4 Must-Reads

Kim Izzo | October 22nd, 2015

A trio of literary heavyweights top our to- read list this month, starting with a new fantasy novel from J.R.R. Tolkien.

Yes, that J.R.R. Tolkien. A lost manuscript from The Lord of the Rings author has arrived but be warned: this isn’t your classic “Hobbit-riffic” tale. The Story of Kullervo is a much bleaker revenge tale about a magical orphan slave’s quest to avenge his father’s death that many liken to one of Tolkien’s other posthumous tomes, The Silmarillion. Sure to be a bestseller, you may wonder if it’s worth walking across Middle Earth to get your hands on a copy. You’ll have to read it to find out.

Speaking of best-sellers, John Irving returns with his latest novel, Avenue of Mysteries, which follows an older man’s journey to the Philippines, along with the dreams and memories he takes with him from a childhood in Mexico and a sister who was a mind reader.

Beloved Irish novelist Maeve Binchy receives a posthumous celebration of her work with A Few of the Girls, a collection of stories by the best-selling author that explore the many ways people connect with one another that will surely delight her devoted readers.

And legendary actor Dick Van Dyke turns 90 in December, so his new instructional book, Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging is right on time. We assume one of the tips is “Keep moving but avoid tripping over ottomans as much as possible.”