Revival
Every month, this column will be dedicated to books and only books: new ones, old ones, great ones and terrible ones. We will cover upcoming releases, give some recommendations and provide you with a random grouping. Happy reading.
November releases:
Revival by Stephen King (Nov. 11)
The legendary author’s new book, the second he has released this year, has been described as “a dark and electrifying novel about addiction, fanaticism, and what might exist on the other side of life.” If you weren’t already excited for this book because of its author, that single sentence should be enough to pique your interest.
A Map of Betrayal by Ha Jin (Nov. 4)
There’s nothing quite like a pulse-pounding spy novel, and by all accounts, that is what Chinese-American poet and novelist Ha Jin has produced here, with a flair of family dynamic. A Map of Betrayal tells the story of a young American woman who finds her father’s diary after his death and learns of his secret life as a Chinese spy. As she follows his trail back to China in search of answers about who he really was, she encounters a potent mix of culture, values and patriotism.
The Laughing Monsters by Denis Johnson (Nov. 4)
Here’s another spy story to look forward to this month, this one from the author of Tree of Smoke, winner of the 2007 National Book Award. The Laughing Monsters centers on three travelers in West Africa searching for a get-rich-quick scheme in a post-9/11 world of intercultural paranoia. The violence that speckles their war-torn surroundings brings out the worst in each character in a story about secrets on a personal and international level.
The Unspeakable: And Other Subjects of Discussion by Meghan Daum (Nov. 18)
If you’re looking for a change in format, this book of essays by Daum, who made waves with her 2001 collection, My Misspent Youth, is deeply personal and brutally honest. In capturing her own views of everything from current culture to the death of her mother, Daum might just accomplish a great writer’s best magic trick: making you feel what she feels.
Monthly Recommendations:
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
Hornby’s new novel, Funny Girl, will be dropping in the U.K. in November, but doesn’t reach the states until February. Use his classic novel to tide over your need for funny British brilliance until then.
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham
This is just one of many good books by Grisham and one of many great football books written in the last 50 years. But this brisk novel is different in that the setting (a small-town football team in Italy) and the writing (crisp, witty, easy) are great enough to make it a fun read for anyone, not just football die-hards. A nice read for any time, but especially enjoyable in the heart of football season.
Staff Pick:
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell
An imaginative, intricately woven masterpiece that spans several decades across the planet and follows a 15-year-old English runaway girl, a charismatic and manipulative genius university student, a war-addicted journalist, immortal spirits and more. It’s a haunting story that weaves together the bleakly realistic and magically fantastic effortlessly, with moments of real emotional power. Beautifully written, insightful, funny and easily the most fun of Mitchell’s works, The Bone Clocks is one of his best and definitely one of the best novels of 2014.
Random Grouping: Great books about food
What better way to get ready for Turkey Day than to read about food?
The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
This international bestseller was just made into a movie that Helen Mirren agreed to star in, so that speaks for itself.
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
The book possesses everything that made the movie great, except for Johnny Depp, including a bunch of chocolate.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
A classic novel that all who love candy or great writing should read at least once in their lives.
