Emma Straub's book of stories perfect for those OK with not perfectly happy endings

I've seen Emma Straub's new book LAURA LAMONT'S LIFE IN PICTURES on just about everybody's to-read list, including this one. It's probably one I will pick up eventually, as I do like the way she writes, her tone, and the atmosphere she creates.

I just finished Straub's debut, the book of short stories OTHER PEOPLE WE MARRIED (Riverhead Books, February 2012, $15, 224 pp.), and enjoyed the realistic, rarely-a-happy-ending tales.

I'm not sure what it says about me, but I like stories, novels, films, etc. that have kind of quirky, not always pleasing, but often what I feel are realistic endings.

For instance, the story "Fly-Over Stage" is about a young couple who move to Wisconsin from New York City and the disconnectedness the wife, Sophie, feels there. She befriends the odd grown son of the neighbors next door, who lives in the basement and watches a lot of porn, and seems to relate more to him than to her own husband. She's hilarious, sad, bored and conflicted all at once.

EMMA STRAUB (image pilfered
from her website)

The stories are well-written and worth reading, though for me they didn't inspire the use of the word "love" when describing the book.

My generous, book-devouring sister mailed the book to me (thank you, Jennifer!) when she was through with it, in addition to the latest Anne Tyler novel, THE BEGINNER'S GOODBYE, which I'm likely to pick up next. I've been hooked on Tyler since enjoying THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST (I also love the movie, with Geena Davis, William Hurt, and Kathleen Turner.)

I'm embarrassed to say it took me forever to finish even a book of stories ... haven't been much of a reader lately. But the pile of review copies on my desk (and the pile of used book-sale finds on my nightstand) says I will be again soon.

Learn more about the talented Emma Straub on her website.

Best Fall Book Picks ... from lots of people. What are yours?

My desk, Sept. 19

It's the time of year when everybody likes to dole out their recommendations for the best new books for Fall.

What's more interesting to me are your picks. What's on your reading list for autumn. Are you inclined to run out and buy the newest titles?

While it can be fun to read the latest and greatest, I tend to be (I have to be)  a lot thriftier when it comes to new books (I avoid buying new books and frequent used book stores a lot). Also, I'm probably a lot slower to read books than most, so I'm literally in no hurry.

I find that if I bide my time my sister or a friend will lend me the trendiest, hottest new novel out there (such as Emma Morgenstern's "The Night Circus," which I recently borrowed from a friend then favorably reviewed.)

I have stacks upon stacks of (old) books at home and on my desk at work yet to read. (See photo above that I just snapped of one of the piles at/near my desk at the paper ... It's less like Fall reading, and more like reading that's about to fall!)

But if you are looking something new and shiny to read to pass the time as the weather turns brisk and chilly, here are a few of the top picks and links to see some more:

One of my fave area bookstores, Wellington Square Bookshop in the Eagleview Corporate Center, Exton, is promoting a bunch of new books for fall, including: "The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers; "The Malice of Fortune" by Michael Ennis; and the book pictured at left, which was also recommended by The Huffington Post.

The Huffington Post recently published a handy slideshow of its editors' picks for Fall's Must Reads that includes "This is How You Lose Her" by Junot Diaz.

Publisher's Weekly announced its list of The Best Books for Fall 2012, including: "Live by Night" by Dennis Lehane.

Amazon.com's editor's recommended books including "The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook" by Deb Perelman for fall in their Big Fall Books Preview.

Oprah Magazine released its picks for 15 Must Read Books for Fall 2012. The list includes "Laura Lamont's Life in Pictures" by Emma Straub.  

Popular Fall Picks on Goodreads.com include "Black City, #1" by Elizabeth Richards and Zadie Smith's "NW." See the entire list of more than 4,000 book picks for Fall here.

The Christian Science Monitor recommends J.K. Rowling's new novel "The Casual Vacancy," and nine others.


Flavorpill recently issued The Flavorpill Fall 2012 Books Forecast, which includes "Telegraph Avenue" by Michael Chabon and "Astray"(a collection of stories) by Emma Donoghue, author of "Room."

That's just a small and rather random assortment of the new books that people are talking about for Fall.

I'd love to know what you've read and enjoyed lately - new or not.

Please, comment and let me - and the world - in on what's on your Fall reading list.