52 books in 52 weeks

25. Ten Days in the Hills by Jane Smiley

This did not have as much pornography as I was promised! After seeing Jane Smiley discuss her new novel at the Festival of Books, I was looking forward to reading what sounded like a sexy experiment in plotlessness. It was entertaining if a little too long, but sadly I'm afraid I liked her description of it more than the book itself.

26. The Secret Lives of People in Love by Simon Van Booy

There was something slightly cold about this collection of short stories, but it's obvious from the the details and use of language that Van Booy has a spectacular book in him. I look forward to it.

27. The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

I usually avoid memoirs, but I'm drawn to most everything Ms. Homes attempts. This concise tale of family and identity was a striking example of how tone is everything, and when it's successful, it can be damn near perfect.