TREE OF SMOKE by Denis Johnson

55%
Because it’s his first full-length novel in nine years...

25%
...plus our lingering affection for Jesus’ Son...

20%
...and it’s timely: a Vietnam epic about a war that can’t be won.

Best case: Jesus’ Son in the jungle.
Worst case: Apocalypse Now Redux, redux.

BRIDGE OF SIGHS by Richard Russo

46%
Because we loved Empire Falls, Russo’s Pulitzer-winning novel...

33%
...and Empire Falls, the HBO mini-series...

21%
...and this time, it’s Russo in Venice!

Best case: Empire Falls with gondoliers.
Worst case: A 544-page paddle upstream.

Related:

• Archive: “Guides”
• Table of Contents: September 3, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!