A New Collection, Well-Furnished With Munro's Best November 13, 2014 Family Furnishings collects 24 of short story master Alice Munro's best works. Reviewer Jane Ciabattari calls it a superb introduction to Munro, and a reminder that she's a writer to be cherished.
'Three-Body Problem' Asks A Classic Sci-Fi Question, In Chinese November 13, 2014 Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu bridges the gap between East and West in his new novel, a tale of alien first contact influenced by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Chinese history and mythology.
An Artist Draws His Journey Away From War And Death, With Gratitude November 12, 2014 Shigeru Mizuki's Showa 1944-1953 is the third volume of his massive, autobiographical history of Japan and WWII, packed with anger at generals who ordered him to die, and gratitude for his survival.
Behind The Famous Story, A Difficult 'Wild Truth' November 11, 2014 When Christopher McCandless died in the wilds of Alaska, his story became famous all over the world. A new memoir by his sister Carine reveals some of the reasons he chose to walk away from the world.
Superstorm Sandy Inspires Bleak, Poetic Landscapes In 'Let Me Be Frank' November 10, 2014 In Richard Ford's brilliant collection of four short stories, protagonist Frank Bascombe returns to be "frank" about touchy topics. His awareness, particularly of mortality, is profound and hilarious. Listen Loading… 7:13 Download Playlist
Will Self's 'Shark' Swims In A Chaotic Sea November 9, 2014 Featuring the same time frame and some of the same characters as his last novel, Umbrella, Shark continues Self's modernist exploration of the human psyche and the violence done by modern society.
Walking Through Light-Filled Rooms In 'Woman Without A Country' November 8, 2014 Irish poet Eavan Boland's latest volume meditates on the gulf between ideas of nation and individual lives of women; reviewer Amal El-Mohtar calls it a "beautiful kind of conversation."
This Week's Must Read For Political Junkies, A (Literary) Post-Election Fix November 7, 2014 Post-elections, Molly Antopol and Jason Sheehan reflect on the results by turning to their favorite political books, Elect Mr. Robinson for a Better World and Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. Listen Loading… 1:38 Download Playlist
Actress Anjelica Huston's Memoir Has Glitz, But Lacks Depth November 6, 2014 Anjelica Huston's memoir is all Hollywood, all the time. It's full of anecdotes about Jack Nicholson and other stars. But these stories of excess, fame and money lack feeling and subtext. Listen Loading… 2:24 Download Playlist
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