Five Foot Something and A Half: A Continuation—Non-Fic, Translation, & Craft
A different look at what I read in 2025 and a few books you'll be glad to read in 2026 in three flash essays.
In this continuation of my favorite reads from 2025 (and a few I think you’ll be glad to include in your TBR for 2026), I offer you three more titles. If you missed the first essay (my fiction selections Zone Rouge, North and South, & Drood) and want to catch up, you can read it here.
Of the titles I present to you today, one is a non-fiction and by the only author who appears on my rec list twice. You’ll have to read the final installment in this three-part series of essays to discover who that author is.
Another rides the fence between literary craft and translation, but the bona fide craft book(s) I’ve chosen are so soundly craft that I’m cheating here and including the fence-rider as my choice for literary translation. If that’s bothersome for some reason, it might be helpful to think of it as an introduction to literary translation. I give the actual translators credit below, so hold your fire.
And finally, there is a pairing of craft books. I know, I know… I’m cheating. Again.
One of the great things about these three selections (four books) is how well they’re written. Each author is respected and known for their craft, so that isn’t really a novel observation. And at least two of the three are known for their fiction, so it’s even less of a surprise. Still, they are all non-fiction texts and analytical. One is about terrible events in our history. Another delves into Russian classics which many find difficult to digest on their own. Ironically, I think the author’s analyses would help with the digestion of them if given the chance. And the third is straight up literary craft. We’re talking craft concentrate—like plop that tart, orange, cylindrical, half-frozen goo into the pitcher and add water, concentrate—but I think you’ll find that all of them (even the orange juice goo) are written in such a narratively prosey way that you will be entertained.
I mean that as one of the highest compliments I can give. Similar to great His-Fic, I think these entertaining reads are gateway drugs to further reading, an expansion of craft, and most importantly, literary enjoyment.
So, let’s get after it, shall we?
Enjoy.
4. Non-Fiction
Oh What a Slaughter : Massacres in the American West, 1846-1890 by Larry McMurtry
Oh What a Slaughter: Massacres in the American West, 1846-1890 (Simon & Schuster, 2013) was quite literally the catalyst for my novel, so the esteem I hold for this book cannot be understated.
I describe it as a wave-top look at six of the massacres which were perpetrated in the American West. Those include:
Sacramento River Massacre (1846): A largely forgotten event that occurred in in Northern California where American Indians were killed.
Mountain Meadows Massacre (1857): This joint Mormon-Paiute warrior attack on a wagon train of settlers in Utah was recently dramatized for the screen as part of the plot in a much broader story. I can’t speak on the adaptation because I just couldn’t get into the show (though, maybe, I just have…), but I can say I found this section to be one of the most interesting in the book.
Sand Creek Massacre (1864): Several hundred Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians were under the protection of the U.S. government and were massacred by the very people they believed were providing for their so-called care. This section is where I discovered the historical figure, and subject of my novel, Silas Soule. His is an amazing story, so I hope you read this and my novel later this year.
Marias River Massacre (1870): A U.S. Army attack on a Piegan Blackfeet village in Montana.
Camp Grant Massacre (1871): A joint raid on Apache people in Arizona by territorial volunteers and Pima warriors.
Wounded Knee Massacre (1890): The final clash between U.S. forces and Lakota Sioux, marking the end of the Indian Wars.
I’ve said it before in other places, but I’ll say it again here. This book should be required reading in ever high school in America. I think it should be in every public, private, and personal library. And I think if you or your children (say, 13+) haven’t read this, you must and they should. Also, it’s short—less than 200 pages—so you have no excuse. Buy it, read it, share it. That is all.
5. Translation
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life by George Saunders
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life (Random House, 2012) was one of the best reads for me this year. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that I am a writer and approached it as a craft book and happened upon a wonderful surprise. That is, a better understanding of some of the Russian greats and a pleasure in reading some of their stories that had previously eluded me.
Before I get into one slight criticism, I’ll also say this; it’s a title you should have in print but also listen to as an audio narration. There were several books that I both read and listened to in 2025, but this was one of two (I think) that I read and listened to simultaneously. And it was like being in Saunders’ lecture hall, listening to him give his amazing insights while looking down at the textbook and taking notes.
