Kirkus’ best of 2014 includes Holbert

The year is speeding to a close, and the best of 2014 lists are starting to come out. First up: Kirkus.

The esteemed literay magazine selected Spokane author Bruce Holbert’s second novel, “The Hour of Lead,” as one of the 100 best works of fiction from 2014. His novel was included in the historical fiction category, along with Francise Prose’ “Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris” and Lily King’s “Euphoria,” which won the overall Kirkus Prize as the best work of fiction this year.

Also on the list is Boise writer Anthony Doerr, for his novel “All the Light We Cannot See,” and Sandpoint native Marilynne Robinson, for “Lila.” (Both Doerr and Robinson were finalists for the National Book Award, which went to Phil Klay for “Redployement.”)

Other Kirkus honorees include Hilary Mantel for her collection “The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher,” Steven King for “Mr. Mercedes” and “The Children Act” by Ian McEwan. For the full list, as well as the notable books in the nonfiction, children’s and teen categories, visit www.kirkusreviews.com.

North Idaho notes

Two new books are hitting shelves now centering on the Panhandle.

First up, from Keokee Books, is “Selkirks Specatacular: A Journey on the International Selkirk Loop.” The book features images from Bonners Ferry photographers Jerry Pavia and Tim Cady, and words by Canadian Ross Klatte. And what’s cool? It’s really two books in one. One half deals with the American side of the Selkirk Loop, which ranges from Metaline Falls, Washington, to Bonners Ferry, and south to Newport/Priest River. If you flip the book over, you can see the Canadian half of the 180-page book, where the trail extends up through Creston, B.C., and along Kootenay Lake, via ferry along the West Arm, and south to Salmo, B.C. The book, which features 300 color photographs, retails for $34.

Meanwhile, the Museum of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene has just published its latest, “Historical Spirit Lake, Idaho and Vicinity,” by Keith and Jan Spencer. The book details the history of the area, including Blanchard and Twin Lakes. The hardcover book retails for $34.95.