'Redeployment' Explores Iraq War's Physical And Psychic Costs
In his short story collection, former Marine Phil Klay takes his experience in Iraq and clarifies it. On Wednesday, he won the National Book Award for fiction.
Book Reviews
'Unspeakable' Gives Voice To Things We All Think, But Don't Say
Meghan Daum's essay collection is intensely personal, but also universal. Critic Tomas Hachard says that on a deep level, it's about the process of growing up and deciding whether to conform or rebel.
A 'Garden' Full Of Dazzling, Whimsical Tales
Young Woman in a Garden brings together 24 previously published short stories by the fantasy fabulist Delia Sherman. Reviewer Jason Heller says it's full of dazzle and heart, with a dark edge.
'Operation Sea Lion' Is A Flawed But Fascinating Look At WWII
Historian Leo McKinstry sheds new light on the British homefront and the failure of Nazi invasion plans, but reviewer J.P. O'Malley says the book is marred by a jingoistic nostalgia for the Empire.
Back To The Future — The Grim, Grimy, Chrome-Coated Future
Richard Kadrey's first novel, the cyberpunk cult classic Metrophage, has been reissued. Critic Jason Sheehan calls this tale of dystopian L.A. "a time capsule from the chrome-and-neon literary past."
Spend Some Time 'Loitering,' And Feel Less Alone
Charles D'Ambrosio's new essay collection wanders through topics journalistic and personal; reviewer Annalisa Quinn says it delivers a primal pleasure of reading: the feeling of being understood.
After Catalonia's Independence Vote, An 'Homage' To George Orwell
This week Spain's northeast region voted in favor of independence. But the results weren't recognized by the Spanish government. The situation reminds poet Rowan Ricardo Phillips of a favorite book.
A New Collection, Well-Furnished With Munro's Best
Family Furnishings collects 24 of short story master Alice Munro's best works. Reviewer Jane Ciabattari calls it a superb introduction to Munro, and a reminder that she's a writer to be cherished.
'Three-Body Problem' Asks A Classic Sci-Fi Question, In Chinese
Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu bridges the gap between East and West in his new novel, a tale of alien first contact influenced by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Chinese history and mythology.
After A Flurry Of Literary Awards, A Book On The 'Wonder' Of Words
It's literary awards season. The Nobel, the National Book Awards shortlists, and the Man Booker Prize were all recently announced. Author Jason Sheehan recommends some reading on all this reading.