The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog and of his Friend Marilyn Monroe

It was on my must read list for 2011 as a high priority read, and I can happily say that this is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. Fun, witty -- all good. Thank you Andrew O'Hagan, I look forward to reading your next book!

Maf was indeed Marilyn Monroe's canine companion in the latter few years of her life, and a gift to her from Frank Sinatra. Maf's happy and wise philosophical perspective about art and Marilyn constantly amuses and enlightens.

Homer & Langley

Ah, Homer & Langley by the magnificent EL Doctorow. He has this fluid writing and story-telling style that is utterly timeless, which I first enjoyed when I read The March.

Inspired by the real-life Collyer brothers, the eponymous Homer and Langley, Doctorow weaves a stunning 20th Century tale of New York through two brothers, one blind but with great insight (Homer, the narrator), the other a war-scarred genius.