By Brian Abbott
Contributing Columnist
These recent publications caught my attention and might attract yours. All of these are recent titles. The first two reflect on historical events, one through the lens of fiction, the other through reflection. The last two titles are geared for teens (but will also appeal to adults) with light horror, paranormal elements and strong heroines.
“The Nix,” by Nathan Hill
In this debut novel, a college professor faces his estranged mother who has “committed an absurd crime that electrifies the nightly news, beguiles the internet, and inflames a politically divided country.” Is Samuel Andresen-Anderson’s mother a radical hippie? He’ll have to delve into his mother’s history and his own to discover new truths. And as for the novel’s title, it takes its name from a Norwegian mythological creature, a white horse that steals children and takes away loved ones. It is a fitting title. Samuel’s mother abandoned him when he was eleven. The ramifications of her actions are at the heart of this story that presents an ironic view of recent American history and pop culture.
“Blood in the Water,” by Heather Ann Thompson
It’s been 45 years since the 1971 uprising at Attica, and this book takes a new look at America’s most notorious prison riot. 1300 prisoners took over the Attica Correctional Facility on Sept. 9, 1971. For four days and nights, the inmates negotiated for better treatment, but the talks abruptly ended and the state took the prison back by force. Thirty-nine men were killed. Did the State fail inmates and hostage survivors in the decades that followed? Author Thompson “sheds new light on one of the most important civil rights stories of the last century, exploring every aspect of the uprising and its legacy from the perspectives of all of those involved.”
“Wake the Hollow,” by Gaby Triana
Micaela Burgos returns to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow after the death of her mother. Her mother had been obsessed with the family’s heritage and history, and her death may not have been an accident. Micaela investigates with the help of two men to “uncover the hidden secret of Sleepy Hollow.” Inspired by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
“Possession,” by M. Verano
Laetitia Jones is an ordinary black girl who blogs online about beauty topics. Strangely, she suffers from an illness that robs her of her voice. There’s no medical diagnosis, but a “dark and ancient entity” may be the cause. As Laetitia recounts her experiences and illness, she also obsesses over the coverage of a local trial in town. Police officers are accused of the murder of a young black man. The story is told in blog post form with additional reports and records to fill in narrative gaps. It’s an unusual tale that meshes supernatural events with contemporary social themes. Recommended for ages 14 and up.
These books and more by these authors are available through the DeWitt Community Library’s catalog in either print or ebook format. Stop by the library to reserve a copy or discover other reading suggestions. Books may be reserved by phone (446-3578) or by visiting the library’s website, dewlib.org.
