A child's point of view, but done with intelligence and sensitivity, and a lesson at the end that is the only lesson you ever need to know to become a good person. So say I.

I bought this Glasgow-set first novel and was thrilled by the writing: Swing Hammer Swing! is funny, clever, and bleak as hell.

This is a collection of pieces the great Peter Cook either wrote or improvised. Cook, to me, represents the most naturally funny man there ever was. He could spin comedy out of the smallest comment.

Plus it's clear to me that Twain was making a strong (and sly) statement about the humanity of those who were then labeled the N-word.

#1 New York Times bestseller“An epic and a legend” —Washington Post“Quite simply, an American masterpiece.” —Boston Globe“The dialogue in True Grit is exquisite.” —David Mamet“Charles Portis had a wonderful talent—original, quirky,...

His wife, Norma, has run off with her ex-husband, taking Ray's cards, shotgun and car. But from the receipts, Ray can track where they've gone. He takes off after them, as does an irritatingly tenacious bail bondsman, both following the...