US author Ray Bradbury has died at the age of 91, after a career of writing everything from science fiction and mystery to humour.Bradbury transformed his childhood dreams and Cold War fears into telepathic Martians, lovesick sea monsters and his vision of a hi-tech, book-burning future in 'Fahrenheit 451'.He also wrote the 1956 film version of 'Moby Dick' and wrote for 'The Twilight Zone' TV series.Bradbury's series of stories in 'The Martian Chronicles' was a Cold War morality tale in which events on another planet served as a commentary on life on this planet. It has been published in more than 30 languages.
"Zone One" by Colson Whitehead. The thinking-person's zombie novel. This takes place in aftermath of a zombie plague in lower Manhattan which has been scheduled for human resettlement. Whitehead's writing is astounding and he brings the world of the undead vibrantly to life.
been meaning to read this: "Art of Fielding"by Chad Harbach. A novel about a baseball team at a small midwestern college. When one player loses his confidence, lives are impacted because teams are connected. This is well-written, and not just for fans of baseball. "Art of Fielding" explores relationships -- between friends, family, and lovers -- and the forces that complicate them.
"Once Upon a River"by Bonnie Jo Campbell. This has been described as the female Huck Finn. This is the story of Margo Crane, a young woman who lives near a river in a rural area of Michigan in the 1970's. She is forced to travel the river by herself in a boat to save herself and find a new life. She meets extraordinary characters along the way and has an instinct for survival that drives the story.
Read this a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it."Night Circus"by Erin Morgenstern. The circus has come to town, and it seems like an ordinary circus, but behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway -- a duel between two young magicians who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and yet they tumble into a deep, magical love.
Something a bit different."Imagine: How Creativity Works"
"Yes, Chef"by Marcus Samulson. Marcus was only three years old when he was orphaned in Ethiopia. He and his sister were adopted by a white family in Sweden. It was there that Marcus's new grandmother sparked in him a lifelong passion for cooking. Markus went on to study in Europe and eventually ended up in New York City. This story is about cooking in Europe and the meaning of race in those kitchens.