Beat the Reaper / Josh Bazell 304 pp.

If there is a book with a more shocking, disgusting and thoroughly satisfying conclusion, I don't know what it is. And I'm not sure I want to. Much has already been said about this story of a medical resident and former mob hitman and its improbable plot which, somehow, works. I'd just like to highlight two additional details: our foul-mouthed hero's love for an ultra-religious virgin, and his visit to, of all places, Auschwitz. Everything about this book is unexpected, but you can definitely expect to laugh. The Monday Book Group is reading this for November 15 - staff are welcome! I will bake pie! Vote for your favorite pie choice (but only if you plan to come)!