Cree

After growing up reading his timeless young adult fiction, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that Roald Dahl had an extensive catalog of short stories for grown up readers. Whether drawing from his experiences as part of the RAF in WWII, writing twisted and satirical tales about English society, or even creating dark modern fairy tales, Dahl brings his signature wit and imagination to a whole new level. At times profound and moving, other times just plain silly and fun, I am oh so happy to have more Dahl to enjoy, and to recommend to people. And if you have read them before, isn't it time to revisit?

Barry Hannah passed away unexpectedly in March of 2010, but he left behind an impressive canon of novels and short stories in his nearly 40 year career. "Long, Last, Happy" is a 'best of' collection of previously released short stories, and also includes 4 new unreleased short stories. His fiery prose rings of truth, honesty, humor and anger. A great introduction to the "second king of Mississippi literature".

I'm just a big kid, and I am super excited by this new book of previously unreleased poems by Shel Silverstein! On a slightly unrelated note, did you know Shel got his start as cartoonist for Playboy Magazine, and wrote 100's of songs, such as "A Boy Named Sue" (made famous by johnny Cash), and "Cover of the Rolling Stone" (Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show; one of my favorite bands of all time!). Can you tell I am a huge fan of Shel Silverstein?!

An ambitious, epic & sprawling novel in the tradition of classic seafaring literature, such as Moby Dick. Jensen's use of the first person plural sets it apart from being conventional, though. This book was immediately hailed as a classic in Europe, and widely considered the best novel to come out of Denmark in the past quarter century. It's a long one, but worth every page!

Part travelogue, part urban study, and part ramblings of the great David Byrne, this book is an interesting look at the world from the seat of a bicycle. Makes you want to grab a bike and travel the world!

People who like Portis' "True Grit" or even HBO's show "Deadwood" will probably enjoy this western about two hitmen brothers. Funny, violent, and endearing. Narrator Eli Sisters has a big heart, a guilty conscience, and spins a yarn that is hard to put down.

This collection of short stories is a perfect introduction to the work of Bolano. I believe Bolano's true greatness stands in his short fiction, and this is arguably his best work. Read, enjoy, and savor!

An absolute classic in the sociological study of subcultures , Buford blurs the line between journalist and participant when he starts covering a band of English soccer (football) "hooligans". File next to Hunter Thompson's "Hell's Angels" as examples of when investigative reporting crosses the line into real violence and serious consequences. Fascinating to read, though!

One of Vargas Llosa's "serio-comic" novels; a hilarious homage to radio soap operas; and home of one of the funniest and unforgettable characters in literature, Pedro Camacho (the scriptwriter!). If you like this novel, also try "Bad Girl", also by Vargas Llosa.

I cannot recommend this book any higher. Set in the early 20th century English classical music scene, this novel will constantly surprise you with it's twists and turns. Narrated by a fictional British music critic, it is also chalk full of beautiful prose, and possibly some of the best music writing I have read in some time. Serious literature fans, do not miss this.

Those who have read Jim Thompson need no explanation as to his fierce and brutal greatness. The stories usually take place in Oklahoma or west Texas, and he captures the bleakness and dialect of the area like none other. This is crime fiction to be read with a shot of whiskey on the side.

Twisted, brutal, funny...Woodrell fulfills his promise as a writer with this one. Also check out "Tomato Red".