Fiction
Directly below you'll find links to explore various genres of literature, and below that our reviews of literary fiction and general fiction.
The Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III
Instantly interesting and engaging, 'The Garden of Last Days' grabs one's attention and holds it to the last page.
Instantly interesting and engaging, 'The Garden of Last Days' grabs one's attention and holds it to the last page.
Divisadero by Michael Ondaatje
Sensuous, languid, filled with images, both sublime and earthy. It is a story of separation, division, that feeling of not belonging quite any place or to any relationship.
Sensuous, languid, filled with images, both sublime and earthy. It is a story of separation, division, that feeling of not belonging quite any place or to any relationship.
Merde Happens by Stephen Clarke
The third installation of Paul West's hilarious mis-adventures in merde.
The third installation of Paul West's hilarious mis-adventures in merde.
A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke
The almost-true account of Stephen Clarke's adventures as an expat in Paris, based loosely on his own experiences and with names changed to avoid embarrassment and possible legal action.
The almost-true account of Stephen Clarke's adventures as an expat in Paris, based loosely on his own experiences and with names changed to avoid embarrassment and possible legal action.
Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong
Winner of the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize. The story of Chen Zhen, a Beijing intellectual who moves to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
Winner of the inaugural Man Asian Literary Prize. The story of Chen Zhen, a Beijing intellectual who moves to the grasslands of Inner Mongolia during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
My Revolutions by Hari Kunzru
A revolutionary past catches up with a former radical anti-war activist in Hari Kunzru's latest novel.
A revolutionary past catches up with a former radical anti-war activist in Hari Kunzru's latest novel.
The Age of Shiva by Manil Suri
Following his spectacular debut novel, "The Death of Vishnu," Manil Suri returns with a mesmerizing story of modern India.
Following his spectacular debut novel, "The Death of Vishnu," Manil Suri returns with a mesmerizing story of modern India.
Homecoming by Bernhard Schlink
A protagonist's odyssey through Germany and Europe to the United States in an effort to reconnect and find "home."
A protagonist's odyssey through Germany and Europe to the United States in an effort to reconnect and find "home."
Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow
Toby Barlow's free verse novel takes the werewolf myth to L.A., where werewolves form packs and vie for power.
Toby Barlow's free verse novel takes the werewolf myth to L.A., where werewolves form packs and vie for power.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's depiction of the Buendia family in One Hundred Years of Solitude, Diaz's novel traces Oscar de Leon's family history from 1940s Dominican Republic to 1980s Patterson, NJ of Oscar's nerd youth.
Reminiscent of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's depiction of the Buendia family in One Hundred Years of Solitude, Diaz's novel traces Oscar de Leon's family history from 1940s Dominican Republic to 1980s Patterson, NJ of Oscar's nerd youth.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "March," the journey of a rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war.
From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "March," the journey of a rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war.
Design Flaws of the Human Condition by Paul Schmidtberger
Through a hilarious series of events, two strangers find themselves railroaded into an anger-management class, where they soon become fast friends.
Through a hilarious series of events, two strangers find themselves railroaded into an anger-management class, where they soon become fast friends.
Lamb by Christopher Moore
Lamb is Christopher Moore's irreverent, iconoclastic, and hilarious tale of the early life of Jesus Christ as witnessed by his boyhood pal, Biff.
Lamb is Christopher Moore's irreverent, iconoclastic, and hilarious tale of the early life of Jesus Christ as witnessed by his boyhood pal, Biff.
Run by Ann Patchett
As she did in her bestselling novel "Bel Canto," Patchett weaves together seemingly disparate lives to show how intimately humans can connect.
As she did in her bestselling novel "Bel Canto," Patchett weaves together seemingly disparate lives to show how intimately humans can connect.
The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold
A woman steps over the line into the unthinkable in this unforgettable work by the author of "The Lovely Bones" and "Lucky."
A woman steps over the line into the unthinkable in this unforgettable work by the author of "The Lovely Bones" and "Lucky."
Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
What The Office brought to television, what Office Space brought to the movies, and what Dilbert brought to comics, Then We Came to the End brings to literature.
What The Office brought to television, what Office Space brought to the movies, and what Dilbert brought to comics, Then We Came to the End brings to literature.
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks turns his talents to a tale about love found and lost, and the choices we hope we'll never have to make.
Nicholas Sparks turns his talents to a tale about love found and lost, and the choices we hope we'll never have to make.
Engleby by Sebastian Faulks
Something about Mike Engleby is not quite right. When he becomes fixated on a classmate and she goes missing, we are left with the looming question: Is Mike Engleby involved?
Something about Mike Engleby is not quite right. When he becomes fixated on a classmate and she goes missing, we are left with the looming question: Is Mike Engleby involved?
Spook Country by William Gibson
In William Gibson's follow-up to Pattern Recognition virtual art and international espionage collide.
In William Gibson's follow-up to Pattern Recognition virtual art and international espionage collide.
The Entitled by Frank Deford
In The Entitled, six-time National Sportswriter of the Year and NPR commentator Frank Deford takes the reader deep inside the game of baseball and evokes the roles of the players as well as the one man who can make or break a team and a season.
In The Entitled, six-time National Sportswriter of the Year and NPR commentator Frank Deford takes the reader deep inside the game of baseball and evokes the roles of the players as well as the one man who can make or break a team and a season.
Free Food for Millionaires by Min Jin Lee
Free Food for Millionaires is a fresh take on the immigrant experience and a worthwhile treatment of intergenerational and cultural issues.
Free Food for Millionaires is a fresh take on the immigrant experience and a worthwhile treatment of intergenerational and cultural issues.
Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician by Daniel Wallace
From the author of Big Fish comes this haunting, tender story that weaves a tragic secret, a mysterious meeting with the Devil, and a family of charming circus freaks recounting the extraordinary adventures of their friend Henry Walker, the Negro Magician.
