Books

Frankly, Bascombe's Return Has Some Problems

Richard Ford's signature character returns in Let Me Be Frank With You; reviewer Michael Schaub praises Ford's writing, but says despite moments of beauty and insight, some of it feels phoned in.

'Ugly Girls' Is, Well ... Not A Pretty Read

Lindsay Hunter's novel follows best friends Perry and Baby Girl as they shoplift, ditch school and steal cars. But critic Annalisa Quinn says Ugly Girls has more shock value than substance.