NOW: Louise Erdrich, THE PLAGUE OF DOVES Favorite Character - Neve Harp and her snakes. And also reading Alice Munro, VINTAGE MUNRO, the absolute in short story.
THE RECENT PAST
1. Louise Erdrich. THE ROUND HOUSE - The first of the authors for the September selection at Portland Literary Arts - Art and Lecture Series
2. Tobias Wolff, PHAROAH'S ARMY - Research for The Education of Harry Burns, and because Whitney Otto mentioned it.
3. Elizabeth Strout, OLIVE KITTEREDGE - Also read THE BURGESS BOYS, both because Jennifer Lauck suggested it (she was spot on!). Jennifer thought the writing might inspire me in my journey. The four part series on HBO was a winner, too.
4. Ann Patchett, BEL CANTO - after also completing, and loving Ms. Patchett's other amazing novel, STATE OF WONDER.
5. Lorrie Moore, WHO WILL RUN THE FROG HOSPITAL - I remember loving it years ago, and needed to read it again.
6. Dana Spiotta, EAT THE DOCUMENT - I saw Dana speak at this year's Tin House conference, and then read her novel, also set in the period of Cooking Harry. "Every sentence works."
7. Bill Clegg, DID YOU EVER HAD A FAMILY - Thank you Mr. Clegg, for inspiring me with characters who deepen on the page. An inspiration for my 'point-of-view' woes.
On Deck -
Emma Cline, THE GIRLS - The NYT and Powell's and and a lot of critics love it. I am not diving in too fast as the content seems a bit grisly. It's on the nightstand. Will let you know.
William Kent Krueger, ORDINARY GRACE - Recommended by the Cannon Beach Bookstore, one of my favorite independent bookstores in Oregon.
Kate Atkinson, A GOD IN RUINS - On the list because LIFE AFTER LIFE was an incredible mind blowing book.
And of course, I have another list that includes a sampling from all the upcoming speakers at Portland Arts and Lecture Series, including Don Delillo, Colum McCann, Tracy K. Smith and Siddartha Mukhejee.