The post in which I finish my plea to buy books as gifts.
Books for Writers
Mortification by Robin Robertson: I can’t describe this collection of stories about writers describing their worst public moments any better than the book jacket copy: “ . . . dashed hopes and collapsing bowels, thwarted desire and unimpeded drinking; of fans lining up for Stephen King’s blood; Margret Drabble bidding at a mock slave auction in Dallas . . . ” If your favorite writer is bemoaning her lack of a book tour, this will make her feel better.
Muses, Mentors & Monsters: 30 Writers on the People Who Changed Their Lives by Elizabeth Benedict: This collection of essays will speak to whatever dream one has, provide a companion on the way toward realizing it, and help one remember those who’ve already helped.
Roget’s Thesaurus: If your writer friends and family members don’t have a good HARDCOVER edition of this classic, get thee to a bookstore and buy them this invaluable tome.
How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Healy: A fictional memoir of a man who sets out to write a best seller to impress the girl who dumped him. The perfect antidote for when reading about great literature becomes too much.
Books about survivors
Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption by Jennifer Thompson-Cannino and Ronald Cotton: Jennifer Thompson-Cannino woke up to a man raping her at knifepoint. She identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker and his lock-up allowed Jennifer to walk through the world. Cotton swore his innocence and after eleven years, DNA proved Ronald in the clear. Amazingly, he walked out not only a guiltless man, but also a strong one. Cotton and Thompson-Cannino went on to work together for judicial reform. More amazing, they became true friends.
Columbine by Dave Cullen: Cullen methodically (and with breath-holding tension) scrutinizes the signposts that might have foretold the ongoing horror enacted at Columbine High School. This book brings to life the story of the victims, the killers, the families, the school and the media that often got the story very wrong.
Novels where you might as well give up sleep for the duration:
Mudbound by Hilary Jordan: Forties-era Mississippi is presented in shifting points of view by interacting characters on opposite sides of the same puzzle in this look at a dark time in American culture. This book moves as swiftly as the latest thriller.
The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond: Abby’s fiancée’s child disappears while under Abby’s watch. The reader follows her as she spends the year obsessed with finding the girl. Chilling.
Every Secret Thing by Laura Lippman: A dark exploration of eleven-year-old girls, imprisoned for murdering a baby. The novel jumps to their release and the ensuing horror and tragedy which unfolds. Page-turner squared!
Novels about fathers and sons
Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux: A crazed father drags his family to live in the jungle. Oh, yes, this is a great novel. Do I recommend it every month or is that just my imagination?
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer: A nine-year-old narrator does not believe his father really died in 9/11 and searches for him, using the White Pages as a tool. A heartbreaker.
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Ah, I made your list. Thanks Randy Susan. Nice to see you again. I appreciate that.
FYI: there is more info on it (COLUMBINE) here.
Thanks.
Nice to see you, Dave. And I hope your book makes every list in town.