From the author of Big Fish comes this haunting, tender story that weaves a tragic secret, a mysterious meeting with the Devil, and a family of charming circus freaks recounting the extraordinary adventures of their friend Henry Walker, the Negro Magician.
Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis
Comic-book auteur Warren Ellis' very funny first novel combines a mystery, a road trip, a romance, and extensive research into the darker corners of the Internet, and purports to be a descent into the Inferno of contemporary America.
Comic-book auteur Warren Ellis' very funny first novel combines a mystery, a road trip, a romance, and extensive research into the darker corners of the Internet, and purports to be a descent into the Inferno of contemporary America.
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve
At the age of 29, Sydney has already been once divorced and once widowed. Now she has answered an ad to tutor the teenage daughter of a well-to-do couple as they spend a sultry summer in their oceanfront New Hampshire cottage.
At the age of 29, Sydney has already been once divorced and once widowed. Now she has answered an ad to tutor the teenage daughter of a well-to-do couple as they spend a sultry summer in their oceanfront New Hampshire cottage.
Queen of Broken Hearts by Cassandra King
In Cassandra King's fictional town of Fairhope, hearts and personalities collide.
In Cassandra King's fictional town of Fairhope, hearts and personalities collide.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
By Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story of the unconquerable spirit of a people seen through the eyes of two indomitable women.
By Khaled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns is a story of the unconquerable spirit of a people seen through the eyes of two indomitable women.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Kite Runner is Afghanistani-American novelist, Khaled Hosseini's best-selling debut novel, a tale of betrayal and redemption that rises above time and place while simultaneously remaining firmly anchored against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Afghanistan.
The Kite Runner is Afghanistani-American novelist, Khaled Hosseini's best-selling debut novel, a tale of betrayal and redemption that rises above time and place while simultaneously remaining firmly anchored against the tumultuous backdrop of modern Afghanistan.
Traveler by Ron McLarty
In Traveler, his beautifully written follow up to The Memory of Running, Ron McLarty has created a character who returns home to an awakened sense of responsibility after a note arrives telling him of the death of his first love.
In Traveler, his beautifully written follow up to The Memory of Running, Ron McLarty has created a character who returns home to an awakened sense of responsibility after a note arrives telling him of the death of his first love.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Cormac McCarthy traces the progress of a father and son through a postapocalyptic landscape in what is perhaps the author's most powerful novel to date.
Cormac McCarthy traces the progress of a father and son through a postapocalyptic landscape in what is perhaps the author's most powerful novel to date.
Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough
A feel-good chick-lit at the top of its game, Isabel Sharpe's latest novel is a story about three women on the verge of self-discovery.
A feel-good chick-lit at the top of its game, Isabel Sharpe's latest novel is a story about three women on the verge of self-discovery.
The Book of Dave by Will Self
When Dave Rudman's wife deserts him for another man, Dave pens a memoir, part deranged philosophical treatise, part handbook of "the Knowledge" learned by all London cab drivers. Five hundred years later, the Book of Dave is discovered by the inhabitants on the island of Ham, where it becomes a sacred text of biblical proportion, and its author is revered as a mighty prophet.
When Dave Rudman's wife deserts him for another man, Dave pens a memoir, part deranged philosophical treatise, part handbook of "the Knowledge" learned by all London cab drivers. Five hundred years later, the Book of Dave is discovered by the inhabitants on the island of Ham, where it becomes a sacred text of biblical proportion, and its author is revered as a mighty prophet.
Once in a Promised Land
Once in a Promised Land is the story of a couple, Jassim and Salwa, who left the deserts of their native Jordan for those of Arizona, each chasing their own dreams of opportunity and freedom.
Once in a Promised Land is the story of a couple, Jassim and Salwa, who left the deserts of their native Jordan for those of Arizona, each chasing their own dreams of opportunity and freedom.
Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon
Thomas Pynchon devotees have waited a long time for the author's sixth novel, Against the Day, and want to know - is it brilliant, or just complex?
Thomas Pynchon devotees have waited a long time for the author's sixth novel, Against the Day, and want to know - is it brilliant, or just complex?
Only Revolutions by Mark Z. Danielewski
Only Revolutions surrounds a 200 year road journey taken by two teenage lovers, more experimentalist literature from the author of House of Leaves.
Only Revolutions surrounds a 200 year road journey taken by two teenage lovers, more experimentalist literature from the author of House of Leaves.
Paint it Black by Janet Fitch
From the author of White Oleander: a self-destructive teen runaway in the 1980's L.A. punk music scene struggles after her enigmatic artist-dropout-boyfriend commits suicide.
From the author of White Oleander: a self-destructive teen runaway in the 1980's L.A. punk music scene struggles after her enigmatic artist-dropout-boyfriend commits suicide.
Black Swan Green by David Mitchell
Black Swan Green is divided into 13 chapters, each a month in the life of 13-year-old Jason Taylor, each revealing a bit more about the sweet torture that is his life in sleepy Worcestershire.
Black Swan Green is divided into 13 chapters, each a month in the life of 13-year-old Jason Taylor, each revealing a bit more about the sweet torture that is his life in sleepy Worcestershire.
Jpod by Douglas Coupland
Ethan Jarlewski and five co-workers are bureaucratically marooned in JPod, a no-escape architectural limbo on the fringes of a massive Vancouver video game design company.
Ethan Jarlewski and five co-workers are bureaucratically marooned in JPod, a no-escape architectural limbo on the fringes of a massive Vancouver video game design company.
The Futurist by James P. Othmer
A "Dear John" letter and minibar's worth of alcohol send a trend-spotting Futurist on a global mid-life crisis in this satirical first novel.