Either option is great, so don’t let my over-achieving ass deter you from either option, but I think it’s worth considering that the text has several graphics and charts that help explain a few things and you miss those elements through the audio book alone. Still his narration is wonderful, so…
Just do both, people. Trust me.
Okay, to the criticism. I said it’s an introduction to literary translation, and it is, but Saunders didn’t do any of the translations. Several others did, and they’re barely recognized. I’ve done a little literary translation myself. An insultingly low amount to make anything like an authoritative argument here, but I’m going to anyway, briefly, then let you hear from someone who articulates it much better, Toby Litt.
Literary translation is a special skill, endeavored by special people, and they deserve special credit. If writing is a combination of art and science, then literary translators are freakin’ wizards! I’m not suggesting they are above reproach or that some produce counterproductive translations—bad wizards exist—but those chosen by Saunders to include in his book are anything but, and they deserve to be on the cover, titlepage, front matter, back matter, and every ounce of inside-out matter of this text. A blimp should follow Saunders around at readings blinking their names in the sky and giving them credit.
Okay, I’m getting a little crazy with the last bit. Maybe an anchored hot air balloon with a streamer is enough. Whatever the case, it’s a small tragedy they aren’t given more credit in this text, and Saunders could do better.
Here’s what Toby Litt says, in part:
I don’t understand why the translator/s for each story weren’t credited [on the respective title pages].
That’s all it would take for their existence — not only mediating but manifesting — to be recognised [sic]. To be a thing.
For us to discover their names, we have to head to the Texts and Credits sections in the endmatter [sic]…
I wouldn’t be so disappointed with the book if each translator or translating team were listed on those title pages.
You can read his complete post here.
So, get this book, read and listen to it, check out what Toby Litt said, and thank a literary translator. I’ll begin by thanking those who translated for A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life.
Thank you, Avrahm Yarmolinsky.
Thank you, Louise Maude and Aylmer Maude.
Thank you, Clarence Brown.
Thank you, David Magarshack.
Thank you, Mary Struve.
And a special, and final thank you, to the poet and literary translator that introduced me to the art and science that is literary translation, Richard Jackson. It should be noted; he was not involved in the Saunders project. He’s just a great guy and the man who opened my eyes to translation. Thank you, Rick.
And of course, thank you, Mr. George Saunders. It is a wonderful read and a great listen.
6. Literary Craft
Alone With All That Could Happen: On Writing Fiction
& Words Made Flesh: The Craft of Fiction by David Jauss
Alone With All That Could Happen: On Writing Fiction (Press 53, 2022) & Words Made Flesh: The Craft of Fiction (Press 53, 2024) have been two of my favorite books on craft to date. Jauss’ exploration of point(s) of view was nothing short of exceptional and changed the way I write.
Between these two books, one has access to years—decades—of experience thinking, teaching, and writing about the craft of literature. They really are complete educations for a little less than it cost me to fill up my truck in California when I drove into town last week. Shoot, a lot less…
They are written in such a way that you can pick and choose which sections apply to your own writing project because they are really a collection of independent essays.
Snag you copies of these, and you won’t regret it, and you readers and future writing self will thank you for it! And if you don’t think you got your money’s worth, shoot me a note. I swing by and pick them up off you and pass them along to someone else.
Okay, that’s it. Thanks for reading and considering the selections I’ve provided as possible 2026 reads.
Up next, the conclusion of this series of essays. We’ll tackle my selections for poetry, most Evocative, and a few honorable mentions.
Until then, Happy writing, happy reading, and Semper Fidelis.
Editorial Note:
As promised in the first essay, here’s a complete list of the books I read in 2025 (including those not pictured) for your review and questioning pleasure:
Atwood, Margaret. Oryx and Crake. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC, 2004.
Bell, Matt. Refuse to Be Done: How to Write and Rewrite a Novel in Three Drafts. Soho Press, 2022.
Brand, Julee. OMG! I Wrote a Book… Now What?: Publishing Options & Questions to Ask, On Brand Books, 2023.
Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. Alfred A. Knopf, 1955.
Carey, M. R. The Girl with All the Gifts. Orbit, 2014.
Constantine, Brendan. Letters to Guns, Red Hen Press, 2009.
Crichton, Michael. Jurassic Park. Alfred A. Knopf, 1990.
Crouch, Blake. Dark Matter. Ballantine Books, 2016.
