Weekend picks for book lovers
What should you read this weekend? Paste BN’s picks for book lovers include Stephenie Meyer's thriller The Chemist, and two historical novels.
The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer; Little, Brown, 518 pp.; fiction
Stephenie Meyer — world-conquering begetter of Twilight, creator of vampires who glitter in the sunlight — has written an engrossing new novel called The Chemist, which would seem at first glance to be a radical departure for her.
It’s a thriller for adults in the vein of David Baldacci or Lee Child, pitting a scientist against the shadowy government figures who once employed her, then tried to eliminate her. There are no werewolves around.
The chemist’s name is Alex, or at least that’s what she goes by — she’s on the run as the book begins, sleeping in a gas mask every night, surrounded by elaborate booby traps designed to kill anyone who gets near her. This lifestyle is a major problem socially. She spends a lot of time buying peaches — with some effort, a deadly toxin can be extracted from their pits — but not much dating or hanging out.
Then she gets a message, offering her a chance to come in from the cold. Is it real, or only a more subtle attempt on her life?
Paste BN says *** ½ out of four stars. “Consistently fast-paced fun...It’s a terrific ride.”
News of the World by Paulette Jiles; William Morrow, 209 pp.; fiction
In this spare Western set in 1870s Texas — a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction — Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd takes a job to return a 10-year-old girl, rescued after being kidnapped by Indians, to her family.
Paste BN says **** stars. “Packs a powerful punch… surprisingly tender but never soft.”
Fates and Traitors: A Novel of John Wilkes Booth by Jennifer Chiaverini; Dutton, 385 pp.; fiction
This historical novel presents a portrait of President Lincoln’s assassin through the eyes of the women who orbited him throughout his short, dramatic life.
Paste BN says *** stars. “Consistently engaging.”
A Lowcountry Heart: Reflections on a Writing Life by Pat Conroy; Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, 300 pp.; non-fiction
This literary compendium reprises blog posts popular author Pat Conroy (The Prince of Tides) wrote for his website before his death earlier this year.
Paste BN says *** stars. “Fans who have missed (Conroy’s) voice will find comfort.”
The Most Famous Writer Who Ever Lived by Tom Shroder; Blue Rider Press, 416 pp.; non-fiction
Shroder uses his investigative journalist skills to learn more about his late grandfather, MacKinlay Kantor, author of Andersonville — considered one of the greatest Civil War novels ever written.
Paste BN says ***½ stars. “Deeply rewarding.”
Contributing reviewers: Charles Finch, Jocelyn McClurg, Sharon Peters, James Endrst