On the Bookshelf – Recent Reads

Authors, some without websites or first-time published, some newly discovered by RTA, or on the list for their own page post, and a few from or about locations around the world.

These two “recent reads” work well together. Tom Perrotta has a new book called “Ghost Town.” Jess Walter‘s most recent “So Far Gone” was a beautifully crafted character study (video).

Each book was set against the backdrop of where they each grew up. For Perrotta, it is suburban New Jersey, early 1970’s, and for Walter, eastern Washington around Spokane. The main characters and supporting cast are all perfectly drawn; some you will like, and some will annoy, but you may root for them nonetheless. Whatever you think, it was a great week’s worth of reading.

Known for “Six Days of the Condor,” his coming-of-age trilogy began with “Smoke in Our Eyes,” and concluded with two published together. – American Sky – James Grady

The story follows a teenager named Luc Ross as he navigates the typical dramas of high school life in a small Montana town during the 1960s. The story captures a pivotal era of national change, weaving personal growth together with major historical events. Grady admits that much of the story is based on his growing up in a small Montana town. For more, check out this Washington D.C. bookstore event (introduction by George Pelecanos)  @PoliticsandProse

Waldo, a high school senior in Alaska, funds her shopping addiction by working at Victoria’s Secret while navigating a neglectful home life.  – Jennette McCurdy – Half His Age

The plot centers on her obsessive, inappropriate relationship with her 40-year-old teacher, Mr. Korgy. The narrative explores dark themes of power imbalances, female rage, and childhood trauma. Critics have praised the book’s “mordantly funny” and “unapologetically raw” prose, noting that McCurdy captures the messiness of adolescence without romanticizing its toxicity.

The novel is considered a compelling character study, with narration offering an adult’s look back on his youth with newfound understanding – Adam Ross – Playworld

The novel centers on the protagonist, Griffin Hurt, a 14-year-old child actor who plays the lead in a hit TV show called The Nuclear Family. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan in the early 1980s, Griffin navigates a world of blurred boundaries and adult excesses. 

Praised as a “bold new writer” and with ten books to his credit, he goes on this page after reading just one – Charlie Donlea – Long Time Gone

As we expect to read many others, and will build him his own post once we add a few more to our book list, this thriller grabbed us from page one. The story and main character explore the emerging field of forensic genealogy and the link that her own DNA reveals.

You’ve probably heard about “Walking the Camino.” You may know people who have done it. Read this – Suzanne Redfearn – Call of the Camino

We don’t often place an author with their own Roaming the Arts post on this list, but we are making an exception. This is an inspiring story about so many things, one of which is the level of effort that most people don’t imagine they are capable of. The author was able to walk the walk and has written a terrific character-driven novel.

Story of a great film director making a late career movie – Jonathan Coe – Mr. Wilder and Me

Billy Wilder made some of the most iconic movies of his time, Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, Irma la Douce, Front Page, The Fortune Cookie, to name just a few. This historical fiction piece is told through the eyes of a young Greek woman who meets Wilder and his team and winds up working on the 1977 production of the film Fedora.

Irish family saga over decades up to 2008 recession – Paul Murray – The Bee Sting

Paul Murray’s The Bee Sting is an irresistibly funny, wise, and thought-provoking tour de force about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good person when the world is falling apart. Told by four family members, father, mother, daughter, son, each a voice in conflict with the moment. Over 500 pages. Stay the course.

Another first book makes lasting impression – Amanda Peters – The Berry Pickers

An amazingly perfect use of the device where the reader is shown where the story will go, but is often brought near tears on the way. The story of two families, two cultures, and both love and heartbreak throughout a lifetime. An especially good read.

What happened when Dorothy returned to Kansas? – Gordon McAlpine – After Oz

With the release of “Wicked” on film, Dorothy is once again topical and Oz again a fantasy destination. This novel, the author’s last before his untimely passing, suggests what may have happened in the days and months after the tornado that whisked the young girl away and back again.

Fantasy author delivers a terrific crime thriller – Dave Dobson – What Grows From the Dead

North Carolina college professor, improv comic, and writer provides an ensemble cast supporting an unlikely hero who has hit bottom in life and career, only to find he had inherited little from his mom except trouble.

New book about an old city – Ruth Reichl – The Paris Novel

Novelist and food writer takes us to Paris in the 1980’s with a young woman needing to find herself (not a cliche, but a charming rendition and tour guide). Book Club book, gourmet treat, and travel instigator, and already looking at flights.

American Literary Icon who passed away in 2023 – Russell Banks – American Spirits

An American treasure whose stories focus on the locales and people in the Adirondacks of upstate New York.  Check out this recent PBS video tribute and a 1995 feature on CBS Sunday Morning which gives an interesting perspective on what young people cared about…30 years ago.

From the 1990’s – Henning Mankell – Faceless Killers

Terrific series taking place in Southern Sweden and featuring Wallender, a main character played deftly on the PBS series by Kenneth Branagh.

New book from old favorite – Tim O’Brien — America Fantastica 

An American Master returns: the author of The Things They Carried and In the Lake of the Woods delivers his first new novel in two decades.

First-time author – Nilima Roa — A Disappearance in Fiji

What is told as a mystery is really an amazing history lesson of British colonialism, and Indian and native culture in the Fiji Islands off the coast of Australia in 1914.