News - Book Reviews

News - Book Reviews

MIDDLE MEN by Jim Gavin

Jim Gavin’s MIDDLE MEN was given an illustrated review by Kevin Thompson on The Rumpus: “These are stories of factotums and fuck-ups: missed opportunities, bad roommates, and good fast food. They’re about the kind of men men are while on their way to becoming the men they’d like to be.” Simon & Schuster published the book on February 19, 2013.

MY 1980s AND OTHER ESSAYS by Wayne Koestenbaum

Wayne Koestenbaum’s MY 1980’s AND OTHER ESSAYS is a notable new release in Time Magazine, which said, “Cultural critic Wayne Koestenbaum casts his anxious, enviable intellect at such figures as Sigmund Freud, Brigitte Bardot, Diane Arbus and Debbie Harry.” Farrar, Straus & Giroux will publish the book on August 13, 2013.

LEXICON by Max Barry

LEXICON by Max Barry continues to receive accolades and great reviews. Time Out New York gives it 4 stars and raves that “Barry has a gift for spinning complicated plots that aren’t weighed down by their intricacies. His prose here is dark and incisive, and he creates sympathetic (and often quite funny) characters.” In their review, The Washington Post called the book “an extremely slick and readable thriller.” Penguin Press published the hardcover June 18, 2013.

KIND OF KIN by Rilla Askew

Rilla Askew discussed her novel KIND OF KIN with Mariella Frostrup on BBC, who is offering a free PDF of the book’s first chapter online. KIND OF KIN was also reviewed by the BookBag, who said of the book, “Askew manages to interweave events seamlessly, making for a smooth and fast-paced read. In the end, Askew’s tale stands as a nod to the ties that bind, protect and see us through the hard times.” Ecco published the book this January 8, 2013.

MEN IN MIAMI HOTELS by Charlie Smith

Charlie Smith’s MEN IN MIAMI HOTELS was reviewed by The Millions, which said: “Men in Miami Hotels is lyrical in that it is beautiful and that it is composed by a person with high poetic sensibilities. Charlie Smith is a prolific poet; not only is his writing poetic, his characters are all poets in spirit if not occupation.” Harper Perennial published the book on July 2, 2013.

A GUIDE TO BEING BORN by Ramona Ausubel

Ramona Ausubel’s A GUIDE TO BEING BORN was reviewed in The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, which called it a “wonderfully strange, often humorous short story collection.” Riverhead published the book on May 2, 2013.

THE TRIP TO ECHO SPRING by Olivia Laing

Olivia Laing’s THE TRIP TO ECHO SPRING was reviewed by The Sunday Times, Scotland on Sunday, and The List. Scotland on Sunday called it “a triumphant exercise in creative reading,” while the Sunday Times noted the book’s “brilliance and originality.” The List said, “The Trip To Echo Spring is a nuanced and heartbreaking book.” Picador will publish the book on December 24, 2013.

THE MERMAID OF BROOKLYN by Amy Shearn

Amy Shearn’s THE MERMAID OF BROOKLYN was reviewed in Parenting Magazine, which said, “Pick it up if you need a wise, funny story of hope when you felt all was lost.” Touchstone published the book on April 2, 2013.

LEXICON by Max Barry

Max Barry’s fifth novel, LEXICON, was featured in Vogue among the best mystery reads of the summer. Penguin Press published the hardcover June 18th.

NORWEGIAN BY NIGHT by Derek B. Miller

Derek B. Miller’s NORWEGIAN BY NIGHT was reviewed in the Times Literary Supplement, Buffalo News, and The Jewish Week. The Buffalo News said, “This is one of the best books of the season, of any genre,” calling it “a great story told in writing that is clear and powerful … simple and stunning.” The Jewish Week called it “a beautifully written book” and “ a top notch thriller.”