Transcription: a Novel
by Ben Lerner
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
There has been a great deal of hype about this book. I was prepared to find something self-conscious and pretentious. Instead, it's a thoughtful look at parenting, memories, truth, friendships and much more. It will give you much to think about. And much to enjoy.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org.
by Madeline Cash
FSG/Macmillan
A wonderfully irreverent, funny and surprisingly heartfelt story of a quirky family who are all trying very hard. None of them are anywhere near perfect, but the story is very close to it. It is a lovely escape from our real world and includes domestic terrorism, blood theft and other unexpected pieces that come together into a satisfying whole.
You don't want to miss this one - I think we all need it right now.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org.
by Mark Braude
Grand Central Publishing/Hachette
The serial killer in Paris is the dullest part of this amazing book. Braude covers Janet Flanner as she writes dispatches, mostly from Paris, for The New Yorker during the time just before WWII. Her life, her loves, her appreciation for not just the facts of pre-War Paris, but for the feeling of it, make for a fascinating addition to what we know of this difficult, dreadful time. The New Yorker editors are fun to read as they are torn between caring for her safety and caring for her work.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org. Pre-order it!
by Alexander Starritt
Atlantic Monthly Press/Grove/Atlantic Inc.
pub date 6/2/2026
This is such a great, moving, lifetime of a book. Two young men meet in school and end up partners in an ambitious, brave business. Sounds simple, but you get to know and care very much for both of them - their humor, their errors and especially their concern for each other. It's a big tome and worth every word of it.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org. Pre-order it!
by Julian Barnes
Knopf/PRH
This is a wonderful farewell gift. It examines memory, friendship, love, work and mortality - all with humor, warmth and great philosophic insights.
You don't want to miss Jimmy - a great and loving part of the story.
Thank you Mr. Barnes for this last marvelous work.
If you would like to know more about, or own this book, please check with your local independent bookstore or this great place: bookshop.org
