Fresh Ink New Books Out Today February 5, 2013

Fresh Ink New Books Out Today February 5, 2013 How  Literature Saved My Life by David Shields (Knopf) The thing about David Shields is that you either love his  books, or you hate them. I really dont know anyone who falls in the middle. Im going to refrain from offering my opinion here, partially  because this column is dedicated to telling you whats out there so you can find out for yourself and partially  because I havent read this one yet. The jacket copy promises an exploration of how  literature can make life survivable, maybe even endurable, and if nothing else, thats a sentiment I can get behind. Who among hasnt thought at some point or other that  books saved our lives? Shields mixes  literary criticism with memoir and personal essay here. If that sounds like something youd be into, why not try it out and report back?           Literary Rogues: A Scandalous History of Wayward  Authors by Andrew Shaffer (Harper Perennial)   Before Andrew Shaffer got famous for writing a 50 Shades of Grey parody, he published a book about the love lives of philosophers. It was quippy and witty and well-researched, a delight to read and filled with facts perfect for showing off at cocktail parties. Im pleased to see Shaffer return to form with  Literary Rogues, a look at the icons and iconoclasts of  literature we love, hate, and love to hate. Ive been dipping in and out of this onecomprised of essays, interviews, and investigation, its great one bite at a time, though hardcore trivia nerds will likely devour it whole. If youre not afraid to learn the less-than-desirable bits of your  favorite authors histories, you cant go wrong here. The Love Song of Jonny Valentine by Teddy Wayne (Free Press)   Imagine Justin Bieber as a remarkably self-aware, image-conscious, music industry jargon-slinging, second-tier pre-teen pop star, and youll have Jonny Valentine, the protagonist and narrator of Teddy Waynes latest. Trapped by a mother who is living vicariously through him and fans who freak out any time he makes the slightest change, Jonny lives in the tension between who he really is and who everyone else wants him to be. They want bubblegum and smiles and perfectly executed dance moves; all he wants is to play video games and be treated like one of the cool kids, and for his long-practiced efforts at self-stimulation to finally pay off. (Spoiler: they do, and its hilarious. Mayonnaise is involved.) As if adolescence isnt awkward and awful enough, Jonny struggles through his in the public eye as he faces the unfortunate realization that hes never going to be number one. Hes both a product and critic of popular culture, and his is one of the best, funniest, and most original voices Ive read in a long time. This is one not to be missed. Highly recommended.         Sign up to Unusual Suspects to receive news and recommendations for mystery/thriller readers. Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox.