Dear readers, Feel that? Today begins a sort of Manhattan-henge (or syzygy, for those fluent in astronomical terms) of popular authors releasing new work, and we’re off to a strong start. Among the writers with books out today are Dan Brown, the creator of “The DaVinci Code” and the most popular fictional symbologist of our time, and Elizabeth Gilbert, bleeding heart memoirist extraordinare. Both are mainstays of the best-seller list who have deeply affected Americans’ reading tastes, and whenever authors of their ilk release new books I am always curious to see: Do they still have that magic? Even if my taste doesn’t usually align with what sells best in the United States, ignoring popular books comes with its own peril. I was really glad that our critic A.O. Scott wrote about Brown’s new book, “The Secret of Secrets,” even if he was underwhelmed by the story. As Scott said, the novel “worked for me less as an idea-driven whodunit or an exercise in soft-core travel porn than as a wistful testament to the power of the printed word.” My colleague Elisabeth Egan reviewed Gilbert’s new memoir, a story of addiction and late-in-life romance and grief, called “All the Way to the River.” I’m persuaded by her argument that the book is an excruciating missed opportunity — but I’m also aware that many of its themes will resonate with readers the world over. Who doesn’t know someone affected by addiction, or someone who has grieved a romantic partner? I’m keen to hear what readers have to say. I’ll end on a note of appreciation for yet another best-selling author, Mary Roach, who has introduced me to all manner of morbidly fascinating facts — about sex, death, digestion and everything in between. Ahead of her next book, “Replaceable You,” my colleague Sadie Stein rounded up 10 gloriously gross tidbits from Roach’s reporting over the years — yes, Alka-Seltzer can actually make you explode! Please consume antacids and beans with caution, and see you on Friday.
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