Dear Readers,
I'll bet you've been sitting around for days, patiently waiting for me to post my September book list. I imagine both of you are giddy beyond belief that I've finally remembered to do so. I bet this post really makes your weekend (*=library book). So with no further ado:
We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates
A family epic that neither successfully jerked my tears or tugged my heart strings. Oprah really liked it.
No One Belongs Here More Than You* by Miranda July
Quirky film maker July's short story collection is not for the squeamish. A little bit sexy, a lot weird. But enjoyable.
Niagra Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCracken
I really enjoyed McCracken's first novel, Giant's House, about a small town librarian's love for the world's tallest boy. It was a quirky romance that worked. This--a portrait of two vaudeville comedians' partnership and friendship--I liked considerably less.
Interpreter of Maladies* by Jhumpa Lahiri
Lahiri is a master of the short story. I thought this collection was more resonant and polished than her novel The Namesake. Her themes of immigration, exile, and cultural crossings are written with precision, subtletly, and emotion.
Lush Life* (Audiobook) by Richard Price
For official statistical purposes, I don't count this book. I listened to it, rather than read it. A gritty New York crime novel, Price leads you through the seemy underbelly of New York City and into the pyschology of a broad set of interesting characters. A good pick for a long drive.
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
A simple and lovely story of rural life and forming new, unusual familial bonds.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
A surprisingly engaging read, with strong characters (including Frank Lloyd Wright), strong plot, and a lot to think about. Historical fiction done well.
How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read by Pierre Bayard
Having read this, I no longer feel qualified to talk about it. So I won't.
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett
A quick and utterly charming book about reading and readers.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
