Small Rain: A Novel

"Yes, let me make a quick shout out for Small Rain by Garth Greenwell, author of the magnificent, passionate Cleanness . In Small Rain, a poet is struck down with a rare disease and finds himself confined to an intensive care unit. The Chicago Tribune described it as “one of the most profound reading experiences I’ve ever had,” adding: “A novel about a man stuck alone in a hospital bed should be inert, but Small Rain is anything but.” The Observer reviewer agreed: reading it, “you feel as though you were holding a single grain of rice in your hand which, upon examination under a microscope, reveals itself to be engraved with the history of the world.” Small Rain is a “vivid, generous” novel that “will provide sustenance.” All very promising. It’s just out, and there’s a copy sitting on my bedside table waiting to be read. What’s on yours? We love to hear from Five Books readers. Let us know which titles you’ve been waiting for by sending us a message on social media."