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Quick Pick: November 13, 2015

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Liberty Hardy

Senior Contributing Editor

Liberty Hardy is an unrepentant velocireader, writer, bitey mad lady, and tattoo canvas. Turn-ons include books, books and books. Her favorite exclamation is “Holy cats!” Liberty reads more than should be legal, sleeps very little, frequently writes on her belly with Sharpie markers, and when she dies, she’s leaving her body to library science. Until then, she lives with her three cats, Millay, Farrokh, and Zevon, in Maine. She is also right behind you. Just kidding! She’s too busy reading. Twitter: @MissLiberty

cover of a wild swan and other tales by michael cunninghamA Wild Swan and Other Tales by Michael Cunningham (Author), Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator)

Cunningham, the brilliance behind such wonderful novels as The Hours (read it read it read it) and Specimen Days, returns with his own versions of fairy tales, all gorgeously illustrated by Shimizu. But instead of the whole tale, Cunningham focuses on mundane aspects of the stories, parts that we didn’t hear about. Like Jack living in his mother’s basement before he sells the magic beans. Or encountering the Beast on a cigarette run in a convenience store. These are wildly imaginative and dark, amazing modern twists. Cunningham is one of the most incredible authors working today, and this book is remarkable.

Backlist bump: The Witch: And Other Tales Re-told by Jean Thompson