That is because my choices are better than what that so-called "paper of record" chose. Let's get started, because I know you have been waiting over a month to hear this.
1. "Big Bang," by David Bowman--As posted on 3/11/19--"Let me begin by saying that, while it is not altogether impossible for a Book Of The Year to appear this early, it has happened. The genius of this novel demonstrates that, had Bowman lived, he might have gone on to be the next David Foster Wallace. Every member of the Baby Boomer generation should read it, because it calls into play, as fiction, every mover, shaker, or event that shaped our generation, between 1950 and 1963. Comprehensive, beyond scope for someone I have read or heard so little of, this is a stand out book, and I will be surprised if I am not singing its praises by year's end."
Verdict--Without question, The Book Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. "City Of Girls," by Elizabeth Gilbert--As posted on 7/22/19--"The novel is a panoramic history of New York City, from about 1940 to the present. The glamour and the tawdriness of it all are portrayed in great dramatic and descriptive detail. Written in the form of a memoir to her sort of ( and you have to read the entire book to get what that meant) stepdaughter Angela, Vivian's story is for girls of all types, theater lovers, and not. I am telling you, gay guys will just eat this novel up, not to mention that they will be actually absorbing genuinely good literature, because Gilbert is such an excellent and meticulous writer, who researched her subject thoroughly."
Verdict--The most entertaining of the lot!
3. "The Old Drift," by Namwali Serpell--As posted on 6/14/19--"Sagas have changed since the days of Susan Howatch and James A. Michener, whom I devoured in my teens. Today, they are less sprawling, more literary in narrative style, and less concerned with the aristocracy than in years past.
"The Old Drift" traces the history of Zambia, in Africa, from 1939, to, yes, 2023! There is even a character named Lovenelle, which amounts to Loveless, because, darlings, she is the prime bitch of the novel. Serpell's writing has grit, aggression, and a prose style that will sweep you on its way to the most explosive climax since the mud slide in Vikram Seth's 'A Suitable Boy' ."
Verdict--The Saga Of The Year!
4. "The Other Americans," by Laila Lalami--As posted on 8/13/19--"The story, told from each characters' viewpoints--including the murder victim, Driss Guerraoui--enlightens the reader on the Muslim community, how it is regarded by those who call themselves "real Americans," resulting, by the end, that one is not sure whom the title refers to. Lalani's focus on character and narrative drive keep the story compelling, as well as socially prescient. Give 'The Other Americans' a chance, girls!
It satisfies."
Verdict--The Surprise Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. "Inland," by Tea Obreht--As posted on 10/31/19--" 'Inland,' Tea Obreht's second novel, is a Western, but with all the magical realism, mysticism, and equivocal doings that marked her first, 'The Tiger's Wife.' ...For all the resemblance to Cormac McCarthy, 'Inland' is still as different from him as it can get. There are no violent graphics, and the use of the paranormal is typical Obreht. Her prose is still detailed and dense, but is worth slogging through. In the end, the novel turns out to be something far from what the reader might have expected, and the last sentence leaves one stranded in ambiguity."
Verdict--Merits placement, because of Obreht.
So, those are my selections from this year. See what you think, and whether you agree with me, or not.
But, before signing off, let me mention two honorable choices I so wanted to put on the list.
"Disappearing Earth," by Julia Phillips--As posted on 7/16/19--"It takes the reader awhile to realize what Phillips is doing. At first, the chapter months seem to be a collection of short stories, with references to the abduction. Eventually, another abductor's story, Lila, a teen aged girl, is introduced, and things come together and get going, especially in the last 100 pages."
Verdict--Great debut, but a near miss. If only I could have included it!
"Doxology," by Nell Zink--As posted on 10/21/19--"This novel may not be loaded with religiosity, but a spiritual quality emanates from it. Each issue is explored thoroughly by Nell Zink, with great objectivity. The period--or periods--of life in New York are captured vividly, and with accuracy. The emotional climate of 9/11 is chronicled wonderfully. 'Doxology' is one of the best layered and written novels I have read this year."
Verdict--If only I had room, but please...read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is some food for thought for all my darlings. Not to mention gift selections for your more literate friends, or yourselves.
Happy Reading, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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