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Segment 1: Jane Hamilton's take on the modern romance novel

Author Jane Hamilton is best known for books that depict tragedy and human frailty. She departs from that formula in her new novel, "Laura Rider's Masterpiece," a dark comedy about a bored wife with literary aspirations and her attempts to create art from life. 
 

Segment 2: A quintessentially American story

Political ambition and class identity drive the plot of a new novel by Ethan Canin. The Iowa Writer's Workshop instructor takes his inspiration from the Kennedy family, in particular Ted Kennedy. Canin is author of the new novel, "America, America." He's also the author of "The Palace Thief" and "Emperor of the Air."

Segment 3: Enger channels the Old West in his new novel

Minnesota writer Leif Enger's new novel, "So Brave, Young and Handsome," is a tribute to the Western. An old cowboy seeks forgiveness from his estranged wife as he tries to shake a pursuing Pinkerton detective. 

The book's narrator is a writer, attempting to match the success of his first book. Enger's first novel, "Peace Like a River," was a best-seller. 

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