2009 Books for Good Discussion

At the Readers Services desk, positioned right by the new titles, patrons often ask librarians about the current books they have read. There were some very good books published in 2009. Here are a few that can easily be recommended to readers or for book discussions:

When Everything Changed: The amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present by Gail Collins (Non-Fiction)
For readers of a certain age, this book will combine familiar scenarios with ones they missed. Covering heavily the 60's, we learn about civil rights, abortion, and a lot about the strong women who fought (and lost) battles for women's rights. Sexism was the norm--the dean of an Ivy League medical school proudly stated that women were not welcome. Stewardesses had to light the cigars of male passengers in "business" class where women were not allowed. This is plenty more in this well-written collection about public figures and ordinary women's experiences.

The Art Student's War by Brad Leithauser (Fiction)
Brad Leithauser has written a compelling novel about Detroit during WW II and peopled it with wonderfully engaging characters. Each one makes for a rich reading experience. The protagonist is Bea (Bianca) an art student who draws portraits of hospitalized soldiers injured in the war. Of course she becomes involved with one and she is also dating an art student from a prominent Detroit family. Those familiar with Detroit will enjoy the details of past restaurants, landmarks, etc. The 2nd half of the novel brings us a post-war Detroit. Leithauser based his story on his mother-in-law, who also drew portraits of soldiers. A solid and multilayered read.

American Salvage by Bonnie Jo Campbell (Fiction)
This National Book Award nominated collection of short stories is written with an assured voice and deep knowledge of the pitfalls of living in rural Michigan at the end of the 20th century. The women treat the men badly, but are usually smarter or at least more confident than the men. These characters have skills and talents: they can cook meth (and burn down their houses), use a rifle to hunt animals or people, but still believe in love and redemption. Rich, detailed stories with great dialogue. Campbell is pure talent.

Beg, Borrow, Steal: A writer's life by Michael Greenberg (Non-Fiction)
Michael Greenberg never goes far from NYC and that serves the reader well. All the material in these short essays is influenced by living, observing and analyzing both his own family and his present life there. These highly readable and thoughtful pieces were commissioned by the Times Literary Supplement. There is a lot about
becoming a writer and a lot of wisdom. Excellent writing.

Both Ways is the Only Way I want It by Maile Meloy (Fiction)
Meloy demonstrates her knowledge of the west (usually Montana) in most of these stories. The stories were previously in the New Yorker, Zoetrope: all story, Paris Review and Playboy. Meloy gives the reader the little but important details with picture perfect observations. Her endings have bite. Her skill and strength is the short story--her novels don't measure up. She can be compared with Alice Munro, Raymond Carver and William Trevor. What higher praise could there be?


In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniyal Mueenuddin (Fiction)
Short stories involving social classes in post colonial Pakistan by an Ivy League educated lawyer who currently resides in Pakistan. Relationships drive the plot, often between landlords and servants, between families and neighbors, in stories that capture a place not familiar to most readers. (Quick--name three fictional treatments of Pakistan.) The stories are not linked, but often feel connected. For those readers who admire Jhumpa Lahiri, Alice Munro and Rohintan Mistry. These are memorable stories

-IF

Search our Online Catalog for these titles.