Neil's Picks

Those who carry a particular kind of hate in their hearts should be the first to read this book. Perhaps they would learn the origins of this slanted scaremongering that has infected this country. Lean reminds us early in the book that “sowing fear” has been an unfortunate staple in America since its beginning. We can continue to follow the way of ignorance or, move forward into a wiser, more peaceful place. I personally choose the latter.        

 

Out of print in the United States for nearly thirty years, this newly restored and newly translated version of the Russian science fiction classic is back, and ready to be discovered by a new generation. Like Calvino's Invisible Cities, this novel gives only an impression of setting rather than anything concrete. Through the fragmented narrative, a story of life on Earth following an alien visitation emerges. The tone is serious and more than a little existential, but it is executed with smooth perfection by two master storytellers. 

Like an ice-cold glass of lemonade, this book is great anytime of the year but best enjoyed in the summer. Nostalgia trickles from every page of this story about young Douglas Spaulding and his magical summer of '28. Perfect for those too old for their toys and too young for the burdens of adulthood.

The America Steinbeck reflects upon in this novel (mid-1960s) feels largely unchanged in our present. It is a country of tension and war, of kindness and peace. Steinbeck drew from this duality and crafted a passionate story of life on the road. Full of rich characters that make up the American pastiche, Travels With Charley is a calmer and more mature On The Road. The sweeping experience of this lean novel could only have been achieved by an author of the highest order.

A favorite childhood story of mine. It is the tale of a brother and sister's journey across a nameless sea on a boat called the Maggie B. Rich, vivid images combine with a wonderfully sweet tale, to create a special experience. A must read and see for children and adults. "This is a story of a wish come true."

Marquez was already well-established as one of the greatest storytellers by the time he penned this book. Though operating outside his usual genre, this nonfiction work still reflects his passion and prowess. Clandestine retells the events of Miguel Littin, who fled Chile after the 1973 coup. A decade later he returns, in disguise, planning to film a documentary about life under Pinochet's rule. Deeply, deeply engaging.

This collection is a debut that reads like mature, seasoned poetry. It is a collection of day-to-day vignettes that cuts deeper into the "human condition" than any other collection in recent memory. Greenwald reveals here, a layer of the everyday that most of us miss.

The literary world celebrates a disparate collection of international writers, but rarely are the translators of their works ever mentioned. Edith Grossman does these unsung heroes a great justice in 'Why Translation Matters.' In this concise and indispensable book, Grossman explores the cultural role translation participates within. The act of translation is ultimately shown to be one of interpretation rather than simple verbatim, providing new readers with fresh perspectives and engaging interplay with the text. You will never read Marquez, Saramago, Dostoevsky, or Flaubert in the same way again.