Three Stages of Amazement
by Carol Edgarian, Scribner, $25. Only 20 pages into this novel, and you are hooked. The story line involves Silicon Valley, Pacific Heights society and a modern Bay Area marriage. Expect realistic dialogue and an all-around great read for both men and women.
Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss
by Dean Karnazes, Rodale Press, $24.99. This collection of true tales is written by the Ross resident who ran 50 marathons in 50 days. He also ran across Australia and Antarctica. Next up, the world. Runner or not, you’ll be enriched by the stories; Karnazes is a great writer.
A Lesson in Secrets
by Jacqueline Winspear, Harper, $25.99. Another Maisie Dobbs mystery novel, and again it’s the 1930s. Hitler is coming to power, and this time Dobbs goes undercover for British intelligence. Intricate plot lines and characters. The English author lives in Marin.
The Apple Trees at Olema: New and Selected Poems
by Robert Hass, Ecco, $34.99. Simply put, this is a beautiful book. “Few are the poems in which he doesn’t push his breath, and ours, almost to the point of breaking,” Publishers Weekly opines. Written by the former poet laureate and Marin resident.