By C. Robert Cargill

The Short Take:

This fantasy on steroids includes a variety of fairy folk along with fallen angels, a genie, and other assorted supernatural types. However, it also offers a fresh approach to this subject matter. It’s alternately gritty, contemplative, and surprising. I liked it.

Why?

It took a while to get into this book. The first few chapters hop from one scenario to another and it takes a number of pages before those plots interweave. However, when they do, things really take off.

There’s quite a bit of action for this genre, some of it on the violent side. In fact, I would even say that Dreams and Shadows has bent and even broken some of the accepted rules for this type of book. For example, how often do you find a scientific conundrum used to explain all things magical?

It’s angles like these that keep this novel fresh and entertaining. Where else would you encounter characters like a hard-drinking, mournful genie? Beyond the plot, the book featured thoughtful discussions between characters about the different types of goodness and evil. In most cases, these would have one scanning ahead, however these discussions were so thought provoking, they were my favorite parts of the book.

It was also nice that Cargill’s fairy land is unusually diverse. He drew from Native American, Middle Eastern, and European sources. Whenever I googled one of  his fairy names, they were genuine.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable and interesting read. Plus, it made me want to dust off my old fairy tale collection and dive back in again; and, that’s a good thing.

A Little Plot:

It’s complicated. One night Ewan, the perfect baby of perfect parents, is replaced by a changeling  with catastrophic results. Elsewhere, a lonely Colby is offered wishes by a genie. He opts to see all the magical beings in the world, despite the genie warning him against this choice. Eventually Ewan, Colby and the changeling, now known as Knock, come together in the Limestone Kingdom — a magical world outside Austin, Texas.

It is here that Colby learns about Ewan’s fate and resolves to change it. This turns out to be something of a life-long process that sets them both apart from others.

If you care to know more about Cargill (who is also a screenwriter and film critic), click here.

By Kate Atkinson

The Short Take:

This is the best book I have read this year. A book about a baby/girl/woman who repeatedly dies and then is reborn into some slight variation of her old life might not sound like a brilliant read, but it is.

Why?

Set largely in England, between the two great wars, this highly-readable novel basically embraces the concept of the “do over.” If things aren’t going right the first time, you can try, try again. But it is not a book version of the Bill Murray comedy, “Groundhog Day.” Each subsequent life is not necessarily better or worse, they’re just different.

Ursula, the protagonist, has a sense of her previous lives as a child; something her family’s superstitious maid calls second sight, and which her mother categorically refuses to believe. Sometimes Ursula takes actions to change fate, sometimes things just change on their own.

This might sound tedious, but the book is so fascinatingly written, the characters so interesting, and the pain of life during and after the war years so clearly depicted that you are swept up, through, and away.

This is no mere fantasy. It is so much richer than that. At one point, the child Ursula is sent to an psychiatrist who shares with her enlightening doses of philosophy and religion. These themes appear repeatedly throughout the book. Life After Life gives you much to think about and much to enjoy. That’s a double helping of good reading.

A Little Plot:

Born on a snowy night when the doctor can’t get through, Ursula is born strangled by her own umbilical cord. Born on a snowy night that the doctor bravely gets through, the cord is cut and Ursula lives.

This is how the books works. However, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t start with that snowy night each time (even though Ursula does). Instead you work your way through Ursula’s lives, her mistakes, her deaths, her careers, her good and bad choices; up to the point at which she wonders if it’s possible to take an action that could result in saving millions of lives.

For more about Kate Atkinson and her books, click here.

By Andrew Pyper

The Short Take:

It’s a scary as any Dean Koontz novel but peppered with quotes from John Milton’s Paradise Lost. If that’s the kind of thing you like, this one’s for you. I certainly enjoyed it. In fact, I couldn’t put it down.

Why?

I picked this one up because it had quotes from Gillian Flynn, Jeffery Deaver, and Kate Moss among others. That seemed pretty promising and I was not disappointed. It’s more than a bit supernatural, though it takes awhile for both you and the main character to believe that.

