Let the Great World Spin

"In the dawning light of a late-summer morning, the people of Manhattan stand hushed, staring up in disbelief at the Twin Towers. It is August 1974 and a tightrope walker is running, dancing, leaping between the towers, suspended a quarter-mile in the sky."

This book by Colum McCann is what I would describe as a "character study."

I found this a fascinating read and was drawn into the story by the people in the book. They are quite an eclectic array of characters, who seem almost totally disconnected until the tightrope walker steps out onto the wire.

Suddenly, their lives become connected in an event that few could ever hope to witness.

The characters involved include a group of prostitutes, a self-proclaimed priest, a nurse, a doctor, a young man from Ireland, very early computer geeks and more.

McCann has received some extraordinary praise for his new book -- from such renowned authors as Frank McCourt and Richard Price. Indeed, it's well-deserved. In fact, I don't think I've ever read a book where you instantly feel you know every one of the characters personally within just a few paragraphs.

This is the first book I've read of McCann's, although every one has been well-received. The New York Times called him "a young writer of large and driving vision." That says a lot!

"Let the Great World Spin" goes on sale June 23. I'd recommend you reserve a copy. This one should sell fast!