ADMISSION by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Admission is a novel that examines the complex process of selecting incoming freshmen for Princeton University from a large pool of eager and often superbly qualified applicants. Jean Hanff Korelitz draws on her experience as an “outside reader” for Princeton to add verisimilitude to her story. She also spoke with deans of admissions and college counselors to gain a broad perspective on what has become, for many, a harrowing and competitive race to the finish line.

May 24, 2009  Tags:   Posted in: mid-life  No Comments

THE SONG IS YOU by Arthur Phillips

Julian Donahue, the protagonist in the wonderful THE SONG IS YOU, is a middle-aged drifter. He directs commercials for a living and has separated from his wife after the loss of their two-year-old son. Worse, he is at a point in his life where he is clearly able to see the trajectory pretty much every action of his will trace—in other words, he sees the pointlessness of it all and is in a funk. The only thing that keeps him connected and interested, is music—more specifically, his iPod—which reminds him of all the significant moments in his life.

May 4, 2009  Tags: , , , , , ,   Posted in: 21st Century, Book Club Choice, Contemporary, Literary, Top Pick, mid-life  No Comments

THE WRITING ON MY FOREHEAD by Nafisa Haji

THE WRITING ON MY FOREHEAD is a multi-generational tale involving a complex Indo-Pakistani clan which is scattered all over the world. They periodically gather in Pakistan, England and America for family visits. The elders who live in the West are determined to familiarize their children with the rich culture and traditional mores of their heritage. Nafisa Haji has written, with lyrical prose, a multi-layered, coming of age story which is sure to appeal to many readers. Saira Qader, a first generation American, is the narrator.

April 29, 2009  Tags: , , , , , ,   Posted in: Coming-of-Age, Debut Novel, Diaspora, Pakistan  No Comments