I'm back! It's been ages, but I have returned from ALA Midwinter, which--luckily for us-- took place in sun-drenched San Diego this year. I saw Ted Danson, helped with Neil Gaiman's book signing, made Armistead Maupin laugh, met with my favorite librarians, and managed time for a dreamy trip to Coronado Island. And as custom, our team gave a title presentation of Spring and Summer books. Here are my stand-outs, the top of the tops, which run the gamut from first-person satire to opera. Expect more shameless evangelism (and full reviews) for these books in the coming months. I have considered myself privileged to be snowed in with them. They are:
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt: Brilliant, sharply funny, and human. You’d think because of its subject matter—the gritty old West, the Gold Rush—that this was a masculine book, meant to be enjoyed by men. But I challenge the daintiest woman to avoid falling deeply in love with it.
Weep, Shudder, Die by Robert Levine: Opera's back, and here is a chatty, accessible look at the medium, funny enough for both new fans and old devotees to enjoy.
The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson: Wes Anderson will be wishing he had penned this book, about a dysfunctional family of performance artists, whose strained but loving relationships intersect with their art in sad, terrifying, and hilarious ways. The Family Fang is a collection of surprises—observationally real but fantastically weird.
My New American Life by Francine Prose: A first person look at the Bush years, from one of the most unforgettable narrators in contemporary fiction. Wry and acerbic, but with enough heart to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours. Francine Prose at her best.
Season to Taste by Molly Birnbaum: An aspiring chef must re-evaluate everything when she tragically loses her sense of smell. For fans of Ruth Reichl, Anthony Bourdain, Top Chef, Julie and Julia…for anyone who cooks or gets their kicks from reading food blogs.
If you're a librarian and would like a copy of any of these titles, just say the word. Stay warm, and happy reading!
Welcome back!! All these books sound amazing. I'm a librarian & would love to get a copy of any or all of them. :-)
Posted by: Gabrielle | January 12, 2011 at 01:35 PM
I am a stay-at-home mom who was just recently a librarian - does that count? I'd really like My New American Life - and I do review on my blog. Thanks for considering me!
Posted by: Susan Murray | January 28, 2011 at 07:18 PM
It would be great to receive A Season to taste and The Sisters Brothers looks compelling as does Weep, Shudder Die. thanks.
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