Curtiss, Caleb. Age of Forgiveness, Sundress Publications, 2023.
Doerr, Anthony. All the Light We Cannot See. Scribner, 2014.
Doerr, Anthony. Cloud Cuckoo Land: A Novel. Scribner, 2021.
Dubrow, Jehanne. Civilians: Poems. LSU Press 2025.
Dubrow, Jehanne. Wild Kingdom: Poems. LSU Press, 2021.
Dunn, J. P. Massacres of the Mountains. Archer House Inc., 1958.
Everett, Percival. James: A Novel. Doubleday, 2024.
Fisher, Mark. The Weird and the Eerie. Repeater, 2017.
Flagg, Fannie. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. Random House, 1987.
Follet, Ken. The Pillars of the Earth. Macmillan, 1989.
Greer, Andrew Sean. The Best American Short Stories 2022. Mariner Books, 2022.
Gwynne, S.C. Empire of the Summer Moon. Simon & Schuster, 2010.
Hannah, Kristin. The Women. St. Martin’s Press, 2024.
Hemmingway, Earnest. A Farewell to Arms. Barnes & Noble, 2007.
Hemmingway, Earnest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. Barnes & Noble, 2007.
Jackson, Richard. Where the Wind Comes From. Kelsay Books, 2021.
Jakes, John. Heaven and Hell. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987
Jakes, John. Love and War. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1985.
Jakes, John. North and South. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1982.
Jauss, David. Alone with All That Could Happen: On Writing Fiction. Press 53, 2022.
Jauss, David. Words Made Flesh. Press 53, 2024.
King, Stephen. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Scribner, 2000.
King, Stephen. Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The Viking Press, 1982.
King, Stephen. The Green Mile. Signet Books, 1996.
Malerman, Josh. Bird Box. Ecco, 2014.
McMurtry, Larry. Comanche Moon. Simon & Schuster, 1997.
McMurtry, Larry. Dead Man’s Walk. Simon & Schuster, 1995.
McMurtry, Larry. Lonesome Dove. Simon & Schuster, 1985.
McMurtry, Larry. Oh What a Slaughter: Massacres in the American West: 1846-1890. Simon & Schuster, 2005.
McMurtry, Larry. Steets of Laredo. Simon & Schuster, 1993.
McOmber, Adam. Fantasy Kit. Black Lawrence Press, 2022.
McRobert, Neil. Good Boy. Wild Hunt Books, 2025.
Melamed, Jennie. Gather the Daughters. Hatchette Book Group, 2017.
Melville, Herman. Moby Dick. Marshall Cavendish Partworks, Ltd., 1987.
Metres, Philip. Fugitive/Refuge. Copper Canyon Press, 2024.
Munro, Alice. The View from Castle Rock. Knopf, 2006.
Murakami, Haruki. The City and Its Uncertain Walls. Alfred A. Knopf, 2024.
Nevill, Adam. The Ritual. Pan Macmillan, 2011.
Niero, Nancy. Witness at Sand Creek: The Life and Letters of Silas Soule. Exact Rush, 2025.
Orange, Tommy. There There: A Novel. Knopf, 2018.
Orange, Tommy. Wandering Stars: A Novel. Knopf, 2024.
Plunkett, Michael. Zone Rogue: A Novel. The Unnamed Press, 2025.
Saramago, José. Blindness. Harcourt, Brace & Co., 1997.
Saunders, George. A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life. Random House, 2021.
Saunders, George. CivilWarLand in Bad Decline: Stories and a Novella. Random House, 1996.
Saunders, George. Liberation Day: Stories. Random House, 2022.
Saunders, George. Lincoln on the Bardo: A Novel. Random House, 2017.
Saunders, George. Tenth of December: Stories. Random House, 2013.
Simmons, Dan. Drood: A Novel. Little Brown and Company, 2009.
Snyder, Blake. Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need. 2005.
St. John Mandel, Emily. Station Eleven. Knopf, 2014.
Turner, Brian. Here, Bullet. Alice James Books, 2005.
Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Abbeville Press, 2020.
Various Authors. Sand Creek Papers: Documents of Massacre. Big Byte Books, 2016.
Wong, David. John Dies at the End. Thomas Dunne Books, 2009.
Wong, David. This Book Is Full of Spiders. Thomas Dunne Books, 2012.