'Beatrice and Virgil' by Yann Martel

Sophomore Slump? Well, not really. It technically can't be. Yann Martel did write a novel before Life of Pi, but his books from here on out will always be compared to Pi until he writes something that matches the imagination, wit and style of that modern classic. Beatrice and Virgil, Martel's third novel, sadly falls short of Pi's magic. It packs a punch at the end, but the storytelling this time is much more plodding and burdensome, distracting from the powerful metaphors at work.

• Beatrice and Virgil Book Review
• Beatrice and Virgil Book Club Discussion Questions