Who can you always count on when you’re in a bind and need a good book? Your neighborhood bookstore, of course, whose employees read all the newest books before you do. That’s why we’re running this semi-regular column featuring must-reads, handpicked and written about by the staff at some of our favorite independent bookstores in Brooklyn.
Greenlight’s pick: “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach
For fans of early John Irving (The Prayer of Owen Meany), The Art of Fielding is a must read. Set on a small college campus in the midwest, it follows Henry Skrimshander, a baseball phenom, and his teammates as they navigate those turbulent years between childhood and adulthood. Harbach’s characters are rich, engaging, and so satisfying to get to know. Much like Irving’s, Harbach’s work will stay with you for a long, long time. At least it did for me! — Emily.
— Jessica Bagnulo, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246-0200].
For fans of early John Irving (The Prayer of Owen Meany), The Art of Fielding is a must read. Set on a small college campus in the midwest, it follows Henry Skrimshander, a baseball phenom, and his teammates as they navigate those turbulent years between childhood and adulthood. Harbach’s characters are rich, engaging, and so satisfying to get to know. Much like Irving’s, Harbach’s work will stay with you for a long, long time. At least it did for me! — Emily.
— Jessica Bagnulo, Greenlight Bookstore [686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue in Fort Greene, (718) 246-0200].
WORD’s pick: “11/22/63” by Stephen King
11/22/63
This is my favorite King book in recent memory, and is perfect for long-time fans as well as folks who have somehow managed to make it to adulthood without picking up IT or CARRIE. King’s gone to two of the driest wells in literature — time travel and the JFK assassination — and, pulling from them, developed a book so good that I spent an entire day in my pajamas, swearing to get up and get dressed as soon as I finished the chapter I was on. Though he’s known for his demon pets and paranormal visitations, King’s really at his finest when he’s examining the minor everyday horrors of adult life, and this book gives him many opportunities to do so. Expansive, bold, and heart-wrenching.
—Stephanie Anderson, manager, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383-0096].
11/22/63
This is my favorite King book in recent memory, and is perfect for long-time fans as well as folks who have somehow managed to make it to adulthood without picking up IT or CARRIE. King’s gone to two of the driest wells in literature — time travel and the JFK assassination — and, pulling from them, developed a book so good that I spent an entire day in my pajamas, swearing to get up and get dressed as soon as I finished the chapter I was on. Though he’s known for his demon pets and paranormal visitations, King’s really at his finest when he’s examining the minor everyday horrors of adult life, and this book gives him many opportunities to do so. Expansive, bold, and heart-wrenching.
—Stephanie Anderson, manager, WORD [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383-0096].
