Books Like...

'Citizen Vince' by Jess Walter follows the story of Vince Camden, a former mobster in the federal witness protection program living in Spokane, WA. Vince leads a double life as a baker by day and a credit card crook by night. As his criminal activities begin to unravel, a mobster from New York threatens his new life. The plot is intertwined with the 1980 Presidential election between Jimmie Carter and Ronald Reagan, reflecting Vince's internal struggle of making choices and facing the consequences of his actions. The writing style includes vivid and memorable characters, dry-witted humor, and philosophical musings on morality and redemption.

'Reveille for Radicals' by Saul D. Alinsky is a passionate and radical manifesto that inspires a realistic approach to life, advocating for the empowerment of the have-nots and promoting social change through community organizing. Alinsky emphasizes the importance of challenging power imbalances, fostering interdependence among human communities, and engaging in conflict and confrontation to address societal issues. The book delves into the techniques and principles of activism, urging readers to embrace irreverence, courage, and a belief in the power of the people to effect change.

Nick Hornby's book 'Ten Years in the Tub' is a compilation of his monthly columns from The Believer Magazine where he shares his thoughts on books he has bought and read over the years. Hornby's writing style is described as candid, humorous, and respectful towards other authors. The book provides readers with a mix of book recommendations, personal anecdotes, and witty commentary, creating a charming and engaging reading experience. Each chapter represents a monthly column, offering readers a glimpse into Hornby's reading journey over a decade.

The Wonder Bread Summer by Jessica Anya Blau is a novel set in the early 1980s, offering a nostalgic escape from the technology-heavy present. The story follows the resilience of a young woman, Allie Dodgson, as she navigates serious subjects like drug use and dysfunctional families in a light, breezy manner. The plot is fast-paced, resembling a detective story set in the sunlit streets of 1980s California, with Allie relying on Chinese proverbs from her grandmother to guide her through the moral wasteland left by her parents' generation.

'The Zero' by Jess Walter is a post-9/11 satire that follows the protagonist, Brian Remy, a police detective suffering from memory gaps. The narrative is structured around Remy's disjointed recollections and experiences, creating a challenging and intriguing reading experience. Set in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the story delves into themes of confusion, identity, and societal responses to tragedy, offering a unique perspective on the events without explicitly mentioning them.

Over Tumbled Graves by Jess Walter follows detectives Caroline Mabry and Alan Dupree as they track down a serial killer, facing conflicts that shake their careers. The novel is praised for its intricate plot twists, rich characterization, and deep exploration of the protagonists' flaws and virtues. The writing style is described as powerful, with a touch of humor in the cynical treatment of FBI profilers. Walter skillfully weaves together a regional crime story set in Spokane, Washington, creating a textured and immersive reading experience.

Set in Spokane and other parts of the Northwest, 'The Cold Millions' by Jess Walter is a historical novel following the lives of two brothers, Gig and Rye, as they navigate the labor movement in the early 1900s. Gig, the older brother, is involved with the IWW while Rye, the younger one, is just trying to survive and find stability. The book weaves together real historical events and characters, such as Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, with fictional elements, showcasing the struggles for workers' rights and the societal divide between the rich and the poor.

The novel delves into themes of labor unrest, police brutality, corruption, and the fight for justice during a tumultuous time in American history. Through the perspectives of multiple characters, including the Dolan brothers and real-life figures like Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, the book explores the complexities of the labor movement and the sacrifices made by those involved.

James Shapiro's 'A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599' delves into a critical year in the life of Shakespeare, exploring the historical, cultural, and social context that influenced his work. The book provides a detailed account of the events of 1599, such as the building of the Globe Theatre, the political uncertainty of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and the creation of seminal works like 'Henry V,' 'Julius Caesar,' 'As You Like It,' and 'Hamlet.' Shapiro skillfully intertwines Shakespeare's plays with the political events of the time, showcasing how the playwright reflected the angst and tensions of the era in his work.

Shapiro's writing style is praised for its depth and scholarly approach, offering readers a fun and enlightening journey through Elizabethan history and Shakespeare's life. The book not only provides detailed analyses of Shakespeare's plays but also explores the social life of the time, shedding light on the cold, hard business of being a playwright and operating a playhouse. Shapiro's meticulous research and insightful interpretations offer readers a wealth of information and inspiration, making 'A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599' a must-read for fans of Shakespeare and Elizabethan history.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a captivating novel that weaves together multiple storylines across time and continents. Set in Italy in the 1960s during the filming of Cleopatra, the book explores the lives of various characters connected to that era. The plot moves back and forth between the past and the present, from Italy to America, delving into themes of love, dreams, and unexpected fulfillment. With evocative language and complex characters, the book takes readers on a journey through Hollywood life, Italian fantasy, and the pursuit of human connection.

The story follows the lives of characters like Dee Moray, Pasquale, and Richard Burton, highlighting their individual struggles, dreams, and relationships. Through a mix of humor, romance, and nostalgia, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected tales that span generations and continents. Beautiful Ruins is a beautifully written narrative that touches on the complexities of life choices, the power of human connection, and the intertwining paths of individuals seeking meaning and love.

'The Common Reader: First Series' by Virginia Woolf is a collection of essays that delves into the world of literature through the eyes of a common reader. Virginia Woolf's writing style is described as engagingly conversational, thorough, and insightful, making even unknown writers interesting. The essays cover a wide range of literary figures, from forgotten historical figures to famous writers like Jane Austen and the Brontës. Woolf's analysis shines a light on the essence of each body of work, providing a fresh perspective on literature through the ages.