Fall 2003
Discover the essential reads of Fall 2003, from Lorelei Sharkey's psychological thriller *The Big Bang* to Ann Packer's *The Dive From Clausen's Pier* and Eric Schlosser's *Fast Food Nation*. Explore top fiction, business, and economics books that defined the season.
Book
The Dive From Clausen's Pier
by Ann Packer
How much do we owe the people we love? Is it a sign of strength or weakness to walk away from someone in need? These questions lie at the heart of Ann Packer’s intimate and emotionally thrilling new novel, which has won its author comparisons with Jane Hamilton and Sue Miller. At the age of twenty-three Carrie Bell has spent her entire life in Wisconsin, with the same best friend and the same dependable, easygoing, high school sweetheart. Now to her dismay she has begun to find this life suffocating and is considering leaving it–and Mike–behind. But when Mike is paralyzed in a diving accident, leaving seems unforgivable and yet more necessary than ever. The Dive from Clausen’s Pier animates this dilemma–and Carrie’s startling response to it–with the narrative assurance, exacting realism, and moral complexity we expect from the very best fiction.
Book
The Big Bang
by Lorelei Sharkey
From the creators of the popular Web site Nierve.com comes a humorous, comprehensive guide to human sexuality, complete with step-by-step guidelines and practical advice on everything from how to choose the right condom to bondage for beginners. Original.
