Books of The Times
By BERNARD-HENRI LÉVY and MICHEL HOUELLEBECQ
Reviewed by DWIGHT GARNER
The French writers Michel Houellebecq and Bernard-Henri Lévy provoke each other in letters, then feign shock.
Books of The Times
By SIOBHAN FALLON
Reviewed by JANET MASLIN
Siobhan Fallon’s short stories delve into the lives of women left behind at Fort Hood when their husbands go off to (or return from) war.
By WILLIAM GRIMES
Mr. Gross, known for his fluid style and easy erudition, was the editor of The Times Literary Supplement in London and a book critic for The New York Times.
By JULIE BOSMAN
A first-time author receives the prestigious Newbery Medal for her novel, “Moon Over Manifest.” Other children’s book awards were also announced.
Books of The Times
By ALLEN SHAWN
Reviewed by MICHIKO KAKUTANI
“Twin,” a memoir by Allen Shawn, describes his life and his fears after his twin sister was placed, at age 8, in an institution for the mentally disabled.
By FELICIA R. LEE
Akashic Books is publishing a new anthology on the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti as part of its “Noir” series focused on specific locales.
By MICHAEL BARBARO
A Harry Potter park has given new bounce to J. K. Rowling’s literary creation and ignited a rivalry between Universal and Walt Disney World.
By BRUCE WEBER
Mr. Friedman gave up a life in the real-estate world to become a full-time author, writing novels as well as art biographies.
Critic’s Notebook
By MICHIKO KAKUTANI
A new edition of “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” that replaces the word “nigger” with “slave” does the original Twain novel a disservice.
Books of The Times
By TIMOTHY FERRISS
Reviewed by DWIGHT GARNER
Timothy Ferriss’s crazy, breathless self-help book has advice on weight loss, sexual bliss, enhanced fitness and life extension.