Provides analysis and criticism of recent novels and other works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama that have proven hat have proven newsworthy. Titles in this volume include:

• The Da Vinci Code
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Here in Harlem
• Kira-Kira
• The Kite Runner
• The Last Juror
• The Lovely Bones
• Mystic River
• Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America
• A Northern Light
• Seabiscuit: An American Legend
• The Secret Life of Bees
• The Dark Tower VI: Song of Susannah
• State of Fear
• Trickster's Choice
• True History of the Kelly Gang
• The Wedding
• Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare