The best, most riveting story of this year may not have been between the covers of a book at all. Reality was a big contender for the high-drama, rich-narrative prize in 2008.
And yet, the books kept coming — and charming, and diverting, and illuminating.
“Black Flies.” “Beautiful Children.” “Stray Dog Winter,” “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” “Netherland.”
Dexter Filkins sent front-line dispatches on “the forever war.” A deaf mute named Edgar Sawtelle got the critics and Oprah singing praises. Jhumpa Lahiri was back. Toni Morrison found “Mercy.”