The Book Review: A masterly, thrilling homage to ‘Huck Finn’

Plus: Margaret Atwood on Stephen King's 'Carrie'

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story March 29, 2024 Dadu Shin Dear fellow readers, Mark Twain's "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a masterpiece, and "James," Percival Everett's new retelling of it, just might be one too. That's the verdict from our critic Dwight Garner, who allows that although he doesn't much care for reimaginings of famous novels — "a wet-brained and dutiful genre, by and large" — "James," told from the perspective of Jim, Huck's enslaved companion, is a brilliant exception: "It should come bundled with Twain's novel. It is a tangled and subversive homage, a labor of rough love." I haven't read as many Everett novels as I should have, an omission I'm trying to rectify this spring, and right now "James" is at the top of my list. I love the happy anticipation of reading a book that's come highly recommended, one that friends and colleagues have loved. I can't wait for the weekend to get here so I can crack it open. If you have time, tell us what you're reading! (We may publish your response, or feature it in an upcoming newsletter.) You can email us at books@nytimes.com. We read every letter sent. Tina Jordan Deputy Editor, The New York Times Book Review 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. FOR AUDIOBOOK LOVERS Leon Edler audiobooks A Twisty, Gloriously Grim Novel That Makes for Great Listening A brother and sister battle for supremacy in 19th-century Newfoundland in Michael Crummey's latest novel, "The Adversary." By Abby McGanney Nolan Leon Edler Audiobooks It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Comedy Gold In the audiobook oral history "Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of 'Airplane!,'" a cast of dozens fondly revisits a now-classic film. By Judith Newman LOOKING FOR YOUR NEXT READ? 17 New Books Coming in April New novels from Emily Henry, Jo Piazza and Rachel Khong; a history of five ballerinas at the Dance Theater of Harlem; Salman Rushdie's memoir and more. Let Us Help You Find Your Next Book Reading picks from Book Review editors, guaranteed to suit any mood. By The New York Times Books Staff Paperback Row 6 New Paperbacks to Read This Week This week's selection includes titles by Harlan Ellison, Idra Novey, Leila Aboulela and more. By Shreya Chattopadhyay Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. THIS WEEK IN THE BOOK REVIEW The Stapleton Collection, via Bridgeman Art Library nonfiction The Hidden Figures Who Spread the Gospel In "God's Ghostwriters," the historian Candida Moss explores the many people who penned the Scriptures. 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By Sarah Weinman TEST YOUR LITERARY CHOPS Erik Carter Use Your Allusion: See How Many Literary References You Recognize Put your cultural knowledge to the test with these 12 questions. By J. D. Biersdorfer Ben Hickey Can You Find These 13 Hidden Nonfiction Book Titles? See how many books you can uncover in this literary word search puzzle — and build a new reading list to explore at the same time. By J. D. Biersdorfer Ben Hickey How Well Do You Know Berlin and Its Literary Landmarks? This quick quiz tests your general knowledge of this European capital with a turbulent history — and suggests six Berlin-based novels for your reading list. By J. D. Biersdorfer BEST SELLERS Inside the best-seller list How to deal with a narcissist 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. 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