A "Dear John" letter and minibar's worth of alcohol send a trend-spotting Futurist on a global mid-life crisis in this satirical first novel.
Terrorist by John Updike
John Updike's twenty-second novel tells of eighteen-year-old Ahmad Ashmawy Mulloy, who becomes involved with a fundamentalist jihadist and a terrorist plot.
John Updike's twenty-second novel tells of eighteen-year-old Ahmad Ashmawy Mulloy, who becomes involved with a fundamentalist jihadist and a terrorist plot.
Everyman by Philip Roth
Roth's Everyman is a hero whose youthful sense of independence and confidence begins to be challenged when illness commences its attack in middle age.
Roth's Everyman is a hero whose youthful sense of independence and confidence begins to be challenged when illness commences its attack in middle age.
Fortunate Son
Walter Mosley's novel about two boys, one ensconced in a life of privilege and the other in a life of hardship, explores the true meaning of fortune.
Walter Mosley's novel about two boys, one ensconced in a life of privilege and the other in a life of hardship, explores the true meaning of fortune.
The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier
Kevin Brockmeier's fascinating novel of a City whose deceased inhabitants exist only so long as they are remembered by those alive on Earth.
Kevin Brockmeier's fascinating novel of a City whose deceased inhabitants exist only so long as they are remembered by those alive on Earth.
Londonstani by Gautam Malkani
Gautam Malkani's extraordinary comic novel portrays the lives of young Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu men in the ethnically charged enclave of one of the biggest western cities, London.
Gautam Malkani's extraordinary comic novel portrays the lives of young Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu men in the ethnically charged enclave of one of the biggest western cities, London.
Adverbs by Daniel Handler
Adverbs is a novel about love -- a bunch of different people, in and out of different kinds of love.
Adverbs is a novel about love -- a bunch of different people, in and out of different kinds of love.
This Book Will Save Your Life by A. M. Homes
Richard Novak is a modern-day Everyman and functionally dead until two incidents conspire to hurl him back into the world.
Richard Novak is a modern-day Everyman and functionally dead until two incidents conspire to hurl him back into the world.
The Good Life by Jay McInerney
On a September 2001 morning in New York, brightness falls horribly from the sky. What happens when life stops us in our tracks, or our own choices do? What is the good life?
On a September 2001 morning in New York, brightness falls horribly from the sky. What happens when life stops us in our tracks, or our own choices do? What is the good life?
Company by Max Barry
A smart send-up of corporate culture that will make you laugh your action items right off your plate.
A smart send-up of corporate culture that will make you laugh your action items right off your plate.
Utterly Monkey by Nick Laird
Utterly Monkey is an entertaining page-turner, a work of lad-lit that will nonetheless appeal to a broad audience.
Utterly Monkey is an entertaining page-turner, a work of lad-lit that will nonetheless appeal to a broad audience.
A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
The absurdly funny author of Fluke and The Stupidest Angel strikes again.
The absurdly funny author of Fluke and The Stupidest Angel strikes again.
The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster
Nathan Glass returns to Brooklyn to die. Instead, despair is swept away in favor of discovery, in Brooklynite, Paul Auster's "hymn to the glories and mysteries of ordinary human life."
Nathan Glass returns to Brooklyn to die. Instead, despair is swept away in favor of discovery, in Brooklynite, Paul Auster's "hymn to the glories and mysteries of ordinary human life."
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks brings back two characters from his bestseller, True Believer.
Nicholas Sparks brings back two characters from his bestseller, True Believer.
On Beauty by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith made a literary splash as a twenty-five-year-old with her debut novel White Teeth. Smith's latest is On Beauty, a modern twist on E. M. Forster's Howard's End.
Zadie Smith made a literary splash as a twenty-five-year-old with her debut novel White Teeth. Smith's latest is On Beauty, a modern twist on E. M. Forster's Howard's End.
The People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia
Amidst disillusioned saints hiding in wrestling rings, mothers burnt by glowing halos, and a Baby Nostradamus who sees only blackness, a gang of flower pickers heads off to war, led by a lonely man who cannot help but wet his bed in sadness.
Amidst disillusioned saints hiding in wrestling rings, mothers burnt by glowing halos, and a Baby Nostradamus who sees only blackness, a gang of flower pickers heads off to war, led by a lonely man who cannot help but wet his bed in sadness.
Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis
Lunar Park, is a feat of literary sleight-of-hand, a bait and switch game that finds Ellis addressing his controversial work and his relationship to it in a fictionalized confession.
Lunar Park, is a feat of literary sleight-of-hand, a bait and switch game that finds Ellis addressing his controversial work and his relationship to it in a fictionalized confession.
Indecision by Benjamin Kunkel
The narrator of Benjamin Kunkel's comic novel is encouraged by one of his roommates to try an experimental pharmaceutical meant to banish indecision and finds himself on the brink of a new life.
The narrator of Benjamin Kunkel's comic novel is encouraged by one of his roommates to try an experimental pharmaceutical meant to banish indecision and finds himself on the brink of a new life.
The Accidental by Ali Smith
Ali Smith's Booker-nominated novel, The Accidental, is about how people break down and the terrifying possibilities of who they might become.
Ali Smith's Booker-nominated novel, The Accidental, is about how people break down and the terrifying possibilities of who they might become.
Until I Find You by John Irving
John Irving's eleventh novel is the story of the actor Jack Burns, son of a Toronto tattoo artist and a church organist who is addicted to being tattooed.
John Irving's eleventh novel is the story of the actor Jack Burns, son of a Toronto tattoo artist and a church organist who is addicted to being tattooed.
Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
When Fat Charlie's father dies, Charlie discovers that his old man, heretofore merely embarrassing, was actually Anansi, the West African spider trickster god.
