Beowulf," giving us the viewpoint of the monster Grendel, whom the Scandinavian hero Beowulf slays. A rare acquisition of the book's ARC brought Gardner's novel to my attention again.
Stories about holy absolutes, and more
"What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank" is Nathan Englander's new collection of short stories. Each of the eight stories engages us with challenging topics regarding human nature and the lives of orthodox and non-practicing Jews. Enter the elephants. Here's what I'm talking about (when I talk about Nathan Englander).
Frankly, my dear, nobody gave a damn
Timing is everything, and for Caroline Gordon that was particularly true for her novel about the American Civil War. Had she published "None Shall Look Back" prior to 1936, some believe her Southern war story would've trumped Margaret Mitchell's classic. I wanted to read Gordon's novel and find out for myself. Here's the outcome.
The fall of the House of Darling
This fictional thriller about investor fraud steadily keeps a fast pace, with surprising plot twists. It also takes readers into the world of billionaire Upper East Side NYC life, revealing luxury with consequences. "The Darlings" is author Cristina Alger's debut. If you're looking for page-turning entertainment, this is it.
Discovering Justin Cartwright
No matter how we bibliophiles organize and prioritize our reading tables, it's what Sven Birkerts called the "impulse grab" that's often the best next reading choice. That's how Justin Cartwright figured into my reading life, although it was more like an impulse grab once removed. Here's how that happened.
Charged with violence
"The Outlaw Album" is Daniel Woodrell's first collection of short stories preceded by eight novels. It's a slice of life from backwoods Ozark territory, the setting for which he's known. His characters are violent, but you can't help but feel understanding for them. Woodrell’s novel "Winter's Bone" became a movie that was nominated for Best Picture at the 2011 Academy Awards.
A book list and a control measure
I discovered these six books via review publications. I think they offer the promise of good reading and thought I'd share what I've learned. Brief descriptions and links to more information included. Ficion and non-fiction.
Meet the Lasts, Downton Abbey’s future
Evelyn Waugh's "Brideshead Revisited" for years has been a favorite of mine, not just the book but also the PBS series that starred Jeremy Irons and Anthony Andrews. Yet so many say this well-known novel is not Waugh's most accomplished work, and now I agree.
Beware your assumptions
Percival Everett is the author of more than 20 books, including his new crime novel set in the fictional Plata County, New Mexico. The distinguishing feature of this entertaining, triple murder mystery is its savvy, mind-bending unpredictability.
19 Pictures, 22 Recipes: A Cookbook by Paola Ferrario
Paola Ferrario's slim book combines photographs with family recipes. In accompanying essays, the author shares personal stories and life commentary. You won't find this book on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble. Here's why.
Some didn’t believe, some kept flying
Peter Sis' new book, "The Conference of the Birds," is based on an allegory about the search for divine truth written in the 12th century by a Sufi poet. It's richly illustrated and provides an encouraging story for the determined traveler.
An Irish family secret revealed
Brian Moore's novel "The Mangan Inheritance" was published this year by the New York Review Books Classics Series. Set in New York City, Montreal and Drishane, Ireland, it's a good one, with rich characterization and a stunning conclusion.
Shopping Brooklyn bookstores
It's that time of year when New York City teems with holiday lights and traffic jams surrounding the department stores, Rockefeller Center and Times Square. On a recent visit, I avoided the crowds and headed to Brooklyn, where I found a small herd of that endangered species, the independent bookstore.
The Longest Chapter 