Sunday, August 16, 2009

Recent Reading: Writer Ian Frazier is 'Traveling in Siberia'

Ian Frazier is one of the preeminent writers working today. Fans of literary nonfiction know him for his varied books, including Great Plains, Family, and others.

The latter book, an extended history of his Ohio family, won praise on this order: "This is a rich and ennobling book, a transcendent affirmation of individual and communal purpose." High praise, indeed.

Frazier's latest project, Travels in Siberia, appears in the current New Yorker. Actually, the August 10 & 17 issue of the magazine includes the second of two parts of Frazier's Russian travel story, excerpted from his new book, which will be published next year.

If the New Yorker pieces are any indication (and we suspect they are), the book will be another masterful work by this resourceful and entertaining writer. He's a terrific adventurer and a better writer, which is why AltTulsa is happy to recommend Ian Frazier and the New Yorker.

By the way, Siberia is
every bit as isolated and weird and amazing as you might imagine.

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