New fall books coming soon

Book groups sometimes fall behind the times, waiting for cheaper paperback versions of best-sellers to come out, or following the lead on suggested books that are sometimes years old by the time the group gets to them. It's fine to go that way, but to create a more contemporary focus, at least some of the time, stay informed about what's coming up. You'll learn more about contemporary writing by reading more newly published works.

The publishers of several top-notch authors plan to release their latest books this fall, among them Sarah Waters, Ian McEwan, Richard Ford, Jane Smiley and Marilyn Robinson. Poll club members regarding their willingness to buy (or borrow from the library) a new book for upcoming meetings. Here are a few of them:

Jane Smiley is releasing "Some Luck," the first of a planned trilogy about an Iowa farm family. Smiley is the Pulitzer-winning author of "A Thousand Acres," "Private life," and a long list of fiction and nonfiction books for adults and younger readers. She excels at creating intimate portrayals of characters whose lives are enmeshed with loving bonds and personal sorrows, but she has also has created a series of YA books about Abby Lovitt, a girl with a passion for horses—a good way to keep your child reading.

In October, Marilyn Robinson returns to her famed Gilead, Iowa, location with "Lila," the story of a homeless, hardscrabble young woman who marries Rev. John Ames—known to readers for his role in "Gilead," which won the Pulitzer Prize for its beautiful portrayal of a Congregationalist minister's life, his ancestry and the faith that surrounds them during the Civil War era. "Lila" may well join "Gilead," "Home" and "Housekeeping" as classics in American literature.

Ian McEwan, author of "Atonement," releases "The Children Act" in September. It's the story of a British family court judge dedicated to justice for children when she hands down verdicts that consider children's welfare. When a teenager falls ill and seeks intercession against parents who are members of a church that prohibits surgical intervention, she must weigh the boy's rights against religious beliefs.

Sarah Waters ("The Little Stranger" and "Fingersmith") is releasing "The Paying Guests," a novel about a widow and her daughter who take in a young lower-class couple in post-WWI London. The genteel are becoming the entrepreneurial class during class upheaval brought on by the war, and the Wrays must take on boarders in a large, silent house now bereft of brothers, husband, even servants. Predictably, their lives will be profoundly altered. I'm looking forward to this one—which screams "Downton Abbey at me—being released in early September.

I'm also anticipating Colm Toibin's "Nora Webster," set for release in October. Toibin's novel is set in Ireland, and draws the life of a young widow and mother of four as she finds her way through grief, uncertainty and hopelessness.

The ubiquitous Jody Picoult releases "Leaving Time" in October. In the book, a young teen searches for her missing mother, long considered dead. Seeking help, she turns to a jaded detective and a psychic. Known for her meticulous research, Picoult explores psychic claims and the most interesting world of elephant behavior.

Margaret Atwood ("Cat's Eye," "The Handmaid's Tale") a prolific novelist and poet, brings out a new collection of short stories in mid-September. "Stone Mattress" contains dark humor, turbulent relationships and the slightly off-center fantasy she's known for.

And what would fall be without a new Stephen King? His "Revival: A Novel" comes out in November. The story is an intricate exploration of what happens in a small New England town upon the arrival of a new minister and his wife, both of them quickly forming dangerous, tantalizing bonds with townspeople. It's five generations in scope, people. Expect some interesting diversion.

Daniel Woodrell wrote "Winter's Bone," which became a movie and launched actress Jennifer Lawrence's career. On Sept. 3, he returns to that dark Ozarks world with "The Maid's Version." It's a novel based on a real incident—an explosive, fatal fire in an Ozarks dance hall. Don't expect sweetness, but Woodrell's unstinting attention to detailing the truth of that world and its people is impressive.

Richard Ford, author of "Canada," "Independence Day" and "The Sports Writer," returns in November with "Let Me Be Frank With You." His latest brings back Frank Bascombe, a richly drawn observer of late 20th-century life, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Be prepared to be entertained—and deeply moved—by an exceptional author.

Denis Johnson ("Tree of Smoke") releases "The Laughing Monsters" in November. It's described as a post-9/11 literary spy thriller. That's a lot of hats to wear. It's set in Sierra Leone, amid the terrors of civil war.

"Perfectly Miserable," anyone?

  "Perfectly Miserable: Guilt, God and Real Estate in a Small Town," by Sarah Payne Stuart, was released in June. This wry memoir is about a Concord, Mass., girl's upbringing amid the WASP culture of guilt and duty dictated through its legacy of local literary women—from Emerson's wife to Hawthorne's, to the most famous of all, Louisa May Alcott. Rigid rules for rigorous raising make this a funny, and not enviable, tale of family life.

Book club meetings:
The next meeting of the Douglas Library Book Group will focus on Daniel James Brown’s "The Boys in the Boat." Meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 12. The book is about the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew and its epic quest for an Olympic gold medal. Call the library 508-476-2695 for a copy of the book. New members welcome. Homemade refreshments inspired by the title will be served.

The Leftovers, a sci-fi novel by Tom Perrotta (also a new HBO series) is the July 31 discussion focus for Leominster's Reading, Sharing and Laughing. Perrotta lives in Belmont. The group meets at 7 p.m. at Chaibo, a Fitchburg cafe.

Speaking Volumes, Audio Journal's Worcester-based broadcast book group on WICN, 90.5, will discuss Jojo Moyes' "Me Before You," from 8-9 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 5. Call in discussion points to 508-752-0557.

The Sturbridge book group, A Book Between Friends, will discuss Stephen King's "11/22/63," a novel about a time traveler's efforts to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, meeting on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Members of the New Earth Book Club in Shrewsbury will meet Aug. 28 at Eller's Restaurant in Cherry Valley to discuss a recent Anne Lamott book, "Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son's First Son." Meeting begins after a 6 p.m. dinner.

Ann Connery Frantz is a freelance writer/editor and a cofounder of the Lancaster-based Seven Bridge Writers Collaborative. Her blog is www.readitandreeap.blogspot.com (note two e's). Send comments to ann.frantz@gmail.com.