Nick Hornby doesn't try to be hyper-literary. The result (as always) is wholly satisfying.

Palahniuk savages consenting vaginas and teen-dom, and that's for starters.

Into the "realm of Hades" with the story of historian Emanuel Ringelblum and the Oyneg Shabes.

Denis Johnson goes to town with Camels, Camaros and musical peeing.

Mexican Mario Bellatín offers a short parable about death and choice.

János Székely's period-piece tale is a vivid primer for inter-war Eastern Europe.

Three business professors make some recommendations that run against the grain.

Nicole Krauss's debut novel about memory and morality is burdened by wild science.

Sam Harris's examination of religion spares no faith.

Dinaw Menestu's first novel beautifully understates the obviousness of human complication.

August Kleinzhaler revels in the luminous mess that is America.