Out Stealing Horses

Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
Maybe I just have a thing for Norwegian authors, but I was immediately seized by Per Petterson’s Out Stealing Horses. While Petterson’s story is calm and contemplative, his vast temporal leaps (suturing past and present in a sort of asymmetrical dance) make this book impossible to put down. It tells the story of Trond Sander, an older man who moves to a remote cabin in rural Norway to live alone. But when he’s confronted by an unexpected neighbor, Trond thinks back to an emotionally loaded summer of his youth. Petterson’s writing is lucid and beautiful, and without a spare word.

Invitation to a Beheading

Invitation to a Beheading by Vladimir Nabokov   (As if Nabokov needs my sanction…) Do not be thrown by the title; there is little violence in this brilliant novel by Vladimir Nabokov. Hilarious, contemplative, surreal, and lyrical, Invitation to a Beheading tells the story of a man – Cincinnatus C. – who is condemned to death in a bizarre dystopian future for an absurd crime (“gnostical turpitude”). The novel catalogues the final days leading up to Cincinnatus’ execution, wherein he receives several strange visitors: his eccentric jailers, his in-laws’ extended family (who brings their furniture with them), and his own executioner disguised as a fellow prisoner. No summary could do this novel justice, so I recommend reading the first few pages and seeing for yourself: Nabokov’s turn of phrase is both artful and illuminating. As John Updike said, “Nabokov writes prose the only way it should be written, that is, ecstatically.”

Solo Faces

Solo Faces by James Salter
Perhaps the black sheep in my reading list, Solo Faces tells the story of Rand, a twenty-something mountain climber who’s constantly torn between the “earthbound tugs” of love and everyday life and the intoxicating thrill of climbing. Like Rand himself, Salter’s writing is quiet and focused (like that of Camus or Hemmingway), yet somehow thrilling. While I loved Solo Faces, this is definitely a man’s book, and an especially great read for those well versed in rock climbing.

Writings from the New Yorker 1927-1976

Writings from the New Yorker 1927-1976 by E.B. White
For years E.B. White, the beloved author of Charlotte’s Web, among other things, contributed a number of short editorial pieces to The New Yorker Magazine, most of which were published anonymously. Three years after his death, Editor Rebecca Dale re-discovered these previously uncollected snippets and published them altogether in this amazing edition. Poetic, funny, ironic, and insightful, White’s musings span a variety of subjects, from nature to politics. But I’ll let White speak for himself; take this relevant reverie on “summertime”:

Read more: Writings from the New Yorker 1927-1976

The McSweeney’s Jokebook of Book Jokes

The McSweeney’s Jokebook of Book Jokes by McSweeney’s Publishing
Do you find books hilarious? Especially books about books, or most things book-related? If you (or someone you know) shares my awkward bookish humor, you are not alone. In this (intentionally) bound-backwards book you will find such spoofs and lists such as: Ikea Product or Lord of the Rings Character? Workshop Notes from Homer’s Writing Class re: the Odyssey, Chuck Norris Erotica, “John Updike, Television Writer,” Jane Eyre Runs for President, Holden Caulfield Gives a Commencement Speech to a High School, and Gregor Samsa’s Application for Disability. Not to be missed.

On my Nightstand...

The Savage Detectives by Roberto Bolano
Top of the Pile

The Delighted States: A Book of Novels, Romances, & Their Unknown Translators, Containing Ten Languages, Set on Four Continents, & Accompanied by Maps, …& a Variety of Helpful Indexes by Adam Thirwell. I still have not figured out what this book is “about,” per se, but from the title it looks like a book-lover’s book…as a rare indulgence I bought this in hardcover and can’t wait to read it. Featuring an original translation of Nabokov’s short story “Mademoiselle O” in the back (in both English and French)!

The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century

The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century  by Alex Ross
I’ve been reading to learn a bit more about modern music, and have heard nothing but good things about The Rest is Noise from New Yorker critic Alex Ross. Also in hardcover.