Amy Bloom’s memoir of love and assisted suicide, Karen Joy Fowler’s ‘Booth’: 5 books not to miss
In search of something good to read? Paste BN's Barbara VanDenburgh scopes out the shelves for this week’s hottest new book releases. All books are on sale Tuesday.
1. "Booth," by Karen Joy Fowler (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, fiction)
What it’s about: The PEN/Faulkner Award-winning author of “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves” returns with a novel about the family behind one of American history’s most notorious figures: John Wilkes Booth. This snapshot of a troubled family in a country in its own throes of change promises difficult insights into our current moment.
The buzz: “The similarities to today are riveting and chilling,” says a starred review for Kirkus Reviews.
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2. “In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss,” by Amy Bloom (Random House, nonfiction)
What it’s about: Bloom’s life, and that of her husband, Brian, was changed forever when an MRI confirmed the worst: Brian had Alzheimer’s. The couple then made the decision to go to Dignitas, an assisted-dying facility in Switzerland.
The buzz: “Rarely has a memoir about death been so full of life,” says a ★★★★ (out of four) review for Paste BN.
3. “Read Dangerously: The Subversive Power of Literature in Troubled Times,” by Azar Nafisi (Dey Street, nonfiction)
What it’s about: The author of “Reading Lolita in Tehran” returns with a book championing the power of literature to guide and galvanize in contentious political times.
The buzz: “This excellent collection provokes and inspires at every turn,” says a starred review from Publishers Weekly.
4. “Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts,” by Matt Bell (Soho, nonfiction)
What it’s about: We all have a book in us, and novelist Bell (“Appleseed,” “Scrapper”) wants to help you write it with this accessible, encouraging craft book offering helpful techniques for every step of the process.
The buzz: “Budding novelists, take note,” says Publishers Weekly, calling it a “heartening guide.”
5. “Don't Know Tough,” by Eli Cranor (Soho Crime, fiction)
What it’s about: Billy Lowe is the star running back for the high school football team in Denton, Arkansas. When his troubled home life causes him to act out on the field, head coach Trent Powers is determined to save him. Think “Friday Night Lights” with a Southern Gothic twist.
The buzz: Publishers Weekly calls it an “arresting debut” and says, “Readers will be curious to see what Cranor does next.”