This is a work of horror, but not the blood and gore kind. The psychological underpinnings of both the protagonist and antagonist play important roles, as do the enduring bonds of friendship and love. But what made it most interesting to me were the frequent Paradise Lost quotes and how they were woven into the plot so elegantly. I’ve never read the entire epic poem, but I will now.

A Little Plot:

Milton expert, David Ullman, is losing his wife to another man and his beloved daughter to the same melancholy he suffers from. He’s an expert when it comes to devils, both in literature and religion, but not a believer in either devils or gods.

When he is approached by a thin woman who wants him to go to Venice to witness something strange and then report on what he sees, he is skeptical and inclined to pass. However, that very night his wife asks for a divorce so he decides to go, taking his 12-year-old daughter, Tess, with him.

In Venice, something terrible happens to Tess, and David is in a race against time, a demon, and other powerful forces in order to save her — and hopefully — himself.

To learn more about Pyper, click here. I must say, his website shows a sense of humor.

By Louise Erdrich

The Short Take:

Of course, it’s a National Book Award Winner, so expectations are high. Erdrich does not disappoint. This tale of a Native American teen’s response to his mother’s brutal rape grabs you in its teeth and refuses to let go. This tale of revenge and the price it carries well deserves its accolades.

Why?

This novel that celebrates deep friendships and family loyalties also explores the crippling pain certain actions can cause. Whether it is denying a malformed infant, enjoying an illicit love, or having a thirst for revenge — there is a price to be paid, and it’s not always the one you would expect.

Beyond all that, Erdrich’s nuanced portrait of life on the “rez” is compelling and — for people as removed as I am — eye opening. By weaving the complex legal issues that Native Americans face into the plot, she exposes some of the myriad problems they face. There is also a shining thread of spirituality running throughout the book, whether espoused by the ex-Marine priest or Joe’s visionary grandfather.

It’s a rich tale, indeed.

A Little Plot:

When Joe’s mother is beaten and raped it changes his world. Until then, he’d led a relatively middle class life on the Ojibwe reservation. Now his mother hides in her bed and because she is not sure exactly where the rape took place, jurisdictions for investigating, charging, and trying the rapist are confused.

It looks like nothing can be done, even though everyone wants to do something.

Erdrich seems not to have her own webpage, but you can learn more about her at Wikipedia by clicking here.

By Stuart Nadler

The Short Take:

I am breaking my own rule and talking bad about this book. It’s just mighty thin gruel. Every time you think things are going to get interesting, the story jumps years ahead. Basically, it’s about a father/son beyond-strained relationship and the son’s obsessions.

Why?

The above pretty much says it all. The actual reading was pleasant enough and it kept me turning the pages, but I was in search of something — anything — that never seemed to happen.

I thought long and hard before deciding to go this negative route. Usually, if I’m not completely enthusiastic about a book I try to give a review that highlights what is good about it. But this one had such potential and then didn’t deliver. All the elements were there: a lawyer father suddenly rich beyond imagination, his already-disaffected son who dislikes the changes in their lives, a budding interracial romance in the 1950s, hinted-at mysteries — but nothing seems to go anywhere.

The son spends most his his life wondering about the girl he meets a total of three times and avoiding the money his dad wants to lavish on him. Then just three spoken words…

That’s already too much plot. Let’s just say, that the very last page has a BIG revelation (unless you figured it out earlier) that explains a whole lot about the dad. However, even though the son is the narrator, you never understand him at all.

By the way, most reviewers seem to love this book, so maybe you should listen to them instead.

A Little Plot:

Arthur Wise represents the families of those who die in a plane crash and it makes this formerly struggling attorney very, very rich. His son, Hilly, who already  has a conflicted relationship with his father, thoroughly resents their move to Cape Cod and their new wealth.

Hilly is interested in the African-American man, Lem, that comes with their new home (remember, this is the 50s), even though his father advises Hilly to stay away from him. Lem has visitors one day  – his niece and her father. Hilly is completely enchanted with the young woman, Savannah.

Hilly’s life is ultimately shaped by his obsession with Savannah and what happens with Lem.

For more about Nadler, you van visit his website by clocking here.

