The Young Lions by Irwin Shaw

Couldn't put this down, an enormous 1948 novel about WWII. Told from three points of view: Noah, a young Jewish man from New York, just married; Michael, a cynical Hollywood screenwriter in his early 30s; and Christian, a former ski instructor, now a German soldier. Their thoughts and footsteps intertwine. Along with the THE NAKED AND THE DEAD, and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, this novel completes my recent foray into the Second World War. All three books stunned me.

Friend of My Youth: Stories by Alice Munro

The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

Lovely, old-fashioned novel. Just captivating. Very little happens, except in nature, where enormous things occur, and are noticed, and give life.

Eagerly awaiting Coplin's next effort.