HOW TO TALK TO A WIDOWER (Jonathan Tropper) - February 29/08

Another stellar effort from Jonathan Tropper. This one, revolving around a man whose older wife died a year ago, mines many of the same themes and topics as Everything Changes, and while it's not quite as effortlessly sublime as that novel, it's still a hell of an entertaining read. Tropper does such a good job of establishing a whole host of memorable supporting characters, though - of course - it's the central figure who effectively holds the viewer's interest throughout. Tropper even refuses to end things with a tidy little bow - ie Doug and Brooke don't actually get together, though it's implied that they will - and it's completely clear that the author is easily one of the most talented of his generation (he's that rare writer whose work I can actually relate to). ***1/2 out of ****

BORN STANDING UP (Steve Martin) - February 25/08

Though it gets off to a bit of a slow start - Steve spends just a little too much time on his childhood - Born Standing Up eventually becomes a fascinating and eye-opening look at Steve Martin's stand-up career. The revelation that he's a shy guy who hates attention is pretty amazing, and it's impossible to read the book without ultimately feeling as though you know him personally. ***1/2 out of ****

THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES: BOOKS 1-5 (Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black) - February 11/08

This marvelously entertaining five-book series goes by in a breeze, thanks to some vivid characters and a pace that couldn't be quicker. It reminds me of why I so enjoyed that Children's lit course way back when, and it's certainly difficult not to get caught up in the Grace kids' adventures. ***1/2 out of ****

EVERYTHING CHANGES (Jonathan Tropper) - February 5/08

Jonathan Tropper instantly joins the ranks of my favorite authors with this absolutely mesmerizing novel, which essentially comes off as Garden State the book (no higher praise, really). This story about a 32-year-old man who changes his entire life after learning he might have cancer gets off to a slow start, but improves considerably as it progresses. By the end, I was really rooting for Zack and Tamara to get together (if they didn't, I probably would have knocked off half a star). The whole thing is a little idealized and not entirely authentic, but there are certainly plenty of truths here. It just doesn't get much better than this. **** out of ****