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Best new paperbacks:
The BookPage monthly feature for reading groups
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Month paperback releases offer good choices for reading groups
REVIEWS BY JULIE HALE
Antrim, author of three novels, offers his first memoir with this moving, beautifully written account of life in a troubled family. The focus here is on the author's relationship with his mother, Louanne, an alcoholic whose sickness consumed the energy of everyone around her. Louanne's death in 2000 sparked Antrim's reminiscences, and over the course of seven loosely linked chapters, he recounts his attempts to bounce back from his damaged upbringing. Growing as a writer and embarking on relationships of his own, Antrim realizes that his mother has influenced every aspect of his life. In a particularly revealing section that focuses on Louanne's talent as a seamstress, Antrim writes about an odd kimono she created—a piece only she could have produced, reflective of her inner demons, featuring strange birds and potpourri pouches. As Louanne's final decline becomes inevitability, Antrim is forced to care for her, and he discovers a new inner resilience—an ability to act in the face of loss. Other members of his family, which is scattered across Georgia, Florida and North Carolina, make appearances in the book, including his emotionally distant father. Antrim writes with insight about the contemporary South and the changes that have taken place there in recent decades. This is a dark narrative, full of wisdom and humility, characterized by Antrim's clean prose style and eye for humor.
By Donald Antrim Picador $13, 208 pages ISBN 9780312426354
In this year's winner of the Pulitzer Prize for biography, Applegate takes a fascinating look at the life of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, brother of the writer Harriet Beecher Stowe. An energetic Congregationalist clergyman and outspoken abolitionist, Beecher achieved renown during the mid-1800s, when his Plymouth Church in Brooklyn drew people from all over the country. He was a charismatic speaker, a powerful writer and one of the first public personalities in America who could rightly be termed a celebrity. His perception of God as a merciful rather than an unforgiving figure was a new and welcome view, as was his overall take on Christianity, which he believed could serve as a path to happiness and forgiveness. Well-connected socially, he appreciated books, music, art and—although he was married—the company of women. When well-known feminist Victoria Woodhull publicly accused Beecher of committing adultery with a member of his church, her claims made national headlines. A trial ensued that absorbed America's attention almost as much as the Civil War. How Beecher fared after the scandal makes for a gripping historical tale. Readers with an interest in American history will relish Applegate's well-written, engaging narrative.
By Debby Applegate Three Leaves $16.95, 560 pages ISBN 9780385513975
Updike's latest novel examines the problem of terrorism through the story of 18-year-old Ahmad Mulloy Ashmawy. Ahmad lives in the decaying factory town of New Prospect, New Jersey, with his Irish-American mother. His father—an Egyptian exchange student—deserted the family when Ahmad was three. Ahmad is a good-looking kid, with polished manners and evident intelligence, all of which result in his being an outsider at school. Disillusioned with his mother, a would-be artist who can't seem to make a life for herself, Ahmad becomes a follower of Shaikh Rashid, the imam of a storefront mosque in New Prospect. In his isolation, he becomes preoccupied with the nature of God, and his strong religious impulses are preyed upon when Shaikh Rashid invites him to take part in a terrorist plot. Ahmad soon finds himself caught between two worlds—the secular one that includes school and people like Joryleen Grant, an African-American girl he is drawn to, and the world of religion, which leads him to the brink of danger. When Jack Levy, one of Ahmad's teachers, senses that all is not right with the boy, he tries to prevent his downfall. Updike writes with precision and sensitivity about a timely topic, adding a wealth of detail about Islamic religion. This is a disturbing book from a masterful novelist—a narrative that is sure to strike a nerve with readers.
By John Updike Ballantine $14.95, 320 pages ISBN 9780345493910
Has your club recently read an excellent book that sparked good group discussion? If so, BookPage would like to hear about it. Contact us at reading@bookpage.com with a description of the book and the reasons for your recommendation. We'll pass the top choices along to our readers.
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