This sequel to Ford's brilliant novel THE SPORTSWRITER continues the story of Frank Bascombe after the downfall of his marriage and his writing career, as he tries to pick up the pieces and return to whatever normal life in America is supposed to be.

Something's astir across the pond, and Björk's dazzling second album, POST, with its deft fusion of electronic pop and showy jazz, makes sure us Yanks are in the know. As if that weren't enough, the Icelandic queen's British pals caused quite a stir: PJ Harvey with the aching, blues-drenched TO BRING YOU MY LOVE and Tricky with his trip-hop-defining debut, MAXINQUAYE.