About Books & Literature: Recommended Reading, New Titles

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Books & Literature From Erik Wander, your About Books & Literature Editor "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it," Oscar Wilde once said. This week About Books & Literature is showcasing some of our literary guides' latest offerings, including reviews, recommendations and suggestions about what you might (or might not) want to include on your list of books you don't have to read but may just want to. Manhattan Central to 'The Interestings' This novel by Meg Wolitzer spans several decades, from the 1970s into the 2000s, and centers on a group of friends who met when they were in their teens. "Manhattan is also a character in the novel, and we see how life in New York evolved" during that time period, according to our Bestsellers guide. But, she also says you don't have to have lived in NYC to enjoy this novel in part about how dreams affect relationships. Interesting! Routing for the Deeply Flawed in 'The Burgess Boys' Math Genius, Avid Reader Turns Secret Agent in 'Sweet Tooth' Search Related Topics:  the interestings  meg wolitzer  A Tale for the Time Being Ruth Ozeki's latest novel tells the stories of Ruth, a novelist, and Nao, a 16-year-old girl whose diary Ruth happens to find washed up on the beach near her home in British Columbia. The reader never gets to meet Nao in person, but instead gets to know her, as does Ruth, only through her diary. Nao is lucky it's someone like Ruth whom her words reach, while Ruth, who's struggling with her next project, is equally fortunate to be the one to find it. Meet the "time being." Jared Diamond on Traditional Societies Stuart Nadler's Debut Novel, 'Wise Men' Search Related Topics:  ruth ozeki  magical realism  'Cat Talk' for Kids Each of the 13 poems for children ages 4 to 8 in this book by mother-daughter duo Patricia and Emily MacLachlan features a different feline's description of its own appearance, life and favorite things to do. Each cat or kitten in the collection has its own distinct personality and "voice," and illustrator Barry Moser brings them to life with his handmade watercolors on paper. Share what these cats have to say with your children. Award-Winning 'Moonbird' by Phillip Hoose Freedom Protests, Protecting Egypt's Treasured Books Search Related Topics:  poetry books for children  children's picture books  An 'Eternity Cure' for Young Adult Readers "Even though both vampires and dystopias have been 'done to death,' in the hands of a good writer, they can still be fresh and new," says our Young Adult Books guide. Julie Kagawa is that writer, it would seem; she managed to work both quite adeptly into the second book of her Blood of Eden series, The Eternity Cure. Vampires and dystopias and (even some) zombies, oh my! High Fantasy and 'William and the Lost Spirit' 'Spellbinding' Promising but Brief Search Related Topics:  ya vampire books  ya dystopian books  ya paranormal books Related Searches Free Books Kids Books Picture Books Children Books Reading Books Featured Articles Gatsby Fan? You'll Love These Books Too Classic Poetry Inspired by the Garden Comic Book Anti-Heroes All about Alexander (Pushkin) Love, Mistaken Identity in Shakespeare's Midsummer David Ives, Plays in One Act   More from About.com 10 Easy Ways to Look Thinner Don't wait until you've lost those first pounds to make these simple, slimming changes. Read more...> Create a Shared Photo Stream Sharing your photo stream with friends and family is a great way to keep in touch. Read more...>   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Books & Literature newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Advertisement