The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (July 14)

By Washington Post book critic Ron Charles

Here are four new books to take with you on vacation or just relax with at home.

Fifteen years ago, American readers went crazy for an unexpected bestseller by Joseph O’Neill called “Netherland,” about a Dutchman in New York who becomes a cricket fan.

Now O’Neill is back on the field with “Godwin” (Pantheon) is about a writer who becomes embroiled in a bizarre plot to find an African boy who could become the next international soccer star.

There are millions of dollars at stake. But as you follow the ball, O’Neill takes a brilliant look at the exploitation of immigrants and the forces shaping our global economy.

Read an excerpt: “Godwin” by James O’Neill

“Godwin” by Joseph O’Neill (Pantheon), as hardcover, e-book and audio, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org

Claire Lombardo’s new novel, “The same as always” (Doubleday) follows the long, complicated life of a woman who questions whether motherhood is really right for her.

When we first meet Julia, she has a devoted husband and a bright little boy, but she is so desperately unhappy that she almost throws it all away. Two decades later, another crisis threatens to destroy Julia’s hard-won equilibrium. But perhaps she is wiser now, and a little kinder to herself.

This is a great novel full of wit and heart and perfect for your next book club.

Read an excerpt: “Same As It Ever Was” by Claire Lombardo

“Same As It Ever Was” by Claire Lombardo (Doubleday), in hardcover, large print paperback, e-book and audio, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org

clairelombardo.com

A grizzly roams the pages of Julia Phillips’ new novel, “Carry” (Hogarth). The story is about two poor sisters who struggle to care for their terminally ill mother on an island off the coast of Washington State.

Younger sister Sam can’t wait to get away and start a new life. But her older sister falls under the spell of a bear that roams the forest near their house. What would Sam do to save her sister? What would destroy her?

This is a hypnotic, suspenseful story with the forest scent of a dark fairy tale.

Read an excerpt: “Bear” by Julia Phillips

“Bear” by Julia Phillips (Hogarth), as hardcover, e-book and audio, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org

juliaphillipswrites.com

After Harriet Tubman escaped slavery in 1849, she became a legendary abolitionist who led dozens of enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Now, National Book Award-winning author Tiya Miles explores the life of this remarkable woman in her book. “Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faithful Dreams of a Free People” (Penguin).

In her in-depth investigation of the world Tubman lived in, Miles sifts through elusive history and impressive mythology to find a real-life figure more extraordinary than we have ever known before.

Read an excerpt: “Night Flyer” by Tiya Miles

“Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People” by Tiya Miles (Penguin), as hardcover, e-book and audio, available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org

tiyamiles.com

For further reading suggestions, contact your librarian or local bookseller.

That’s it for the book report. I’m Ron Charles. Until next time, read on!

For more information:

For more reading recommendations, see the following previous Book Report articles by Ron Charles:

Produced by Robin Sanders and Roman Feeser.