When Fat Charlie's father dies, Charlie discovers that his old man, heretofore merely embarrassing, was actually Anansi, the West African spider trickster god.
Freddy and Fredericka by Mark Helprin
If you've not read Helprin before, start with Winter's Tale or A Soldier of the Great War. If you're familiar with Helprin's epic odysseys and have been waiting for his next, wait no longer.
If you've not read Helprin before, start with Winter's Tale or A Soldier of the Great War. If you're familiar with Helprin's epic odysseys and have been waiting for his next, wait no longer.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
From Sue Monk Kidd, author of "The Secret Life of Bees." Jessie Sullivan returns to Egret Island,off the coast of South Carolina, to care for her mother and finds herself attracted to a young monk at a Benedictine Monastery.
From Sue Monk Kidd, author of "The Secret Life of Bees." Jessie Sullivan returns to Egret Island,off the coast of South Carolina, to care for her mother and finds herself attracted to a young monk at a Benedictine Monastery.
A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
Martin, JJ, Jess, and Maureen; a former TV talk show host, a musician, a teenage girl, and a mother; encounter one another on the roof of Topper's House, a London destination famous as the last stop for those ready to end their lives.
Martin, JJ, Jess, and Maureen; a former TV talk show host, a musician, a teenage girl, and a mother; encounter one another on the roof of Topper's House, a London destination famous as the last stop for those ready to end their lives.
The Man In My Basement by Walter Mosely
Walter Mosely, author of the Easy Rawlins detective novels, weaves a more philosophical story in The Man in My Basement.
Walter Mosely, author of the Easy Rawlins detective novels, weaves a more philosophical story in The Man in My Basement.
The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer
Max Tivoli is born with the external physical appearance of an old, dying person. Max grows older like any child, but his physical age appears to go backward.
Max Tivoli is born with the external physical appearance of an old, dying person. Max grows older like any child, but his physical age appears to go backward.
St. Dale by Sharyn McCrumb
A group of racing fans sets off on a bus tour of Southern speedways in tribute to NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt in this road novel modeled after the Canterbury Tales.
A group of racing fans sets off on a bus tour of Southern speedways in tribute to NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt in this road novel modeled after the Canterbury Tales.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Oskar Schell is nine years old and on an urgent, secret search through the five boroughs of New York to find the lock that fits a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Oskar Schell is nine years old and on an urgent, secret search through the five boroughs of New York to find the lock that fits a mysterious key belonging to his father, who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Liberating Paris by Linda Bloodworth Thomason
Themes of friendship, redemption, and grace under pressure are examined in the context of Paris, Arkansas.
Themes of friendship, redemption, and grace under pressure are examined in the context of Paris, Arkansas.
The Sea of Tears by Nani Power
Nani Power's otherworldly novel delves into the tangled relationships and hidden worlds of people brought together-and torn apart-under extraordinary circumstances.
Nani Power's otherworldly novel delves into the tangled relationships and hidden worlds of people brought together-and torn apart-under extraordinary circumstances.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Characteristically engaging in its humor and surrealism - true to form for Haruki Murakami.
Characteristically engaging in its humor and surrealism - true to form for Haruki Murakami.
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" ricochets it's way through time, space, and literary genres and characters in an extremely compelling "puzzle book" novel.
David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" ricochets it's way through time, space, and literary genres and characters in an extremely compelling "puzzle book" novel.
Wake Up, Sir! by Jonathan Ames
Alan Blair is a young writer with numerous problems of the mental, emotional, sexual, spiritual, and physical variety. Luckily for Alan, he has a personal valet, a wondrously helpful fellow named Jeeves, who does his best to sort things out for his young master.
Alan Blair is a young writer with numerous problems of the mental, emotional, sexual, spiritual, and physical variety. Luckily for Alan, he has a personal valet, a wondrously helpful fellow named Jeeves, who does his best to sort things out for his young master.
I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
A smart girl from a dull town is thrust into the excesses of college life in Tom Wolfe's satirical take on the undergraduate experience.
A smart girl from a dull town is thrust into the excesses of college life in Tom Wolfe's satirical take on the undergraduate experience.
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty
Actor and playwritght, Ron McLarty, delivers a character-driven epic journey.
Actor and playwritght, Ron McLarty, delivers a character-driven epic journey.
Colors Insulting to Nature by Cintra Wilson
Cintra Wilson has fused a hilarious yet strangely touching coming-of-age story with a blistering satire of our celebrity-debased culture.
Cintra Wilson has fused a hilarious yet strangely touching coming-of-age story with a blistering satire of our celebrity-debased culture.
Astonishing Splashes of Colour by Clare Morrall
Booker finalist Astonishing Splashes of Colour takes its title from J. M. Barrie's description of Peter Pan's Neverland. It follows the life of Kitty, a woman who, in a sense, has never grown up.
Booker finalist Astonishing Splashes of Colour takes its title from J. M. Barrie's description of Peter Pan's Neverland. It follows the life of Kitty, a woman who, in a sense, has never grown up.
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore
It is the return of America's favorite chronicler of absurdity, Christopher Moore, with shovel-wielding murderesses, stoned officers of the law, one half-witted agent of The Lord, a flock of undead zombies fed up with the living, and oh, don't forget the illustrious reemergence of Roberto The Fruit Bat.
It is the return of America's favorite chronicler of absurdity, Christopher Moore, with shovel-wielding murderesses, stoned officers of the law, one half-witted agent of The Lord, a flock of undead zombies fed up with the living, and oh, don't forget the illustrious reemergence of Roberto The Fruit Bat.
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas.
Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas.
How I Paid for College by Marc Acito
Marc Acito, hailed as the "gay Dave Barry" for his humor column, "The Gospel According to Marc" delivers on this fun-filled romp through adolescence.
