Thursday November 5, 2009
As a young sociology graduate student at the University of Chicago, Sudhir Venkatesh spent much of about seven years hanging out in and learning about a Chicago housing project and the Black Kings gang that dominated it. Gang Leader for a Day is one of the author's books recording these experiences. It is a gripping account of a slice of life most readers will never experience and contains significant insights into the workings of gangs and impoverished urban communities.
Cover Photo Courtesy Penguin
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Audrey Niffenegger's first novel, The Time Traveler's Wife, had such a unique premise and structure that it was difficult to imagine how she would follow it up. In Her Fearful Symmetry, Niffenegger once again takes a premise that sounds like it would be classified as science fiction or fantasy and writes it in such a way that it will appeal to those who do not normally read that genre. Indeed, even though Her Fearful Symmetry is a ghost story, at heart it is a story of family dynamics and love. It is a very satisfying second novel, and the perfect read for a cold November night.
Cover Photo Courtesy Simon & Schuster
Sunday November 1, 2009
November does not have as many releases as September and October, but there will be no shortage of novels from heavy hitters -- Michael Crichton's first post-mortem release, a collection of stories from John Grisham, a 1000+ page epic novel from Stephen King and an autobiography from Sarah Palin.
Cover Photo Courtesy HarperCollins
Friday October 30, 2009
In a week and a half, Stephen King will release what is being heralded as a new masterpiece. Those new to King, however, might want to try something less daunting than the 1000+ page Under the Dome. We asked Stephen King fans what they think the best Stephen King book is. Curious?
Read their responses and weigh in with your own thoughts.