Sam Lipsyte has always been a funny, engrossing writer, but with this latest novel the author of Home Land, Venus Drive and The Subject Steve is staking his claim as the city's singular source for mordant laughter.
The Ask is the story of Milo Burke, a more-or-less employed development officer at a small university whose further solvency depends on his wooing of one major, mysterious donor. The book discusses, with varying levels of terror, "work, war, sex, class, child rearing, romantic comedies, Benjamin Franklin, cooking shows on death row, and the eroticization of chicken wire." Sam will be here to discuss the book with his celebrated editor at FSG, Lorin Stein.
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Staff Picks
Siddhartha
Written by Caroline
by Hermann Hesse (Penguin Putnam, $8.00)
A novelized fairy tale, this book describes the lifelong journey towards nirvana for an Indian nobleman named Siddhartha. Leaving behind family, friends and home, he immerses himself in asceticism before turning to sensual experience, until he finally finds his answer to the big question: What is the meaning of life?. Contemplative, nostalgic and finally romantic, this is a surprisingly pleasurable and easy read.
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lesson's in Life
Written by Terra
by Richard Branson (St. Martin's Press, $12.95)
To get pumped to write your business plan or brainstorm about what you want from life, read this short first-person account of how Richard Branson became an entrepreneur in one sitting. He probably dictated it into an expensive device while flying in his private plane to his private island, but the ideas and the attitude he conveys are contagious. You'll find yourself wondering why you can't just screw it and do it, too.
The Perfect Scoop
Written by Cheryl
by David Lebovitz (Ten Speed Press, $24.95)
Who wants to bake in the middle of August? Beat the heat by making your own scrumptious ice creams, granitas and sorbet. This delightful cookbook will teach you how to make every flavor from PANFORTE to BLACK FIG to LECHE MERENGADA. YUM YUM.
A novelized fairy tale, this book describes the lifelong journey towards nirvana for an Indian nobleman named Siddhartha. Leaving behind family, friends and home, he immerses himself in asceticism before turning to sensual experience, until he finally finds his answer to the big question: What is the meaning of life?. Contemplative, nostalgic and finally romantic, this is a surprisingly pleasurable and easy read.
To get pumped to write your business plan or brainstorm about what you want from life, read this short first-person account of how Richard Branson became an entrepreneur in one sitting. He probably dictated it into an expensive device while flying in his private plane to his private island, but the ideas and the attitude he conveys are contagious. You'll find yourself wondering why you can't just screw it and do it, too.
Who wants to bake in the middle of August? Beat the heat by making your own scrumptious ice creams, granitas and sorbet. This delightful cookbook will teach you how to make every flavor from PANFORTE to BLACK FIG to LECHE MERENGADA. YUM YUM.