Marc Acito, hailed as the "gay Dave Barry" for his humor column, "The Gospel According to Marc" delivers on this fun-filled romp through adolescence.
The Darling by Russell Banks
A political radical and former member of the Weather Underground becomes a friend and colleague of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor, a relationship that triggers a momentous series of events.
A political radical and former member of the Weather Underground becomes a friend and colleague of ex-Liberian President Charles Taylor, a relationship that triggers a momentous series of events.
Eve’s Apple by Jonathan Rosen
Jonathan Rosen's Eve's Apple on the surface appears to be a story about a man obsessed with his girlfriends' eating disorder. What it turns out to be is something much more intriguing.
Jonathan Rosen's Eve's Apple on the surface appears to be a story about a man obsessed with his girlfriends' eating disorder. What it turns out to be is something much more intriguing.
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
In a time when every Western country is facing off with its Muslim populations, this book provides its readers a look at a community that, frankly, frightens them.
In a time when every Western country is facing off with its Muslim populations, this book provides its readers a look at a community that, frankly, frightens them.
The Normals by David Gilbert
Billy Schine, a debt-ridden and disillusioned Harvard grad, signs up for a medical research trial of a new antipsychotic.
Billy Schine, a debt-ridden and disillusioned Harvard grad, signs up for a medical research trial of a new antipsychotic.
Scream Queens of the Dead Sea by Gilad Elbom
When a young graduate of the Israeli army decides to moonlight as an assistant nurse at a mental institution in Jerusalem, he finds himself trapped in a hilarious yet terrifying freak show.
When a young graduate of the Israeli army decides to moonlight as an assistant nurse at a mental institution in Jerusalem, he finds himself trapped in a hilarious yet terrifying freak show.
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
Nick Guest, finds his life dramatically altered when he takes up residence with conservative Parliament member, in Hollinghurst's winner of the 2004 Booker Prize.
Nick Guest, finds his life dramatically altered when he takes up residence with conservative Parliament member, in Hollinghurst's winner of the 2004 Booker Prize.
A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews
Miriam Toews' darkly funny novel is the world according to Nomi Nickel, a bewildered and wry sixteen-year-old trapped in a town governed by fundamentalist Mennonites.
Miriam Toews' darkly funny novel is the world according to Nomi Nickel, a bewildered and wry sixteen-year-old trapped in a town governed by fundamentalist Mennonites.
The End of the Story by Lydia Davis
Mislabeled boxes, problems with visiting nurses, and confusing notes --such are the obstacles in the way of the unnamed narrator of The End of the Story as she attempts to organize her memories of a love affair into a novel.
Mislabeled boxes, problems with visiting nurses, and confusing notes --such are the obstacles in the way of the unnamed narrator of The End of the Story as she attempts to organize her memories of a love affair into a novel.
Tearjerker by Daniel Hayes
In Daniel Hayes' darkly humorous debut novel, Evan Ulmer takes matters into his own hands after his writerly dreams of fame and recognition have stalled. He kidnaps renowned editor Robert Partnow and cages him in a basement.
In Daniel Hayes' darkly humorous debut novel, Evan Ulmer takes matters into his own hands after his writerly dreams of fame and recognition have stalled. He kidnaps renowned editor Robert Partnow and cages him in a basement.
Enter Sandman by Stephanie Williams
Two months after her 30th birthday, celebrated journalist, Stephanie Williams, was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Enter Sandman, is a largely biographical account of her struggle. Stephanie Williams died on July 3, 2004, just weeks after the book's publication.
Two months after her 30th birthday, celebrated journalist, Stephanie Williams, was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. Enter Sandman, is a largely biographical account of her struggle. Stephanie Williams died on July 3, 2004, just weeks after the book's publication.
Oblivion by David Foster Wallace
In the stories that make up Oblivion, David Foster Wallace joins the rawest, most naked humanity with the infinite involutions of self-consciousness-a combination that is dazzlingly, uniquely his. These are worlds undreamt-of by any other mind.
In the stories that make up Oblivion, David Foster Wallace joins the rawest, most naked humanity with the infinite involutions of self-consciousness-a combination that is dazzlingly, uniquely his. These are worlds undreamt-of by any other mind.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic savant obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, Mark Haddon's novel weaves together an old-fashioned mystery, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a fascinating excursion into a mind incapable of processing emotions.
Narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic savant obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, Mark Haddon's novel weaves together an old-fashioned mystery, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a fascinating excursion into a mind incapable of processing emotions.
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
Winner of 2001's National Book Award, Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections" is a modern portrait of the family in decline.
Winner of 2001's National Book Award, Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections" is a modern portrait of the family in decline.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
The Known World weaves together the lives of freed and enslaved blacks, whites, and Indians -- and allows all of us a deeper understanding of the enduring multidimensional world created by the institution of slavery.
The Known World weaves together the lives of freed and enslaved blacks, whites, and Indians -- and allows all of us a deeper understanding of the enduring multidimensional world created by the institution of slavery.
Transmission by Hari Kunzru
Transmission, Hari Kunzru’s new novel of love and lunacy, immigration and immunity, introduces a daydreaming Indian computer geek whose luxurious fantasies about life in America are shaken when he accepts a California job offer.
Transmission, Hari Kunzru’s new novel of love and lunacy, immigration and immunity, introduces a daydreaming Indian computer geek whose luxurious fantasies about life in America are shaken when he accepts a California job offer.
P by Andrew Lewis Conn
Andrew Lewis Conn has chosen to embrace rather then deny his predecessors and create a work of ultimate reference. He has taken James Joyce's "Ulysses" as his model and created his own single day in the late 20th century over which the action of his story takes place.
Andrew Lewis Conn has chosen to embrace rather then deny his predecessors and create a work of ultimate reference. He has taken James Joyce's "Ulysses" as his model and created his own single day in the late 20th century over which the action of his story takes place.
