Complete books coverage for May 24, 2009

In his early novel ‘The Collected Works of Billy the Kid,’ Michael Ondaatje provides us with a stunning display of his storytelling -- visceral, violent, sensuous.

With social networking tools today, there is simply no getting away.

Before Conan, there was Kane, a Puritan swordsman on a restless search for justice.

The North Carolinian explores his graduate student years in his new book, ‘Ardent Spirits,’ and credits a surplus of energy for his large and compelling body of work.

What everyone needs to know about Cuba.

Will You Take Me as I Am Joni Mitchell’s Blue Period Michelle Mercer Free Press: 240 pp., $24.99 When Joni Mitchell thinks about confession, two things come to mind: witch hunts and Catholic priests.

Canadian writer Anne Michaels’ latest novel manages to abduct the imagination as it breaks the heart.

This novel celebrates language and literature as it describes a bizarre plan to refashion a swindler as a modern Russian emperor.

A wild child daughter of the South set free.

Essays by an illustrious group of contributors -- including Orhan Pamuk, Pico Iyer, Francine Prose, Nadine Gordimer -- invited by PEN to share their thoughts on the power of words during times of cens

How to Cook a Tapir A Memoir of Belize Joan Fry University of Nebraska Press: 294 pp., $24.95 Back in 1962, Joan Fry, an English major, was hungry for adventure.

Fiction Weeks on list1.Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris (Ace: $25.95) Sookie Stackhouse finds herself a pawn in a war with a race of unhuman beings.22.The 8th Confession by James Patterson (Little, Brown : $27.99) The murders of a priest and high society couple test the limits of the Women’s Murder Club.3 3.Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown: $19.99) Bella must choose between her lover and a friend, between life and death.44 4.First Family by David Baldacci (Grand Central: $27.99) A child is kidnapped from a birthday party held at Camp David.45.Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (Little, Brown: $22.99) The final book in the “Twilight” saga finds Bella choosing immortality.416.Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith (Pantheon: $23.95) In the latest installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Precious Ramotswe is in need of her own detection talents.37.The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan (Disney Hyperion: $17.99) Percy Jackson and his army of demigods battle to stop the Lord of Time.28.The Women by T.C.

Fiction 1. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith ($12.95) 2.