Andrew Krivak's memoir about his eight-year journey toward becoming a Jesuit priest is an illuminating story about one person's determination to understand his destiny. He learns that making a proper discernment in such matters happens not in moments of peaceful pondering, but by making decisions along the chaotic way.
Old paperbacks: irresistible vs. collectible
News about Pulpfest 2011 got me thinking about vintage paperbacks, which will be part of the July fun. Here are some in my library, although I'm not sure they're vintage and collectible versus just old and irresistible.
A whale of a story shortlisted by IMPAC
Michael Crummey's "Galore" set in Newfoundland made it to the shortlist of the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. It's a terrific novel filled with offbeat, magical realities. Here's a few words about it, plus the other nine novels on that shortlist.
Everything that matters is present
"You Are My Heart and Other Stories" is a new collection by veteran writer Jay Neugeboren. Published this month, the gathering of 11 stories has an unusually powerful effect -- driving us toward self-awareness and recognition of the human condition.
Edgar announces winners, Hugo nominees
Mystery and science fiction/fantasy books get shout-outs this week with award winners and nominees, respectively. I've listed here the science fiction/fantasy nominees for best novel. Even to this inexperienced reader of the genre, they're intriguing. Except the one about zombies. Those creatures and I still don't get along.
True crime in 1950 Mississippi
Whoa...self-published? That designation tends to announce the unwanted of New York publishers and agents. But some books end up self-published for reasons other than rejection by the Big Ones, such as Stokes McMillan's pre-civil rights story. Here's the scoop.
This is what guilt is like
Darin Strauss is the acclaimed author of three novels, including his 1999 debut, "Chang and Eng." His new book is a memoir about a car accident he was involved in when he was 18 and how it's affected his life. It won the 2011 National Book Critic's Circle Award for autobiography, and it's a stunning tribute to the human struggle with forgiveness.
A debut novel with a captivating narrator
"The Sojourn" is a new novel published by Bellevue Literary Press. It's beautifully written in first-person prose -- a World War I story and also a coming of age story that's profoundly moving and filled with hope.
A female assassin in this noir classic
Jean-Patrick Manchette's 1977 novel "Fatale" arrived in the mail. Here's why (you can do this, too) plus a brief summary of what the murderous vixen is up to.
10 Good Stories, 10 Good Times
Press 53 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina recently published a short story collection that's got inventive plots, humor and characters from the New Jersey shore that are colorful and memorable. This is the author's debut, and his creativity is a refreshing new voice.
Francisco Goldman’s “Mi Amor”
In the summer of 2007, author Francisco Goldman lost his young wife Aura Estrada in a swimming accident on a beach in Mexico. His new book, "Say Her Name," is a mix of fact and fiction that tells the romantic yet tragic story of their brief years together. It's beautifully written and consuming.
My wallet was a book
It's true. I have a wallet made from a book. You can see it here. Also in this post, a photo of a book with wings, plus information about "Bookwork" to be released this spring from University of Chicago Press.
Jo Ann Beard & Marcia Clark publish novels
The novels of these two authors caught my attention from a list of 12 debuts that Kirkus deems outstanding. Both are scheduled for release in April. And yes, that's Marcia Clark of O.J. Simpson fame.
Purple Jesus: symbol and cocktail
This novel from a small press in Maryland came to my attention via a Twitter exchange with the book critic at The Washington Post. Its subject of small town, trailer trash life in South Carolina's lowland region intrigued me. The story proved, indeed, to be a hilarious, cultural eye-opener.
The incredible journey
Here they come. The spring migrants heading north after wintering in warmer climates. Michael McCarthy, environment editor of London's Independent, has written an engaging book about the annual spring journey of birds from South Africa to England. It's a timely book to be reading mid-March and has surprisingly captivated me.
The Longest Chapter 