All That Is

"In All That Is, James Salter’s version of a contemporary American War and Peace, the war — World War II in this instance — comes first, as Philip Bowman survives naval battles and returns to the U.S. where, in New York City, he makes his life in the publishing trade. Early marriage, divorce, love affairs and a deepening sense of life’s sweetness and severities make up the lapidary pages of this career-crowning work of fiction."

"The last book I read, "All That Is," by James Salter. I'm starting it over immediately. It's full of achingly beautiful passages… and also some of the funniest dialogue I've ever come across. It's my book to beat in 2013."