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Recent Books ReviewsFriday, November 20 2009
The Original of Laura by Vladimir NabokovAs a reminder of a great writer's genius and obsessions, for its historical value, for its fragments of beautiful prose, and as a objet d'art, this book is a ten. As an actual work of literature, it's no more than a four. The City Out My Window: 63 Views on New York by Matteo PericoliPericoli's sketchbook captures the pictures, moments, methodologies, and musings that occur at every second in every spot of the city every single day. It is a macro microcosm. Thursday, November 19 2009Football: An Encyclopedia of Popular Culture by Edward J. RiellyA far-ranging and fascinating treatment of American Football and its cultural associations; there's far more to the game than a pigskin and beer. Nine Dragons by Michael ConnellyThe destruction of Bosch's neat, tight little world by the concussive heat of soul-ripping anguish gives this novel its ferocious energy, its mighty push. Wednesday, November 18 2009Cracked Media: The Sound of Malfunction by Caleb KellyKelly's study provides access to some fascinating theories of, and experiments in, the "wrong" uses of technology as explored by some important sound artists of the phonographic era. Heroes and Villians by David HajduPart of what makes Hajdu such a good music critic and clever pop culture observer is his ability to see beyond the obvious. Tuesday, November 17 2009East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart by Susan ButlerButler's book illustrates the fact that Amelia Earhart became the embodiment of adventurous spirit because she was such a formidable force. Collected Stories by Raymond CarverThis collection makes it clear that sometimes word-slashing editors have a writer's best interests at heart, and aren't so evil, after all. Monday, November 16 2009Running Away by Jean-Philippe ToussaintToussaint dives deep into how we stretch ourselves thin between places in our attempt to be with one another. Boston Noir by Dennis Lehane, Ed.This anthology is a lot like the city it aims to depict: occasionally impressive, at times insincere, and very proud of its quirks and foibles. Friday, November 13 2009Ulysses and Us: The Art of Everyday Life in Joyce’s MasterpieceAuthor Declan Kiberd gives Ulysses new life, new vitality, and proves that it contains a deeper wisdom that is available to everyone. To Siberia by Per PettersonHow does the narrator survive after losing her beloved brother? Petterson offers no easy answers. Thursday, November 12 2009Cranioklepty: Grave Robbing and the Search for Genius by Colin DickeyA preponderance of headless corpses and eccentric scientists means that this is certainly a macabre book, but the silliness of the pseudo-sciences it debunks makes it more entertaining than unnerving. After the Prophet by Lesley HazletonThis will be held up as a primer for grasping the modern-day Middle East — mainly in Iraq but Iran, too. Wednesday, November 11 2009
One Step Beyond by Terry EdwardsEdwards' inside scoop on the story of the making of the classic Madness debut disc is, much like the album itself; a little unusual, a bit nutty, and quite brilliant. Golden Dreams by Kevin StarrStarr writes lucid and stylish prose, and the sheer size and power of this true-life tale open the eyes wide. Tuesday, November 10 2009The Humbling by Philip RothSimon Axler, a stage and screen actor of near legendary stature, has earned the “reputation as the last of the best of the classical American stage actors.” The novel begins: “He’d lost his magic.” Looking for Calvin and Hobbes by Nevin MartellThe creator of the universally-beloved Calvin and Hobbes was a perfectionist and a true believer in his art form, yet he hated the fame that his creations brought him. A Fiery Peace in a Cold War by Neil SheehanSchriever seems to have given Sheehan more of a good story than a good portrait. Monday, November 9 2009Fado by Andrzej StasiukMoving back and forth through memory and time, these essays act like a vehicle moving through historical, mental and natural landscapes. Chronic City by Jonathan LethemAlas this is a meandering and fairly plotless book, one that is as bewildering as it is baffling. Friday, November 6 2009The Death of Conservatism by Sam TanenhausTanenhaus elegantly argues that the American conservatism might be at low ebb, but that should not be expected to last. Nor should liberals (as prone to premature gloating as their rivals) even want it to happen. Thursday, November 5 2009The Music Room by William FiennesThose who suffer from epilepsy, their families and friends, can only throw light at this neuro-spectre, as Fiennes does, showing us Richard in all his damaged Richardness, a man who truly haunted a castle. The Boy Next Door: A Novel by Irene SabatiniSabatini’s book exudes an authenticity and warmth that can’t come from an author’s imagination alone, but from a lifetime of listening and observing. Wednesday, November 4 2009The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein by Peter AckroydA brooding, melancholy variation on the theme of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Bright-Sided by Barbara EhrenreichIn attacking America's "cult of cheerfulness", Ehrenreich makes a good argument, but doesn't take it far enough. India Exposed: The Subcontinent A-Z by Clive LimpkinBritish photojournalist Clive Limpkin has a unique view of modern India in 100 illustrated essays from "Army" to "Zebu". Tuesday, November 3 2009
Going Away Shoes and Ferris Beach by Jill McCorkleOne can’t help but draw a parallel between McCorkle’s work and the stories of A. M. Homes – just without the controversy or big gross-out that Homes reaches for. |
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