It’s summer, and now is the time to relax and catch up on on some great novels– on a plane, on vacation, or simply at home. It is our belief that whenever and wherever you read a great novel, it’s as if you’ve gone away for a few days for a good break. May we suggest the following: The new novel from John Le Carre, A Delicate Truth. One of his best, one of his angriest, in years. Counter-terrorism meets private government contractors. Familiar? The…
Once in a while, a book, or an author, finds its way into your hands and you’re forced to halt in your tracks. You can do nothing except focus on the urgent matter at hand, which is to remain motionless until you’ve finished the whole glorious thing, however long it takes. The Patrick Melrose Novels is a series of five sequential books about the turbulent and dysfunctional life of Patrick Melrose, written by British author Edward St. Aubyn. The first four books are now available…
Who gives the best advice when we most need it? To whom can we turn when it seems that we’ve just landed in the dumpster and Oprah isn’t on until tomorrow? Cathy Alter, in her recent memoir called Up for Renewal, turned to glossy magazines. After a series of unfortunate events– relating to career, marriage, bad decisions, and bad luck, Cathy chose a bunch of women’s magazines, and adhered to their advice for one year. From investment strategy to lipstick tips, from sex and dating…
I spend a great deal of time reading crime novels, detective fiction and police procedurals. They’re visceral, engaging on both the intellectual and emotional fronts, the loose ends tie up neatly, and there’s justice for most. Or at least for some. While bingeing on some great Irish detective fiction, I stumbled onto the work of Ian Sansom. I love his books. Ian Sansom contributes a weekly column to The Guardian, writing book reviews, and essays on contemporary as well as historical cultural figures. I wish…