The Paris Review Book for Planes, Trains, Elevators, and Waiting Rooms
The Paris Review Book for Planes, Trains, Elevators, and Waiting Rooms is a uniquely-themed anthology in that it's theme is the reader. This compendium offers reading material to fill those moments of waiting for something to happen.
The Paris Review Book for Planes, Trains, Elevators, and Waiting Rooms is a uniquely-themed anthology in that it's theme is the reader. This compendium offers reading material to fill those moments of waiting for something to happen.
Samaritan by Richard Price
Samaritan by Richard Price tells the story of Ray Mitchell, who after a lucrative television writing career comes to an abrupt end, returns to the New Jersey city of his birth—to rethink his life and to spread the wealth on the housing project that reared him.
Samaritan by Richard Price tells the story of Ray Mitchell, who after a lucrative television writing career comes to an abrupt end, returns to the New Jersey city of his birth—to rethink his life and to spread the wealth on the housing project that reared him.
Fat White Vampire Blues by Andrew Fox
In Andrew Fox's first novel Fat White Vampire Blues, he has created an Ignatius Reilly (A Confederacy of Dunces) of the undead and as in John Kennedy Toole's famous novel, Fox takes full advantage of the exotic and eccentric nature of New Orleans.
In Andrew Fox's first novel Fat White Vampire Blues, he has created an Ignatius Reilly (A Confederacy of Dunces) of the undead and as in John Kennedy Toole's famous novel, Fox takes full advantage of the exotic and eccentric nature of New Orleans.
Oracle Night by Paul Auster
Paul Auster is one author who likes to write novels about novelists, and continues to be consistently entertaining and provocative in doing so. Auster's latest novel, Oracle Night, is another exploration on why we write, and what kind of power that writing actually holds.
Paul Auster is one author who likes to write novels about novelists, and continues to be consistently entertaining and provocative in doing so. Auster's latest novel, Oracle Night, is another exploration on why we write, and what kind of power that writing actually holds.
Yellow Dog by Martin Amis
Martin Amis is no stranger to the nittier and grittier walks of life. Amis's novels are filled with sex, drugs, and violence, and is an expert at creating despicable characters for whom you can't help but feeling a little bit sympathetic. His latest novel, Yellow Dog, should please fans of his morbid sense of humor, layered storytelling, and uniquely descriptive language.
Martin Amis is no stranger to the nittier and grittier walks of life. Amis's novels are filled with sex, drugs, and violence, and is an expert at creating despicable characters for whom you can't help but feeling a little bit sympathetic. His latest novel, Yellow Dog, should please fans of his morbid sense of humor, layered storytelling, and uniquely descriptive language.
The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon
Compelled by his book club to choke down The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon, this reviewer finds his patience in the face of sophomoric and choppy prose rewarded generously with gripping plot and intriguing characters.
Compelled by his book club to choke down The Manchurian Candidate by Richard Condon, this reviewer finds his patience in the face of sophomoric and choppy prose rewarded generously with gripping plot and intriguing characters.
Drop City by T.C. Boyle
It is 1970, and a California commune devoted to peace, free love, and the simple life has decided to relocate to the last frontier—the unforgiving landscape of interior Alaska. Armed with the spirit of adventure and naïve optimism, the inhabitants of "Drop City" arrive in the wilderness of Alaska only to find their utopia already populated by other homesteaders.
It is 1970, and a California commune devoted to peace, free love, and the simple life has decided to relocate to the last frontier—the unforgiving landscape of interior Alaska. Armed with the spirit of adventure and naïve optimism, the inhabitants of "Drop City" arrive in the wilderness of Alaska only to find their utopia already populated by other homesteaders.
Gilligan's Wake by Tom Carson
In Gilligan's Wake by Tom Carson, seven familiar narrators recall the last century. The Skipper shares his memories of fellow skipper Jack Kennedy. The millionaire gets Alger Hiss a job. Mrs. Howell reveals her friendship with The Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan. Ginger dishes up the scoop on the Rat Pack. The professor confesses to his part in every event from Los Alamos to Watergate. And Mary-Ann finds romance in Paris. And then Gilligan, inventing this comic collage for reasons of his own.
In Gilligan's Wake by Tom Carson, seven familiar narrators recall the last century. The Skipper shares his memories of fellow skipper Jack Kennedy. The millionaire gets Alger Hiss a job. Mrs. Howell reveals her friendship with The Great Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan. Ginger dishes up the scoop on the Rat Pack. The professor confesses to his part in every event from Los Alamos to Watergate. And Mary-Ann finds romance in Paris. And then Gilligan, inventing this comic collage for reasons of his own.
Little Children by Tom Perrotta
The characters of Tom Perrotta's latest novel, Little Children, are a surprising bunch: Todd, the handsome stay-at-home dad; Sarah, a lapsed feminist with a bisexual past; Richard, Sarah's husband, who has found himself more and more involved with a fantasy life on the internet; and Mary Ann, who thinks she has it all figured out. Written with all the fluency of Perrotta's previous novels, Little Children exposes adult dramas amidst the swingsets and slides of an ordinary American playground.
The characters of Tom Perrotta's latest novel, Little Children, are a surprising bunch: Todd, the handsome stay-at-home dad; Sarah, a lapsed feminist with a bisexual past; Richard, Sarah's husband, who has found himself more and more involved with a fantasy life on the internet; and Mary Ann, who thinks she has it all figured out. Written with all the fluency of Perrotta's previous novels, Little Children exposes adult dramas amidst the swingsets and slides of an ordinary American playground.
