Picks of the Week

THE MAN WITH THE IRON-ON BADGE, by Lee Goldberg

(Originally published on October 9, 2005)

This book is getting a ton of review attention and it's easy to see why: on the surface, it's a classic wish-fulfillment tale, but the substance that lies beneath is what elevates Goldberg's novel into a thoughtful, sometimes sweet and always engaging look at what it takes to grow from a boy to a man. In a way, I see why it took so long to reach readers: many other writers would need another 100 pages to tell the same story, but credit to the author for putting it across without a wasted word.

THE GRACE THAT KEEPS THIS WORLD, by Tom Bailey

(originally posted on October 9, 2005)

Bailey's debut novel probes the complex, sometimes dysfunctional and often loving relationship between Adirondack hunter Gary Hazen and his sons, Gary David and Kevin. The prose is so clear that it's like listening to a singer's true voice, strong and resonant, in all its glory, and the story's depth leads to many truths, uplifting and heartbreaking all at once. In short, it's a keeper.

THE UNTELLING, by Tayari Jones

(originally posted on October 9, 2005)

I've wanted to read this book for months and when I finally did, I was so relieved it didn't disappoint. Jones tells her story with tremendous empathy for her characters, no matter how misguided their decisions seem to be on paper. In the end, life really does depend as much -- if not more -- on what you hold on so desperately to yourself, even if it means risking the emotional lives of those around you and your loved ones. And now I must go back and read her earlier novel, LEAVING ATLANTA.

THE COLOR OF LAW, by Mark Giminez

(originally posted on October 9, 2005)

I should preface this by saying that I wasn't expecting to like this legal thriller debut nearly as much as I did: the story's been done before and the characters aren't exactly fresh, but dammit, I had to keep reading, and Scott Fenney's climb back from the moral quicksand was quite compelling. Gimenez has begun his writing career with an entertaining effort that should stand him in good stead over the next few books, when others can debate whether he really is the next Grisham.

THE GIRL IN THE GLASS, by Jeffrey Ford

(originally posted on September 27, 2005)

I love this book on so many levels: it's a cheerful portrayal of con artistry; a poignant look at how simple events can have catastrophic consequence; a marvellous love story in progress; and most of all, simply a damn good <i>novel</I>. Or basically, what Gwenda said.

EVE GREEN, by Susan Fletcher

(originally posted on September 27, 2005)

There were so many thoughts flashing through my mind as I read this: how could someone so young write with such depth and breadth? How do I do that? Why can't I put this down? But suffice to say that Fletcher's debut more than deserved its Whitbread win. I can think of no other word to describe this except "luminous."

THE DEVIL'S OWN RAG DOLL, by Mitchell Bartoy

(originally posted on September 27, 2005)

This is the kind of moody, atmospheric treat that warms the cockles of my noir little heart. Amidst the mid-WWII turmoil, Pete Caudill struggles to rise above the decay and dessication that is inner-city Detroit -- and finding the brutally murdered corpse of a wealthy socialite in what is very much the "wrong" neighborhood isn't helping. Bartoy's very obviously a student of the genre, but his voice -- with just the tracest whiff of hope -- is what lingers in the memory and bodes well for his next efforts.