By Tom Wolfe

The Short Take:

Another excellent novel from Wolfe in the manner of A Man in Full. This one is set in Miami and highlights that city’s racial divides. As you expect with Wolfe, you get a real feel for time and place as well as a page-turning novel.

Why?

Wolfe is primarily a journalist and it shows in his novels.  His attention to the environment his characters inhabit adds so much to his books. This one is no exception. You can almost feel that searing Miami sun beating down on you as you read.

Not that there isn’t plenty of plot to keep you turning the pages. Wolfe introduces multiple characters whose story lines overlap in various ways. He weaves a fascinating tapestry of life in a city where skin color and country of origin define modern tribes who resent each other for myriad reasons.

I’m aware that various literary giants like to dump on Wolfe. I don’t get it. His novels are so vibrant and in the “now,” taking the pulse of of today’s society by showing how different segments of it interact — or don’t. They could be of genuine value to historians well in the future as well as entertaining and informing readers now.

I particularly liked the way Wolfe expressed the flash thoughts or insights that  often interrupted a character’s on-going chain of inner musings (framed by a series of colons on either side; you’ll have to read the book to really understand). It’s how we think, but you don’t see it reflected much in novels.

Wolfe is a constant favorite of mine and this book did not disappoint.

A Little Plot:

Cuban policeman Nestor Camacho performs a daring and spectacular physical feat that saves a Cuban would-be-refugee’s life but results in that person being deported. This turns him into a pariah in the tight-knit Cuban community.

His isolation drives him into new relationships — including one with a young and ambitious Miami reporter — which create even more complications in his life. Meanwhile, his beloved girlfriend is bent on escaping the restrictions of the Cuban community, but not with Nestor.

Investigations, possible art forgeries, the Russian Mafia, drug busts, politics, an orgiastic bacchanal, and Haitians of various hues all add to the mix. It’s all good.

By Nick Trout

The Short Take:

How can you dislike a heartwarming book about dogs and their owners? Especially when they populate a charming tale of redemption.

Why?

I’m not a dog person at all, but this book moved me to tears more than once. If you actually LIKE dogs, you simply have to read it. It’s a sweet story, but with just enough edge to keep it from going all cotton candy on you.

The McGuffin (look it up if you aren’t a Hitchcock fan)is a touch extreme — the protagonist didn’t need quite so many motivators — but get past that and you’re sure to enjoy this quick and pleasant read.

Nick Trout is an actual veterinarian and he’s drawn on his own experiences in creating this first novel (he has written three non-fiction books). He gets in few digs at vet chains and heartless banks as well as praise for community-focused vets.

You’ll recognize most of the character types, but they’re that much more enjoyable for being so familiar. It feels ready-made for a movie deal; and everyone will want Colin Firth to play the main role. It’s that kind of book.

A Little Plot:

Dr. Cyrus Mills, a veterinary pathologist, arrives in Vermont to dispose of his late father’s failing veterinary practice. He needs the money and has no desire to pick up where his estranged father left off. He has enough problems to deal with back home in Charleston. But then he starts to meet the people of this small community and their endearing pets, and things begin to change.

For more about Dr. Nick Trout and his books, click here.

By Philip Roth

The Short Take:

What an all-around fantastic book! The writing is amazingly good. The story is heart-breaking. I tend to like a lot of books (which is why I call myself a book lover rather than critic). However, this book outclasses almost everything I’ve read. It came out some 15 years ago but age hasn’t lessened its impact.

Why?

As the winner of a Pulitzer Prize and widely considered to be Roth’s masterpiece, that should be enough “why” for anyone. This book is simply brilliant. The story moves between the post WWII years, the radical 60s, and the turn of the century (close to when it was published). It illustrates how little we know of people and how what we assume can be miles from the truth. Even golden heroes are not what they seem, nor are their lives as fortunate as we think.

While the characters and the way they are revealed are reasons enough to read this book, the writing is exceptionally wonderful. You find yourself re-reading simple lines of description because they are so fresh yet so revealing.

