By Ron Charles, Washington Post book critic
Here are four new books to discover this spring.
viking
In 2016, the world fell in love with an extremely charming novel by Amor Towles, called “A Gentleman in Moscow.” And now, with the Ewan McGregor-starring adaptation streaming on Showtime, anticipation is high for Towles’ next book.
Proceed this way: “Table for two” is an irresistible collection of short stories and novels shared between New York and Los Angeles. Flavored with wit, intrigue and a hint of bitter doom, “Table for Two” demonstrates that Towles is just as adept at preparing a full literary meal as he is at a tart little dessert.
Read an extract: “Table for two”
“Table for Two” by Amor Towles (Viking), in hardback, ebook and audio formats, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
amortowles.com
Amor Towles in “A Gentleman in Moscow” (“Sunday Morning”)
Book’s extract : “A Gentleman in Moscow”
Book’s extract : “The Lincoln Highway”
Grove Press
Leif Enger’s first novel, Peace Like a River, came out more than 20 years ago, but I have never forgotten his boundless optimism. Well, things are heating up in Enger’s new dystopian novel, “I happily refuse.”
It’s about a man on Lake Superior who is happy and hopeful, even though the government and climate are destroyed. However, when violence hits him, he is forced to flee, sailing around the Great Lake looking for somewhere to dock in a world that is on fire and going crazy. How he achieves this is just one of the many miracles of this strange and seductive novel.
Read an extract: “I cheerfully refuse”
“I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger (Grove Press), in hardback, ebook and audio formats, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
leifenger.com
viking
So far, American readers have not paid enough attention to Sunjeev Sahota, but in England he has been nominated twice for the Booker Prize.
His brilliant new novel, “The spoiled heart” It involves an ambitious and well-liked man named Nayan, who is running for the head of his union. He is widely expected to win the election, but a young woman announces her candidacy, and devastating secrets from Nayan’s past begin to emerge and cracks appear in his campaign – until he finds himself in contradiction with the culture he once defended.
Read an extract: “The Spoiled Heart”
“The Spoiled Heart” by Sunjeev Sahota (Viking), in hardcover, e-book and audio formats, available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
Macmillan
Judi Dench, master of film, television and stage, has been bringing Shakespeare’s plays to life for over 60 years.
And now, at the age of 89, Dench is once again stealing the show with a delightful new memoir, titled “Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent.”
Compiled from conversations with her friend, actor Brendan O’Hea, it is a treasure trove of wit and wisdom about a unique relationship between an incomparable actress and the immortal playwright who still ignites her heart.
Read an excerpt: “Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent”
“Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent” by Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea (Macmillan), in hardback, e-book and audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Nobles And
Librairie.org
For more suggestions on what to read, contact your local librarian or bookseller.
That’s it for the book report. My name is Ron Charles. Until next time, keep reading!
For more information:
For more reading recommendations, check out these previous Book Report features from Ron Charles:
Produced by Robin Sanders and Roman Feeser.
Grub5
