Latest 7 titles
Tin House #33 by Rick Moody (guest ed.)A remarkable collection of fantastical fiction from women writers on both sides of the genre divide. Standout's include Aimee Bender's "Lemonade," Samantha Hunt's "Beast," Shelley Jackson's "Word Problem," Kelly Link's "Light," Miranda F. Mellis' "The Coffee Jockey," Alissa Nutting's "Hot, Fast, and Sad," and Ricky Moody's tribute to Angela Carter. Incredibly strong writing from start to finish, and a hopeful sign that fabulism and surreality will continue to find a home in established literary journals.
Little Brother by Cory DoctorowOne of the most important books of 2008, and a worthy successor to Orwell's 1984. Security, freedom, technology, and terror are tackled in this kick-ass YA novel that both teens and adults need to read. Told through the eyes of 17yo techno-geek Marcus (aka w15t0n, aka M1k3y), the novel plummets through a devastating near-future attack on San Francisco, and the fascistic policies of the DHS in its aftermath. Brilliant in the sociopolitical, technological, and narrative senses, and highly recommended for anyone who feels as if they're now living in a police state.
War by Candlelight by Daniel AlarconA remarkable collection of stories about Peru, and Peruvians living in New York. Everyday people living through war, poverty, hopelessness, and geological disasters, and finding a way through the day. Poetically observant and socially aware, Alarcon's writing sings with beauty and savagery, rich with humanity.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot DiazTragic and horrifying, and at the same time full of hope, the story of Huascar de Leon, his sister Lola, his mother Belicia, and the fuku that has cursed their family since the reign of the dictator Trujillo. Narrated deftly by Yunior, Oscar's college roommate, with the confident Dominican voice of a natural storyteller. Full of heartbreaking prose and faux-academic footnotes and geeky sf references, and a stunning account of the immigrant experience.
Brave New World by Aldous HuxleyA frightening and plausible dystopia, given form by genetic engineering, chemical persuasion, and behavioural conditioning, amazingly written before the concepts were part of the public consciousness. Huxley's insights into the ways that humans willingly subject to servitude in the service of base emotional desires continues to have relevance in this age of distraction, consumerism, and deniability.
Midnight's Children by Salman RushdieGorgeous and epic, the simultaneous birth-and-life story of Saleem Sinai and modern India, both come into existence at exactly midnight on 15 August 1947. Full of everyday magic and the power of storytelling, with Rushdie absolutely proving himself a stylistic narrative master. Phenomenal. Winner of the Booker of Bookers.
About Writing by Samuel R. DelanyNot just a book on writing instruction or a memoir of the writing life (although both of that is in here), but also a thorough examination of Delany's literary theory and criticism. It is a complete engagement with literature, and once again reveals a thoughtful, intelligent, and astute academic observer of the entire literary (and paraliterary) experience. (Full review here.)