The Book Review: Big money, big houses and big problems

Plus: Memoirs and the Marquis de Sade

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 10, 2023 Illustration by Bianca Bagnarelli Dear fellow readers, Fingers crossed that our snowy forecast pans out this weekend, because — for me, anyway — there's nothing better than curling up on the couch with my dog and a good book while thickly falling snow muffles the outside world. (That may sound idyllic, but none of our predicted blizzards have materialized this winter, so I'm not counting on the two ostensibly headed our way.) But if it does snow, the book joining me on the couch will be the one on this week's cover: Jenny Jackson's "Pineapple Street," a tale of big money, big houses and big problems set in one of New York City's wealthiest enclaves, Brooklyn Heights. There's plenty more to enjoy in the issue, of course, including a book about the particularly filthy manuscript the Marquis de Sade wrote on a 40-foot scroll while imprisoned in the Bastille; the latest science fiction and fantasy; Ben Okri's new novel; and a remarkable coming-of-age memoir that's nearing the top of my own to-be-read pile. If you have time, tell us what you're reading! (We may publish your response, or feature it in an upcoming newsletter.) I'm tearing through P.D. James's "Original Sin," which I picked up in my quest to read every publishing-world novel I can find. (Let me know if you have any to recommend!) And on TV, to get ready for the season finale of "The Last of Us" — a show with an evil fungus subplot — I've been watching a remarkable documentary called "Fantastic Fungi." You can email me at books@nytimes.com. I read every letter sent. Tina Jordan Deputy Editor, The New York Times Book Review @TinaJordanNYT Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Like this email? Sign-up here or forward it to your friends. Have a suggestion or two on how we can improve it? Let us know at newsletters@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. Subscribe Today We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times with this special offer. THIS WEEK IN THE BOOK REVIEW A fresh, funny debut about a young Londoner caring for her father; a poetic coming-of-age memoir; the latest science fiction and fantasy; and much more. Bianca Bagnarelli FICTION Big Money, Big Houses and Big Problems in Brooklyn Heights In Jenny Jackson's debut novel, "Pineapple Street," readers get a tour of a world they might learn not to envy by the end of the book. By Jean Hanff Korelitz Diana Ejaita FICTION A Quarter-Life Crisis Handled With Grace and Guts In "Maame," a young woman strives for independence while carrying the weight of her family's world. By Elisabeth Egan Drake Masters NONFICTION An Extraordinary Memoir of a Black American Boyhood Joseph Earl Thomas's remarkable debut, "Sink," recounts the coming-of-age of a young man for whom poverty, violence, drug abuse and racism were simply facts of daily life. By Bryan Washington SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY Exploring the Wilds: Magical Marshlands, Nascent Planets New books by Frances Hardinge, Annalee Newitz and Freya Marske. By Amal El-Mohtar Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT THE BOOK REVIEW PODCAST Books About the Oscars Just in time for the Academy Awards, our critic Alexandra Jacobs discusses two recent books on the subject, Michael Schulman's "Oscar Wars" and Bruce Davis's "The Academy and the Award." Fiction "The Queen of Dirt Island," by Donal Ryan Reviewed by Amy Bloom "When Trying to Return Home: Stories," by Jennifer Maritza McCauley Reviewed by Amil Niazi "Eastbound," by Maylis de Kerangal; translated by Jessica Moore Reviewed by Ken Kalfus "Dangerous Love," by Ben Okri Reviewed by Zachary Lazar The Shortlist: 3 Books That Explore What It Means to Build a New Life By Angela Lashbrook Nonfiction "The Curse of the Marquis de Sade: A Notorious Scoundrel, a Mythical Manuscript, and the Biggest Scandal in Literary History," by Joel Warner Reviewed by Kevin Birmingham "The Critic's Daughter: A Memoir," by Priscilla Gilman Reviewed by Dwight Garner The Shortlist: 3 Books That Explore What It Means to Build a New Life By Angela Lashbrook Children's Books "You Are Here: Connecting Flights," edited by Ellen Oh Reviewed by Dave Kim Features By the Book: Alan Lightman, the Physicist Who Craves Books on Philosophy The Essentials: Colette By Sadie Stein Etc. Newly Published: Other books out this week, from Maryse Condé's "The Gospel According to the New World" to "Ms Davis," a graphic biography of the iconic organizer and prison abolitionist Angela Davis Editors' Choice: 9 new books we recommend, including C.S. Lewis's "On Writing (and Writers)," a new translation of short stories by Thomas Mann and a poetry collection by Adam Zagajewski Inside the Best-Seller List: Julia Bartz Wrote a Thriller. Then She Found Her Voice. New in Paperback: Claire-Louise Bennett's "Checkout 19," Stewart O'Nan's "Ocean State" and more Best Sellers Read all of our lists Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Books from The New York Times. To stop receiving Books, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, manage your email preferences. 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