An estimated 50,000 new books are published every year. With such an avalanche of fresh reading material, it's my duty to choose books that are worth your time, or that should be avoided.
I've been writing about books and writers since 1958. My personal favorites are such fiction authors as John Updike, Joyce Carol Oates, Bobbie Ann Mason, the sadly overlooked Jack Matthews, and dozens more. I have attempted at least four times to wade through James Joyce's Ulysses, still without success, but I'll probably keep trying.
I enjoy all kinds of non-fiction, from biographies to politics, social studies to wild comedy.
latest articles
Contemporary Fiction
Aug 1, 2001
American Revolution Portrayed
New books include a fresh look at the American Revolution, a look at yesterday's New York City, and a new female cop novel.
Jul 1, 2001
Book Paints Terrific Portrait of Henry VIII
Henry VIII always has been one of the most interesting of England's royalty. A new book delves into his life and times.
Jun 1, 2001
History of Suicide Has Timely Arrival
A book about the history of suicide and two new novels are this month's reviews in Looks at Books.
May 2, 2001
Underground Railroad Makes Fascinating Story
A dash for freedom by a family of slaves shows how the underground railroad proved to be an important part of fighting the practice of slavery.
Apr 1, 2001
Is God In Each of Us?
One new book says we all receive get religion of a sort in our bodies. A controversial novel from the mid-50s has been published for the first time. Hapless crook Dortmunder is back.
Feb 9, 2001
New Books In Many Flavors
A number of new titles should whet readers' appetites.
Jan 3, 2001
Joe R. Lansdale: Remember That Name
A new suspense novel by Joe R. Lansdale takes readers to east Texas, where a series of murders stumps the town constable.
Dec 1, 2000
E.B. White's "Trumpet of the Swan" Worth Reading
Reviews of three books, one a classic, the others about matters involving the Cubans as well as Spain.
Nov 3, 2000
Epic of Gilgamesh Disappoints
Four new books are reviewed: an epic retold, a story of a youngster in World War II, a report on battered women, and an autobiography letters by H.P. Lovecraft.
Aug 18, 2000
'Glory Goes and Gets Some,' Plus More
Reviews of new novels by a trio of promising authors.
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discussions
Contemporary Fiction
Toni Morrison's "Paradise" (17 msgs)
A&P by John Updike (17 msgs)
Of Cats and Time Travelers (2 msgs)
Strange Novel Fails to Entertain (1 msgs)
Vonnegut's Timequake (9 msgs)
American Revolution Portrayed (1 msgs)
Amish Mystery Not Very Mysterious (1 msgs)
Designer's Views Innovative (1 msgs)
Who exactly do you think Tibor kalman influenced? (1 msgs)
Fantastic New eBook Release! (1 msgs)
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