[In this feature, we highlight a handful of the best book reviews appearing over the weekend in major newspapers. Follow it here.]
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The Hot Country, by Robert Olen Butler. Reviewed by Patrick Anderson (Washington Post).
Usually when I see “thinking person’s thriller” I read that as code for boring. But this book about German espionage in Mexico during the build up to World War One actually sounds pretty interesting and unique. It’s an historical thriller, based in fact, which I really enjoy when done well. Definitely a book to look into.
Find it on Goodreads.
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The Silent History, by Ying Horowitz. Reviewed by Carolyn Kellogg (Los Angeles Times).
If nothing else, this seems like a really good idea that I hope gets more play. Sold as an app, this is a serialized novel that you can buy in chunks or subscribe to sort of like you would a season of a TV show. Furthermore, there are numerous ”Field Reports” written by guest authors. These Field Reports are accessed by visiting a specific location with a GPS-enabled reader. The world’s a pretty big place, so it may not be the most practical idea, but as a concept I love the notion of a book that rewards me for doing a little adventuring, even if it’s just to a park across the city from my living room.
Download it.
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Quickly: I love the baseball playoffs. Here’s a rundown of books on the postseason. (I did a similar post back in 2009). Hilary Mantel won the Booker for her sequel to Wolf Hall (which also won the Booker). I tried Wolf Hall and couldn’t get into it, but it seems I’m the minority, so if you’re looking for some meaty reading, hitting these two in anticipation of the third of the trilogy could be a nice way to settle into the winter.