She Plays with the Darkness by Zakes Mda
In a remote mountain village, the beautiful Dikosha lives for dancing and for song. Her twin brother, Radisene, works in the lowland capital of Maseru, struggling amid political upheaval. As the years pass, Radisene's fortunes rise and fall in the city, while Dikosha remains in the village, never leaving and never aging. And through it all, the community watches, comments, and passes judgment.
In a remote mountain village, the beautiful Dikosha lives for dancing and for song. Her twin brother, Radisene, works in the lowland capital of Maseru, struggling amid political upheaval. As the years pass, Radisene's fortunes rise and fall in the city, while Dikosha remains in the village, never leaving and never aging. And through it all, the community watches, comments, and passes judgment.
The Bride Stripped Bare by Anonymous
In writing The Bride Stripped Bare, the author decided to remain anonymous so she would feel absolutely free to explore a woman's inner world. As she writes in her afterword, "That doesn't mean this book is a memoir; it's many things to me, fiction and nonfiction, fantasy and fact, a quilt pieced together not only from my stories but those of my friends."
In writing The Bride Stripped Bare, the author decided to remain anonymous so she would feel absolutely free to explore a woman's inner world. As she writes in her afterword, "That doesn't mean this book is a memoir; it's many things to me, fiction and nonfiction, fantasy and fact, a quilt pieced together not only from my stories but those of my friends."
Quicksilver (The Baroque Cycle Vol. 1) by Neal Stephenson
Volume I of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, Quicksilver, is history, adventure, science, truth, invention, sex, absurdity, piracy, madness, death, and alchemy. It sweeps across continents and decades with the power of a roaring tornado, upending kings, armies, religious beliefs, and all expectations.
Volume I of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, Quicksilver, is history, adventure, science, truth, invention, sex, absurdity, piracy, madness, death, and alchemy. It sweeps across continents and decades with the power of a roaring tornado, upending kings, armies, religious beliefs, and all expectations.
The Confusion (The Baroque Cycle Vol. 2) by Neal Stephenson
The Confusion, the second book of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle trilogy does not disappoint as he picks up his characters where he abruptly dropped them at the end of Quicksilver. Join Stephenson amidst a vast and intricate historical backdrop in Volume Two of The Baroque Cycle.
The Confusion, the second book of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle trilogy does not disappoint as he picks up his characters where he abruptly dropped them at the end of Quicksilver. Join Stephenson amidst a vast and intricate historical backdrop in Volume Two of The Baroque Cycle.
Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins
Tom Robbins has been dishing out metaphor-rich and metaphysically-playful novels since 1971 when he delivered Another Roadside Attraction. His latest work, Villa Incognito, begins with 3 American MIAs who choose to remain missing after the Vietnam war, but as is always the case with a Tom Robbins' work, careens gleefully into untold realms of myth and imagination.
Tom Robbins has been dishing out metaphor-rich and metaphysically-playful novels since 1971 when he delivered Another Roadside Attraction. His latest work, Villa Incognito, begins with 3 American MIAs who choose to remain missing after the Vietnam war, but as is always the case with a Tom Robbins' work, careens gleefully into untold realms of myth and imagination.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind seems born of a different time. An ode to its own genre, a love song to itself, the story of a boy who is shown the power of a book, one so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything and everyone he loves.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind seems born of a different time. An ode to its own genre, a love song to itself, the story of a boy who is shown the power of a book, one so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything and everyone he loves.
Gotham Tragic by Kurt Wenzel
Kurt Wenzel's quick moving new novel Gotham Tragic is the sequel to his debut Lit Life. Wenzel's novel is an amusing look at the New York publishing hi-life in which a group of militant Muslims declare a fatwa against an arrogant author.
Kurt Wenzel's quick moving new novel Gotham Tragic is the sequel to his debut Lit Life. Wenzel's novel is an amusing look at the New York publishing hi-life in which a group of militant Muslims declare a fatwa against an arrogant author.
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
From Cornelia Funke, the author of the international best-selling novel THE THIEF LORD: One night Meggie's father, Mo, reads aloud from a book called INKHEART, and an evil ruler named Capricorn escapes the boundaries of fiction and lands in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie is smack in the middle of the kind of adventure she has only read about in books.
From Cornelia Funke, the author of the international best-selling novel THE THIEF LORD: One night Meggie's father, Mo, reads aloud from a book called INKHEART, and an evil ruler named Capricorn escapes the boundaries of fiction and lands in their living room. Suddenly, Meggie is smack in the middle of the kind of adventure she has only read about in books.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
To call Middlesex a coming-of-age novel about a hermaphrodite would be like calling The Odyssey a story about some guy on a boat. Middlesex is nothing short of epic; one family's survival on a twisted path through Greece to 20th Century America; the igniting of Michigan race riots, and the burning desires hidden within a girl named Callie and the man named Cal who she is to become.
To call Middlesex a coming-of-age novel about a hermaphrodite would be like calling The Odyssey a story about some guy on a boat. Middlesex is nothing short of epic; one family's survival on a twisted path through Greece to 20th Century America; the igniting of Michigan race riots, and the burning desires hidden within a girl named Callie and the man named Cal who she is to become.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
In "The Secret Life of Bees," Sue Monk Kidd wraps a coming-of-age tale around a search for one's mother, plunks it down into the racially-charged South Carolina of the civil rights movement and sets it all alight with a dose of feminine spirituality.
In "The Secret Life of Bees," Sue Monk Kidd wraps a coming-of-age tale around a search for one's mother, plunks it down into the racially-charged South Carolina of the civil rights movement and sets it all alight with a dose of feminine spirituality.
Diary by Chuck Palahniuk
For the first time since his first novel, Invisible Monsters, Chuck Palahniuk is writing in a woman's voice, albeit the obsessed and borderline deranged voice of Diary's "heroine." However, the urgency and broken speech are so reminiscent of his earlier work that it could very well be the fantasy of Fight Club's truly psychotic narrator.
