Brain on Fire is one of those books that will be hard for you to put down.  This engrossing memoir, by a young New York Post reporter, is about her experience in the grips of a rare autoimmune disease.  While the doctors try to figure out what is wrong with her, the author suffers violent seizures, hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and eventually near death.  Not only is this a gripping story full of suspense, it is also a reflection on the thin line between sanity and insanity, the fragility of our health, and what makes us human.  In addition, this book gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of cutting-edge neuroscience.  

This historical novel, about America's most successful bank robber, is a great read.  It is full of suspense, romance, and comedy, and it transported me back to New York City in the early twentieth century during the time of depressions, soaring unemployment, and bank panics.  Born in the Irish slums of Brooklyn, Willie Sutton's early years were formed by extreme poverty, abusive older brothers, and distant parents.  During his teenage years, Sutton met the love of his life and subsequently began his life of crime.  Moehinger, the author of The Tender Bar, is a beautiful writer, and he created a book that transcends its subject and time.  Highly recommended.

2012 has seen a lot of wonderful novels, many of them by well-established authors. But there have also been quite a few break-through successes for brand-new authors. Many of the most popular and well-reviewed books of the year have been debut novels from first-time authors or authors who had only published short stories or memoirs previous to their novelistic success. Here’s hoping the years to come bring more great novels from these rising stars!

Torres, Justin.  We the Animals

Klaussmann, Liza.  Tigers in Red Weather

Ivey, Eowyn.  The Snow Child

Coplin, Amanda.  The Orchardist

Harbach, Chad.  The Art of Fielding

Rogan, Charlotte.  The Lifeboat

Pavone, Chris.  The Expats

Stedman, M. L.  The Light Between Oceans

Powers, Kevin.  The Yellow Birds

Oh, the holidays. That wonderful time of year filled with both joy and, let’s be honest, neuroses. Families get together and old rivalries and grudges come to the fore. Turkeys are burned. Trees fall over. Strings of lights burn out for no readily apparent reason. And everyone gives gifts and smiles and enjoys good food and good cheer. All in all, the holidays make perfect fodder for novels both heart-warming and hilarious. Here are a few titles to tickle your festive funny-bone this season:

Alexander, Carly. The Secret Life of Mrs. Claus
Davidson, MaryJanice. Undead and Unfinished
Evanovich, Janet. Visions of Sugar Plums
Friedman, Kinky. The Christmas Pig
Hornby, Nick. A Long Way Down
Moore, Christopher. The Stupidest Angel
Mortimer, John. A Rumpole Christmas
Sedaris, David. Holidays on Ice
Shepherd, Jean. In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash
Willig, Lauren. The Mischief of the Mistletoe