Encyclopedia of Contemporary Writers and Their Work (Literary Movements)

Gr 9 Up—Literary gurus sign off on 200-plus clearly written, alphabetically organized entries that showcase many of today's widely acclaimed fiction writers and their works. Featured authors were born after 1959 and include Sherman Alexie, Douglas Coupland, Mark Haddon, and Kaye Gibbons. Readers may also access selections by title, including popular choices such as Yann Martel's The Life of Pi, Tracey Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring, and Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club. Extras include cross-references, "Bibliography of Major Works by Major Contemporary Fiction Writers," and "Bibliography of General Secondary Sources." This comprehensive work serves as a handy single-volume ready-reference guide and does not rival an entirely comparable source. Students will find it a helpful supplement to current fiction studies or recreational browsing, but, in spite of the series title, they will need to consult more specific encyclopedias for particular movements or areas of fiction (e.g., women's fiction, Southern fiction, etc.).—Cara Moffett