Though not new, the Samuel Shem novels, written by Stephen Bergman, M.D.. draw raves as ‘outrageous black comedies’ inspired by the author’s experiences in the world of hospitals.
By Joan Ruddiman Special Writer
Choosing a work of fiction to give as a gift can be tricky. A saving grace, however, is that if you know what your fiction- reading friends enjoy, you can treat them to brand-new hardbacks as most of the big-name novelists wisely have their 2007 titles out in time for the holiday season. What a delight not to have to wait for the paperback to come out, or to make it to the top of the waiting list at the library!
Titles and authors offered here may fit the bill or may spark other possibilities of titles that your reader friends might enjoy cozying up to this winter.
The mystery/thriller genre is popular with men and women and populated with perennial favorites.
James Patterson has a new Alex Cross mystery, where the shrink once again gets sucked into pursuing a mastermind criminal with his cop pals. “Double Cross” (Little, Brown, 2007) will satisfy Alex Cross fans or hook those new to his charms.
David Baldacci’s new thriller, “Stone Cold” (Grand Central Publishing, 2007), finds Oliver Stone and his Camel Club cronies battling a casino king and then confronting a killer who threatens to expose Stone’s own sketchy past.
Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta character is such a favorite that her titles are numbered: “Book of the Dead (Kay Scarpetta, No. 15),” (Putnam, 2007). Forensics expert Dr. Scarpetta is hard at work unraveling a series of murders that generate several grisly crime scenes. She’s up to the task — her diehard fans will be, too.
Sue Grafton is the alphabet author. “T is for Trespass: Kinsey Millhone Mysteries” (Putnam Adult 2007) is a dark look into preyed-upon elders and the terror of trespassing into homes with a disturbing twist — identity theft. This one is brand new, released Dec. 4. For those who follow Ms. Grafton, what a treat to get this hot off the press!
Clive Cussler is known for his thrillers with the stalwart Dirk Pitt. “The Chase” (Putnam Adult, 2007) — also just recently released — offers something new, however. The thriller is lifted from the pages of history as Mr. Cussler pens an historical thriller set in the Wild West of 1906. With dime-novel breathlessness, he spins a story of the brutal Butcher Bandit, bank robberies and the San Francisco earthquake. Like his counterpart popular authors, his stuff is definitely adult content.
Though not thrillers and not brand new, the Samuel Shem novels are also adult in content and context but seem worth mentioning, given the raves I’ve heard about them. Within the same week, from two very different readers, I heard of this author who is new to me, but who has been around for a long while. Both readers, one avidly so, the other an engineer who rarely reads fiction, were quite keen on these novels.
Samuel Shem is the pen name of Stephen Bergman, M.D. — Harvard grad and now Harvard Medical School psychiatrist — who draws liberally on his experiences in the world of hospitals to create his outrageous black comedies. Think “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Catch 22” and you have the idea.
“The House of God” (Richard Marek Publishers, 1st Edition, 1978) and the sequel, “Mount Misery: A Novel” (Fawcett 1st Edition, 1997), feature Dr. Roy Basch as he survives residency in the first novel and then, in “Mount Misery,” struggles with the stresses of practicing in a hectic psychiatric ward. Through it all, Mr. Shem/Dr. Bergman delights in skewering insurance craziness, drug excesses, neurotic professionals and patients.
In a lighter vein and definitely for the romantics, several choice authors offer love for all seasons.
Nicolas Sparks is back with his 13th tale of love lost-and-found again. “The Choice” (Grand Central Publishing, 2007) is the sweet love story of Gabby who chooses Travis, but who reconsiders that decision 11 years later, and then … well, you know the drill. It is just feel-good stuff.
Danielle Steel fans will be happy with “Sisters” (Delacorte Press, 2007), which features her typical young and beautiful with a wry twist. Four amazingly successful sisters put their international lives on hold as they confront a life-changing challenge by moving into a big brownstone in Manhattan together. Pure Steel keeps it all moving.
Barbara Taylor Bradford’s characters are romping through the 20th century in her Ravenscar trilogy. The second in the series, “The Heir” (St. Martin’s Press, 2007), picks up the story of Edward Deravenel, who is now the head of the family business that he’s built into an international trading powerhouse. Ah, but enemies lurk, threatening Edward’s heirs’ claim on the family fortune.
It’s amusing to note that another best-selling romance writer also offers “The Heir” (Avon, 2001). Johanna Lindsey’s Regency romance finds rugged Scotsman Duncan MacTavish looking for a proper English bride and discovering love with the sensible and surprisingly sensuous Sabrina Lambert.
For a special treat, give this one on audiotape (unabridged, Brilliance Audio, 2000) to a romance-loving traveler who has too many hours in the car. Laural Merlington wonderfully captures the brogues and tones of Scots and English lords and ladies alike.
For mystery, romance and laugh-out-loud fun, take a tip from my Philly born and bred Jewish friend who loves — of all things — Texas tales spun by two sisters who write under the name Dixie Cash.
“Since You’re Leaving Anyway, Take Out the Trash” (Avon, 2004) introduces Debbie Sue Overstreet and her compatriots in Salt Lick, Texas. When snooty Pearl Ann winds up dead, Debbie Sue and her posse are on the case, in spite of her ex-husband — the town’s sheriff — threatening to nail their hides for interfering with his job.
“My Heart May be Broken, But My Hair Still Looks Great” (Avon, 2006) finds Debbie Sue and Edwina taking care of poor little rich girl Paige McBride, who is new to Salt Lick. Now known as the “Domestic Equalizers,” Debbie Sue and Edwina have more to worry about than poor Paige’s love life when a horse thief threatens to ruin her completely.
“I Gave You My Heart, But You Sold it Online” (Avon, 2007) builds the mystery and laughs on a rodeo rider’s stolen identity, Internet dating gone wrong, and murder. The Domestic Equalizers ride to the rescue!
Even though my mama was a Texas girl, the Dixie Cash stuff is too rich for my blood. However, they are on the way to my reading girlfriends on the advice of that northeast girl, Fern, who thinks the Dixie Cash sisters Pamela Cumbie and Jeffery (oh, that’s Texas) McClanahan rock.
Be fearless! Give some fiction this season to those who you love who love to read.
Next Friday: Nonfiction for adults.