James's Picks

How to Write an Autobiographical Novel: Essays (Paperback)

By Alexander Chee

$15.99

ISBN: 9781328764522

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Mariner Books - April 17th, 2018

In "How to Write an Autobiographical Novel", Alexander Chee demonstrates all of the winning characteristics of a good essayist.  He is candid, lyrical, and not overly interested in painting himself in a positive light. The stories range from his time in school to his current day experiences as an LGBQT activist and force of good.  By the end of his stories, the reader feels that they have learned something new about a dear friend. 

Doxology: A Novel (Hardcover)

By Nell Zink

$27.99

ISBN: 9780062877789

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Ecco - August 27th, 2019

Doxology springs from the mind of Nell Zink armed with guitars and old school New York snarl. The characters, all looking to reinvent themselves in contrast to their respective families, carry themselves with a sort of defensive charm. Their interactions are all very of the time, late nineties into post 9/11 America, in a way that fills each exchange with an intriguing dialogue that is both refreshing and challenging. These characters have alot of heart though, and that bleeds through on every page. Also, if you even have a passing interest in second wave New York alternative music, this book is a must.

The New Me (Paperback)

By Halle Butler

$16.00

ISBN: 9780143133605

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Penguin Books - March 5th, 2019

Butler's tale of millennial burnout is rife with acidic humor and awkward charm. "The New Me" features Millie, a misanthropic thirty-year-old perpetually bouncing between temp jobs. She is relatable in an almost cringe-worthy way, reminding readers how funny we can be at our moments of weakness.

Same Same: A Novel (Paperback)

By Peter Mendelsund

$17.95

ISBN: 9780525435884

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: Vintage - February 5th, 2019

This novel is absurd, ridiculous, sometimes off-putting, fun. Mendelsund shows no desire to remain within the confines of traditional storytelling, character, structure, or dialogue, instead opting to whimsically meditate on what it means to truly create something.

Inherent Vice: A Novel (Paperback)

By Thomas Pynchon

$17.00

ISBN: 9780143117568

Availability: Not Currently On Our Shelves. Usually Ships in 1-5 Days

Published: Penguin Books - July 27th, 2010

This book was described to me as "Pynchon-lite" compared to his other work, but that worked for me just fine.  I loved the carefree, meandering plot and weird one-off characters.  Part hardboiled mystery, part zany character study, you will not want to stop reading about detective Doc Sportello and his weed-hazed adventures. 

In Our Mad and Furious City: A Novel (Paperback)

By Guy Gunaratne

$16.00

ISBN: 9780374175771

Availability: On Our Shelves Now

Published: MCD x FSG Originals - December 11th, 2018

"A searingly current book written from five perspectives in modern day London. Guy Gunaratne writes with deft prose that displays the language of youth while also providing his older characters with the same care and intention. Often the book is quite heavy but as a whole work, it is a necessary answer to our divided times.

Trigger warning: sexual abuse, violence