Bob Shacochis, The Woman Who Lost Her Soul: This is, according to one of Linda's colleagues, perhaps the most important novel to read this year.
Robert Olen Butler wrote, "Renowned through four award-winning books for his gritty and revelatory visions of the Carribbean, Shacochis returns to occupied Haiti in The Woman Who Lost Her Soul before sweeping across time and continents to unravel tangled knots of romance, espionage, and vengeange. In riveting prose, Shacochis builds a complex and disturbing story about the coming of age of America in a pre-9/11 world."
See Bob Schacochis read from his book and answer your questions at Malaprop's this weekend.
Eric Schlosser, Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, The Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety: While it might not be a "fun" read, this will likely be an important book. Schlosser, who is known for his depiction of the underbelly of American culture, researches the accidents and near-misses related to nuclear power. (Release date: September 17)
Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy: This third Bridget Jones novel is shrouded in some mystery: written fifteen years after the last Bridget Jones diary, where will the story pick up? Who's the boy mentioned in the title? If our math is right, Bridget should be in her 50's now. In any case, we can count on some awkward interactions and overall feistiness. (Release date: October 15)
Wally Lamb, We Are Water: Wally Lamb's novels always tell startlingly profound stories of characters who you have nothing in common with. While it can be difficult to depict relatable characters while putting them in wholly unique contexts, Lamb inevitably captures the essences of relationships, love, and American society. This one is based on a historic Connecticut flood, the woman whose mother died in the rushing waters, and her lifelong secrets. (Release date: October 22)
Ann Patchett, This is the Story of a Happy Marriage: Patchett, whose novels are known for their insight and stark truths, tells the deeply personal story of her own relationship with love in this collection of essays. (Release date: Nocember 5)
See Ann Patchett read from her book and answer questions at UNCA on November 5. You can find more information on the Malaprop's website.