It’s a delight, and it is deeply meaningful. American Pastoral explores feelings about America as a magical land of opportunity and an exploiter of the world. It shows that even a lifetime of doing the right thing can lead to disaster. It reveals how hard it is to ever determine the truth about anyone or anything.

It is one fantastic read. Since there is finally supposed to be a movie in the works, this might be the perfect time to read it. Again.

A Little Plot.

Nathan Zuckerman attends his high school reunion where he learns the high school athletic star and war hero, Swede Levov, has died. Reminiscing about his few encounters with Swede and what he learns from other sources, Zuckerman attempts to create a more realistic picture of the life everyone assumed was so blessed.

Swede seemed to flow through life with ease. However, nothing could have been further form the truth. In fact, the reality was literally explosive.

Philip Roth has recently declared his retirement. Thank goodness he has enriched American literature with so many special books like American Pastoral. Look for him on PBS’ American Masters in a rare interview on March 29.

By J. K. Rowling

The Short Take:

The prosperous, picturesque English town of Pagford is no Hogwarts. It’s a hotbed of jealousy, discontent, and wars between young and old, rich and poor. In fact, it makes Peyton Place look exceptionally calm and innocent. However, this messy tangle of unhappy individuals makes for one compelling and fascinating read.

Why?

While hardly any of the characters in this well-populated novel are likable, they are all largely understandable. The small lies they tell themselves to justify their behavior are familiar to us all. The same petty grievances and self-righteous smugness are found in every community on any given day.

Rowling has taken those everyday, small-time attitudes and behaviors and brought them to a roiling boil, all brought on by the unexpected death of one man. Subsequent actions have repercussions that reach far beyond their intentions. Small problems are built into mountains. At the same time, individuals facing an impassable mountain range of problems believe solutions are readily in hand.

There are quick moments of humor and wry observations to leaven the darker subjects of bullying, drug addiction, and family abuse. It’s not a joyful read, but it is an interesting one — with the proper amount of denouement.

A Little Plot:

The small town of Pagford is tidy and rather well-to-do. However, it is saddled with financial responsibility for the public housing of the Fields — a development totally at odds with what Pagford is to many on the local parish council.

Barry Fairbrother, who also sits on the council, rose to prominence from his impoverished Fields beginnings and is a strong proponent for giving Fields children the benefit of the better schools of Pagford. His sudden death leaves a council seat open — a casual vacancy. As the adults jockey to finally get rid of (or protect) the Fields, their children find this gives them opportunities to rain down revenge on the parents they despise.

It gets very, very complicated.

If you want to visit J. K. Rowling’s website, click here.

By Zadie Smith

The Short Take:

Friends and former classmates from a public housing estate in north west London find their relationships change as they venture into their 30s. Smith changes her writing style dramatically as she moves from one character’s story to the other; just as the lives of her four main characters are dramatically changed.

Why?

There’s a lot of tension in this book. A life-long friendship is frayed by differing economic circumstances. A successful over achiever wonders who she really is after changing so much of her life. A former drug addict is making hopeful, positive plans for his future. There’s also a lot of diversity — in race, ambition, and attitude about the future.

It all creates a rather messy brew. But, that is the very glory of this novel. It reflects life: the changes you go through, the desire to shed your past or avoid your future, the people and things you leave behind, the next opportunity you just can’t seem to grasp.

This world Smith has conjured is also the one she grew up in. One can’t help but wonder which of these characters she identifies with most. Or, if they reflect different aspects of her life now as a successful, respected author whose background was not so different.

A Little Plot:

Leah and Natalie (once called Keisha) have been close friends since they were tiny children. However, that friendship has worn thin as Natalie climbs the socioeconomic ladder. While certainly not a failure, Leah clings to what is familiar and can’t seem to visualize any path forward. Both are in marriages with significant cracks.

Former classmate Felix has overcome his drug addiction and is looking forward with optimism. Unfortunately, other forces could alter that.

Then there’s Nathan. Once the object of Leah’s childhood crush his life has devolved substantially.

These are the four stories Smith explores, with the emphasis on Natalie and Leah.

I didn’t immediately find a website for Zadie Smith, but to read an interview with the author abut his novel, click here.