Frankly, Bascombe's Return Has Some Problems November 6, 2014 Richard Ford's signature character returns in Let Me Be Frank With You; reviewer Michael Schaub praises Ford's writing, but says despite moments of beauty and insight, some of it feels phoned in.
In The World Of Rare Books, This Mystery Goes Off-Script November 6, 2014 Bradford Morrow's novel delves into literary forgery, and takes its time doing so. But when the truth belongs to those able to fake it, The Forgers — elegant yarn it may be — promises some knots, too.
A Dizzying, Fictional 'History' Draws On Bob Marley's Life November 5, 2014 Marlon James' A Brief History Of Seven Killings is a novel based on a real-life assassination attempt on Bob Marley. Its hefty cast and sprawling plot make for a demanding yet rewarding read. Listen Loading… 2:52 Download Playlist
'Ugly Girls' Is, Well ... Not A Pretty Read November 5, 2014 Lindsay Hunter's novel follows best friends Perry and Baby Girl as they shoplift, ditch school and steal cars. But critic Annalisa Quinn says Ugly Girls has more shock value than substance.
cover crop iStock hide caption itoggle caption iStock 'The Heart Does Not Grow Back' Could Use An Imagination Transfusion November 4, 2014 Fred Venturini's debut has a fascinating concept: What happens when a small-town kid gets amazing healing powers? But critic Jason Heller says the book never manages to explore that question fully.
Rebuilding A Broken Family 'In Plain Sight' November 2, 2014 Somali author Nuruddin Farah's new novel follows a glamorous photographer who takes in her brother's children after he dies in a terrorist bombing. Reviewer Alan Cheuse calls it complex yet uplifting. Listen Loading… 2:13 Download Playlist
William Gibson Skypes The Future In 'The Peripheral' November 1, 2014 The master of cyberpunk returns to form with a new novel set in his old stomping grounds — the near future. Reviewer Jason Sheehan says it sings with controlled, dark energy and effortless grace.
A Century Of Black Glamour In This Fine 'Vintage' November 1, 2014 Nichelle Gainer's new Vintage Black Glamour, based on the popular Tumblr, collects a wealth of historical and biographical information — alongside gorgeous imagery — on great black entertainers.
This Week's Must Read A 19th Century Novel Explains Quantitative Easing October 31, 2014 This week, the Federal Reserve ended the quantitative easing program. Author John Lanchester says Anthony Trollope's 19th century novel The Way We Live Now clarifies the current financial situation. Listen Loading… 2:01 Download Playlist
Books Halloween Makes Us Think Of ... Diversity In Romance! October 31, 2014 Romance guru Bobbi Dumas once worked at an international school — and she says the colorful world of the kids' Halloween costumes inspired her to think about diversity in her favorite literature.
'The Book Of Strange New Things' Treads Familiar Territory October 30, 2014 Michel Faber's best-seller, The Crimson Petal and the White, captured the feel of Victorian London. His latest is a literary science-fiction tale that might disappoint hard core sci-fi fans. Listen Loading… 2:21 Download Playlist
I'm Not Scary, I'm Just Drawn That Way: Great Comics For Halloween October 30, 2014 Ready for a Halloween scare? Reviewer Etelka Lehoczky says these graphic novels and compilations — packed with creepy cults, alien monsters, gravediggers and ghosts — are just the ticket.
Author Interviews The Incredible Story Of Chilean Miners Rescued From The 'Deep Down Dark' October 29, 2014 Hector Tobar had exclusive access to the 33 miners to report his new book detailing the claustrophobic horror they faced when they were trapped for 69 days in 2010. The result is a doozy. Listen Loading… 8:12 Download Playlist
Book Review: 'Belzhar' By Meg Wolitzer October 28, 2014 Novelist Gabrielle Zelvin reviews Meg Wolitzer's new young adult book, Belzhar. Listen Loading… 2:27 Download Playlist
'Slow Regard' Is A Riddle, Wrapped In A Mystery, Living In An Underground Tunnel October 28, 2014 Patrick Rothfuss' new novella is a dreamy flight of fantasy that follows a secondary character in his vast Kingkiller Chronicle: Auri, a quiet young woman living in a sprawling, secret tunnel network.
Locust Moon Press The Battle For Dreamland, Revisited In 'Nemo' October 28, 2014 A lavishly produced new tribute to Winsor McCay's Little Nemo comics gathers dozens of today's artists to revisit Slumberland. Critic Etelka Lehoczky says the book is beautiful but unchallenging.
Book Review: 'Nora Webster' by Colm Toibin October 27, 2014 Alan Cheuse reviews a new novel by Colm Toibin, Nora Webster. Listen Loading… 1:52 Download Playlist
This Week's Must Read After The Blackwater Convictions, A Book On Iraq's Nightmarish Reality October 26, 2014 Four former Blackwater guards were found guilty last week in connection with a fatal shooting in 2007. Author Brian Castner recommends a book on the toll violence has taken on Iraq. Listen Loading… 2:05 Download Playlist