For the first time since his first novel, Invisible Monsters, Chuck Palahniuk is writing in a woman's voice, albeit the obsessed and borderline deranged voice of Diary's "heroine." However, the urgency and broken speech are so reminiscent of his earlier work that it could very well be the fantasy of Fight Club's truly psychotic narrator.
The Bay of Noon by Shirley Hazzard
"The Bay of Noon" is Shirley Hazzard's 1970 classic story about a friendship between two women; Jenny, an English diplomatic assistant on assignment in post-WWII Italy. And Gioconda, the sole mistress of a decaying ancestral home rooted in the heart of Naples.
"The Bay of Noon" is Shirley Hazzard's 1970 classic story about a friendship between two women; Jenny, an English diplomatic assistant on assignment in post-WWII Italy. And Gioconda, the sole mistress of a decaying ancestral home rooted in the heart of Naples.
Appleby House by Sylvia Smith
Appleby House-the true story of a house rented out in 1984 London that involves such exciting things as cooking, cleaning, rearranging furniture, paying for bath water, secretarial work…and well, not too much else...
Appleby House-the true story of a house rented out in 1984 London that involves such exciting things as cooking, cleaning, rearranging furniture, paying for bath water, secretarial work…and well, not too much else...
Ten Little Indians by Sherman Alexie
“Nine is a much funnier number than eleven,” explained Sherman Alexie in a recent book signing for Ten Little Indians, a collection of nine contemporary Native American tales.
“Nine is a much funnier number than eleven,” explained Sherman Alexie in a recent book signing for Ten Little Indians, a collection of nine contemporary Native American tales.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, "Kavalier and Clay" is the story of two young Jewish cousins whose meeting in 1939 ignites a luminous career in comic books at a time in history when the art form exploded in American popular culture.
Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, "Kavalier and Clay" is the story of two young Jewish cousins whose meeting in 1939 ignites a luminous career in comic books at a time in history when the art form exploded in American popular culture.
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
With only a yellowing photograph in hand, a young man - also named Jonathan Safran Foer - sets out to find the woman who might or might not have saved his grandfather from the Nazis.
With only a yellowing photograph in hand, a young man - also named Jonathan Safran Foer - sets out to find the woman who might or might not have saved his grandfather from the Nazis.
The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin
Daniel Pecan resides in his Santa Monica apartment, living much of his life as a bystander: He watches from his window as the world goes by, and his only relationships seem to be with people who barely know he exists. He passes the time idly filling out contest applications, counting ceiling tiles, and estimating the wattage of light bulbs.
Daniel Pecan resides in his Santa Monica apartment, living much of his life as a bystander: He watches from his window as the world goes by, and his only relationships seem to be with people who barely know he exists. He passes the time idly filling out contest applications, counting ceiling tiles, and estimating the wattage of light bulbs.
The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters by Timothy Schaffert
After reading Timothy Schaffert's latest work, "The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters," there is no doubt that Schaffert is a fantastic short story writer and the fact that he won one of the highest honors for his genre...
After reading Timothy Schaffert's latest work, "The Phantom Limbs of the Rollow Sisters," there is no doubt that Schaffert is a fantastic short story writer and the fact that he won one of the highest honors for his genre...
Beemer (TM) by Glenn Gaslin
Glenn Gaslin's first novel, Beemer (TM) is a fresh, though perhaps too non-confrontational exploration of the media cultural landscape seeping into our collective mindscapes...
Glenn Gaslin's first novel, Beemer (TM) is a fresh, though perhaps too non-confrontational exploration of the media cultural landscape seeping into our collective mindscapes...
To Live by Yu Hua
"To Live" is an epic and heartbreaking journey spanning four decades of recent Chinese history. It begins in the 1930s around the time of China’s second war with Japan and continues into the late 1970s reform era. In between, Hua weaves great sorrow and struggle for Fugui and his family through the tempestuous Chinese Civil War, The Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution.
"To Live" is an epic and heartbreaking journey spanning four decades of recent Chinese history. It begins in the 1930s around the time of China’s second war with Japan and continues into the late 1970s reform era. In between, Hua weaves great sorrow and struggle for Fugui and his family through the tempestuous Chinese Civil War, The Great Leap Forward, and The Cultural Revolution.
Fluke by Christopher Moore
A chance encounter with a whale with peculiar markings on its flukes sets four mismatched companions on an increasingly bizarre adventure that can only culminate in a showdown with the origins of life on earth itself.
A chance encounter with a whale with peculiar markings on its flukes sets four mismatched companions on an increasingly bizarre adventure that can only culminate in a showdown with the origins of life on earth itself.
Jennifer Government by Max Barry
The planet is run by huge American corporations; the government has been marginalized to such an extent that it is unable to quell the war stirring between rival corporate loyalty programs; and elementary schools are sponsored by the likes of Mattel and McDonalds.
The planet is run by huge American corporations; the government has been marginalized to such an extent that it is unable to quell the war stirring between rival corporate loyalty programs; and elementary schools are sponsored by the likes of Mattel and McDonalds.
Sex and Sunsets by Tim Sandlin
Kelly Palamino is not - I repeat, NOT - crazy. Yes, water does talk to him: his toilet tells him to eat fish; his Water Pik quotes Ezra Pound. His ex-wife denies they were ever married and is actively seeking to have him committed. But Kelly Palamino is not crazy. Lost? Yes… but not crazy.
Kelly Palamino is not - I repeat, NOT - crazy. Yes, water does talk to him: his toilet tells him to eat fish; his Water Pik quotes Ezra Pound. His ex-wife denies they were ever married and is actively seeking to have him committed. But Kelly Palamino is not crazy. Lost? Yes… but not crazy.