Two Books
Just finished Freddy and Fredericka. As often with Helprin, it is an adult fairy tale but, as is rare with him, it is filled with slapstick humor and vaudeville-style routines. One of the best scenes: Freddy telling the psychiatrist in the mental hospital where he is sedated and in a straight jacket that he is the Prince of Wales, and that the Governor of California will shortly order him released. (He is, and the Gov. does.) May I say that it is the sort of tale that can keep you up reading far too late?
And just found this one: Ordinary Wolves. Looks like a tale about the Real Alaska by a real Alaskan. Very good Bookslut review here.