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The Sisters Brothers
Patrick deWitt

This is the story of two brothers, Charlie and Eli Sisters, who are gunslingers and journey from Oregon City to San Francisco during the Gold Rush to capture Herman Kermit Warm. They have many funny and quixotic encounters,for example,with a weeping man, a bear, and a witch, and many violent ones also. It is a story of adventure, yes, but also of the shifting relationship between the brothers and their journey of self-discovery.
A very entertaining and satisfying book.

Out Stealing Horses
Per Petterson

Out Stealing Horses is a poignant and moving tale of a changing perspective on the world, from youthful innocence to the difficult acceptance of betrayal, and of nostalgia for a simpler way of life. (Book jacket).

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter
Tom Franklin

Crooked letter is the letter S. It can also stand for a snake, symbol of evil In Mississipi, a young girl has gone missing and everyone blames Larry Ott. Years ago he dated a girl who disappeared shortly afterwards and though the body was never found Ott is perceived as a killer and ostracised. Ott had a black friend named Silas Jones and though they no longer are friends their lives will intertwine and the truth will surface changing the way they perceive themselves and each other.

A very atmospheric and well-crafted novel, more of a psychological drama than a suspense.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
Sherman Alexie

Bittersweet and humorous account of one year in the life of 14 year old Arnold Spirit, a Spokane Indian who lives on a reservation. At the urging of a teacher, he leaves his school on the "Rez" and goes to an all-white school 20 miles away. There he strives to fit in all the while being shunned by the people of the reservation, including his best friend.

Through clever narrative and illustrations, the author explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, family, and alcoholism in this excellent coming of age story.

A Visit from the Goon Squad
Jennifer Egan

In this highly enjoyable, touching, and original book about the music industry, we follow the lives of Sasha and Benny and some of the people connected to them. Sasha works for Benny and is a troubled young woman who sees a therapist because she compulsively shoplifts. Benny, a former punk-rocker, is an executive in the music industry who has to cope with his failures, both personal and professional, after having it all. The reader discovers their early lives and will also glimpse their future, their frailties, and the lives they touch.

Mercy Among the Children
David Adams Richards

Sydney lives his life nobly. He never defends himself or hurts others. He marries and has three children but is always the scapegoat. However, like Job, he always has faith even when confronted with injustice. One of his sons revolts against his upbringing, the poverty, the ostracism, and ends up dispersing and bringing tragedy to his family. Autumn, the albino daughter embraces her parent's teaching and grows up to become a poet , a writer, a wife, and a mother. Percy, the youngest child, is a symbol of purity and, like Beth in Little Women, is too good to live a long life.