Lives of Manhattanites have long fascinated discerning writers, from Wharton to McInerney, and with her ninth novel, bestselling [Anna] Quindlen takes her place within this pantheon. . . . [Her] quietly precise evaluation of intertwined lives evinces a keen understanding of and appreciation for universal human frailties. Complex themes and clever motifs make this eminently suitable for book groups.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Exquisitely rendered . . . [Quindlen] is one of our most astute chroniclers of modern life. . . . [Alternate Side] has an almost documentary feel, a verisimilitude that’s awfully hard to achieve.”—The New York Times Book Review
“An exceptional depiction of complex characters—particularly their weaknesses and uncertainties—and the intricacies of close relationships . . . Quindlen’s provocative novel is a New York City drama of fractured marriages and uncomfortable class distinctions.”—Publishers Weekly
“With her signature wisdom and wit, Quindlen takes readers on a romp through a New York City zip code many would kill to call home. When an act of violence rocks this tight-knit neighborhood, fault lines spread through friendships, marriages and brownstones. The takeaway? Be careful what you wish for—and all is not what it seems behind those warmly lit windows. Quindlen once again proves she’s the doyenne of hyper-local drama, this time with a dark and dangerous eye.”—People, Book of the Week
Praise for the bestselling fiction of Anna Quindlen
“Overwhelmingly moving . . . In this novel, where so much is about what vanishes, there is also a deep beating heart, of what also stays.”—The New York Times Book Review, about Miller’s Valley
“Leaves the reader feeling grateful, wide awake, lucky to be alive.”—Michael Chabon, about One True Thing
“Taken as a whole, Quindlen’s writings represent a generous and moving interrogation of women’s experience across the lines of class and race. . . . Quindlen has delivered a novel that will have staying power all its own.”—The New York Times Book Review, about Still Life with Bread Crumbs
“A poignant story of sisterhood, and the universal struggle to find one’s true purpose . . . Quindlen’s superb, generous storytelling has never been more rewarding.”—BookPage, about Rise and Shine
“Anna Quindlen is America’s Resident Sane Person. She has what Joyce called the common touch, the ability to speak to many people about what’s on their minds before they have the vaguest idea what’s on their minds.”—The New York Times, about Blessings
“In a tale that rings strikingly true, Quindlen captures both the beauty and the breathtaking fragility of family life.”—People, about Every Last One
Brunch is great, chocolates and flowers are lovely, but for a gift that keeps you talking (and debating) long after Mother’s Day, consider buying a book for your mom, and a copy for yourself, for a buddy read that celebrates your bond. These recent selections center on fascinating women both real and fictional—and discussing them […]
This month brings us several poignant family dramas and plenty of neighborhood intrigue, from a wealthy New York City enclave to a scandal-plagued Ohioan suburb. A heart-pounding thriller aboard an airplane; a TV star’s abduction; and three books set in Italy will have you staying up late turning pages and practicing your grazies and pregos! Lastly, […]