The Goodbye Book

Sample

Margaret Atwood

In this witty and heartwarming novella, The Labrador Fiasco, Atwood spins a comedic yet poignant tale of one woman’s chaotic journey into pet ownership that turns her life upside down. Miriam, an overworked and underappreciated office worker, unexpectedly becomes the proud (and occasionally frustrated) owner of a rambunctious Labrador puppy named Diesel. What begins as a well-intentioned decision to bring joy into her life quickly spirals into a series of increasingly ridiculous misadventures. From chewed furniture to dog park disasters, Miriam’s world is turned upside down as Diesel’s boundless energy and unapologetic love for mischief unravel her carefully controlled existence. But in the midst of the chaos, Miriam finds herself reconnecting with parts of herself she had long neglected—her capacity for joy, her need for connection, and her ability to embrace the messiness of life. As Diesel’s antics grow more absurd, Miriam realizes that sometimes, the greatest lessons in love and happiness come from the most unexpected of places. Brimming with Atwood’s signature wit and sharp observation of human nature, The Labrador Fiasco is a delightful exploration of life’s unpredictability and the unconditional bond between humans and their furry companions. A charming, laugh-out-loud tale for fans of quirky characters and unpredictable adventures.

Sample

Jean Little and Maggie de Vries

While on a picnic, a father puts together familiar elements from various stories until he comes up with a version his children like.

Sample

introduction by Reynolds Price

"Most readers know Truman Capote as the author of Breakfast at Tiffany's and In Cold Blood; or they remember his notorious social life and wild and witty public appearances. But he was also the author of superb short tales that were as elegant as they were heartfelt, as grotesque as they were compassionate. Now, on the occasion of what would have been his eightieth birthday, Random House presents the first collection that includes all of Capote's short fiction - a volume that confirms his status as one of the masters of this form."--BOOK JACKET.

Sample

Furui Yoshikichi

"Furui Yoshikichi's work has long dealt with the human dramas of growing up and growing old, but by probing further into the recesses of the mind and memory, he also touches upon the deepest mysteries of human existence. As if to balance the somber themes of madness and death, Furui shows a great sensitivity to the dark humor inherent in everyday life. White-haired melody is no exception; it is the record of the daily experiences of a man approaching old age. It delves into the essential but hidden nature of his daily life, employing prose that is relentless in its re-creation of detail. This novel is a meditative exploration of the strange borderland around the inner experience of aging and approaching death. Yet, rather than follow a conventional plot, the novel develops by means of an intricate weaving together through time of key experiences of the narrator and his friends to build a compelling portrait of human experience. Those familiar with Furui's writings will find here a fascinating new development of earlier themes. White-haired melody, a work by one of Japan's finest contemporary novelists writing at the height of his power, is not to be missed."--BOOK JACKET.