This month's literary offerings span across different eras and genres, from pre-Civil War America to contemporary politics, Silicon Valley's ascent, and the future of our planet.
For over a century, Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" has sparked discussions and debates. Now, prepare to experience this classic tale in a whole new way.
Percival Everett, renowned for "Erasure," the novel that inspired the Academy Award-winning film "American Fiction," has released a fresh take titled "James" (Doubleday).
This rendition narrates "Huckleberry Finn" from the viewpoint of Huck's enslaved companion, Jim. This singular alteration reshapes the narrative entirely.
Through this riveting and at times chilling tale, Everett presents a poignant satire on racism, intertwined with several unexpected twists.
READ AN EXCERPT: "James" by Percival Everett
"James" by Percival Everett (Doubleday), available in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio formats, can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org
Also by Percival Everett: "Dr. No" (Book excerpt)
"Great Expectations" – no, not that one – is a new novel by Vinson Cunningham, a theater critic for The New Yorker. Inspired by his own experiences, it tells the story of a young man who gets a job as a fundraiser for the presidential campaign of a Black senator from Illinois. Now, the candidate is never named, but you'll figure it out from Cunningham's pitch-perfect descriptions.
The real subject, though, is this thoughtful narrator, raised in a Pentecostal church, looking at the candidate and his wealthy donors, and trying to figure out what kind of man he'll become in a nation woven from money and faith.
READ AN EXCERPT: "Great Expectations" by Vinson Cunningham
"Great Expectations" by Vinson Cunningham (Hogarth), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
Vinson Cunningham at The New Yorker
Téa Obreht has written magical tales involving tigers in the Balkans and camels in the Arizona Territory. Her new novel, "The Morningside" (Random House), is set in a future ravaged by climate change.
An 11-year-old girl named Silvia has immigrated with her mother to an island city that will remind you of New York. There they live with Silvia's aunt who's in charge of a once-grand high-rise apartment building.
But unable to go to school, Silvia turns her curious mind to her strange neighbors – particularly one woman who owns three unusual dogs that may turn into men during the day.
READ AN EXCERPT: "The Morningside" by Téa Obreht
"The Morningside" by Téa Obreht (Random House), in Hardcover, Large Print Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
Kara Swisher has been chronicling the wonders and shenanigans of Silicon Valley since people were dialing up AOL to hear "You've got mail."
Now, in her new memoir, "Burn Book: A Tech Love Story"
All the usual suspects are here – Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and others – along with Swisher's signature bravado and insightful criticism.
READ AN EXCERPT: "Burn Book: A Tech Love Story" by Kara Swisher
"Burn Book: A Tech Love Story" by Kara Swisher (Simon & Schuster), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
Kara Swisher, host of the podcast On with Kara Swisher and co-host of Pivot
For more suggestions on what to read, contact your librarian or local bookseller.
That's it for the Book Report. I'm Ron Charles. Until next time, read on!
For more info:
- Book Reviewer at The Literary Gazette
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For more book recommendations, explore these previous Book Report features:
- Book Report (March 15)
- Top Novels of 2023 by The Literary Gazette
- Book Report (November 22)
- Book Report (October 17)
- Book Report (August 6)
- Book Report (June 2)
- Book Report (April 28)
- Book Report (March 14)
- Book Report (February 8)
- Top Novels of 2022 by The Literary Gazette
- Book Report (November 10)
- Book Report (Sept. 14)
- Book Report (July 8)
- Book Report (April 12)
- Book Report (March 9)
- Book Report (February 2)
- Book Report (November 25)
- Book Report (September 21)
- Book Report (August 3)
- Book Report (June 8)
- Book Report (May 11)
- Book Report (March 30)
- Book Report (February 28)
- Book Report (January 30)
Created by Alex Johnson and Emma Thompson.
