Magill's Literary Annual 2014

This two-volume reference is accessible to general readers and students as well as scholars and librarians. The reference offers facts and reviews on 149 notable works of literature published in 2013, covering nonfiction, novels, novellas, poetry, and essays. The works chosen are those that will interest to general readers, those by authors being taught and researched in literature programs, and those that will stand the test of time. Organized alphabetically by title, the entries are designed to be more academic than reviews typically found in newspapers and other periodicals. Each entry, about four pages long, begins with author and book facts, a capsule description, and list of characters. Each entry then offers a plot synopsis and a critique of strengths and weaknesses. Entries also include a list of further sources for study, plus a biographical sidebar and a b&w photos of the book cover and/or the author. Volume 1begins with an annotated list of all titles covered. Volume 2 contains a subject and title index as well as an index sorting works into 33 thematic and genre categories. Annotation c2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)