The strange history of repression brought on by the weird creativity that exploded in 40's 50's comic book artistry.

Quite an interesting study of the man who may have been America's greatest entertainer. Who knew he was a spy? Who knew he led such a passionate crusade against Mediums?

Post-world war II: the leaders (who had known they would take down the third Reich for years) begin to carve up the remains of Germany. Lots of inner details of the journey that we never knew until now.

Chabon has got to be one of the best novelists of the 21st century. What a story of the "frozen chosen" exiled to Alaska after the attempt to settle Israel in the 40's failed. A schlumpy detective tries to solve a murder no one cares about and brings down the community around him. Great story telling. Such memorable characters.

The nightmarish events of 9/11 made personal. DeLillo focuses clear-eyed on things we try to avoid: the jumpers, the moments - before and after, and the survivors. Such flawed lives changed forever, just like us. A brave, beautiful novel.

Perfect miniatures, these stories are like manquettes for a sculptor - miniature sketches that contain all the elements of the final product. As is the case with many manquettes, all the energy is here, all the essential stuff of life. McCullers is a listener, an observer, a master of detail. Lovely stories.

Makes you believe in Barack. But also clearly shows his lack of world-wide experience. Given his energy and audacity, he brings a great deal more to American leadership than we've seen in decades. Maybe centuries.

Wanted to love it. Disappointing, but nicely diverting. The memories of growing up Iowan are nicely rendered. Nice. Yes.

A classic western about right and wrong and whether they matter when a mob wants revenge. Echoes in our Iraq-war times make it a relevant story for our time. A rich read - an engaging, emotional discussion is sure to follow.

For lay readers this was an interesting read leading to an engaging discussion: if the gospels were mis-translated, (sometimes intentionally so) how do fundamentalists who claim that the book's the direct word of God live with themselves? Well written for popular audiences.

We live near the dust bowl territory, so this book had some extra immediacy. Beautifully written story of tragedy and great loss. The cause-and-effect look at the seemingly inevitable destruction of much of our country is so fascinating.

Second part of a classic (but little read) trilogy, 1919 still stands on its own. Offers lots of discussion points, especially about the manufactured fervor for World War I. Follows several "everyman" characters including a sailor, a poet, a Jewish radical, a small-town Texas woman, and a preacher's daughter, as well as major figures of the time.