Featured Guest: Marisa de los Santos
 |  The Solace of Leaving Earlyby Haven Kimmel This book calls me back to it over and over again. The breadth and depth of Haven Kimmel's knowledge and wisdom astonish me, and she writes like an angel, but her characters are the most powerful draw. When too many months go by between re-readings, I miss them. |
 |  Mary and O'Neilby Justin Cronin This novel in stories is a marvel in every way, not least for its exaltation of true-hearted and decent people. Justin Cronin is wildly gifted. The last twelve sentences of the last story break my heart every single time. |
 |  Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Song Bookby Ella Fitzgerald My desert island choice. Ella could sing a cookbook and make it gorgeous. But give her the songs of a genius like Cole and she reaches celestial heights. Lush and smart and wickedly funny and romantic and sublime. |
 |  Mister Smith Goes to WashingtonI know cynicism is more fashionable, but I love Frank Capra. He understands the dark side as well as anyone, but insists on hope; he insists that love will save us. I think he's brave. And he's just a flat-out amazing storyteller. |
 |  HolidayKatharine, Cary, George Cukor, Philip Barry and Donald Ogden Stewart, a magic-making combination. This movie is a feast of charm and wit. I love the apple-eating scene. |
Borders.com Accepts:
