'Goldengrove' by Francine Prose

IN 1976, a novel called "Ordinary People" by an unknown author named Judith Guest became a surprise bestseller. Soon adapted into a popular movie, the book was about the meltdown of a seemingly perfect upper-middle-class family after the beloved older son died in a boating accident, nearly sinking his younger brother with a raging case of survivor guilt.

By Heller McAlpin

September 13, 2008