Lara Vapnyar (Get this book) In Vapnyar's latest novel, a simplicity of narrative--two strangers share their lives over a weekend together--belies the complexity of interwoven themes and ideas. As the book begins, Lena is a self-conscious, self-criticizing woman traveling to an academic conference she does not feel prepared for, being only a professor at a community college. At the conference, she meets Ben, a university professor who teaches courses on graphic novels. Purely silly moments, the headiness of strangers connecting and the universal nature of summer camp lighten the mood. Slight in girth but not in depth.--Kirkus
