A wry, moving collection of letters from the late J. F. Powers, "a comic writer of genius" (Mary Gordon) Best known for his 1963 National Book Award–winning novel, Morte D'Urban, and as a master of the short story, J. F. Powers drew praise from Evelyn Waugh, Flannery O'Connor, Saul Bellow, and Philip Roth, among others. Though Powers's fiction dwelt chiefly on the lives of Catholic priests, he long planned to write a novel of family life, a feat he never accomplished. He did, however, write thousands of letters, which, selected here by his daughter, Katherine A. Powers, become an intimate version of that novel, dynamic with plot and character. They show a dedicated artist, passionate lover, reluctant family man, pained aesthete, sports fan, and appreciative friend. At times wrenching and sad, at others ironic and exuberantly funny, Suitable Accommodations is the story of a man at odds with the world and, despite his faith, with his church. Beginning in prison, where Powers spent more than a year as a conscientious objector, the letters move on to his courtship, marriage, comically unsuccessful attempt to live in the woods, life in the Midwest and in Ireland, an unorthodox view of the Catholic Church, and an increasingly bizarre search for "suitable accommodations," which included three full-scale emigrations to Ireland. Here, too, are encounters with such diverse people as Thomas Merton, Eugene McCarthy, Robert Lowell, Theodore Roethke, Sean O'Faolain, Frank O'Connor, Dorothy Day, and Alfred Kinsey. An NPR Best Book of 2013

Papua New Guinea is a sovereign state located in the western Pacific Ocean, comprising the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and its offshore islands. The country has a diverse population of over eight million people, with hundreds of different languages spoken throughout the country. The official languages are English, Tok Pisin, and Hiri Motu. The economy is mostly dependent on agriculture, mining, and oil and gas production. The country is known for its biodiversity, with over 800 languages spoken and more than 10% of the world's species of animals and plants found within its borders. Papua New Guinea has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional practices such as tribal warfare, bride price, and initiation ceremonies still practiced in some regions. Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia in 1975 and has since faced various challenges, including social unrest and political instability. The country is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and cyclones. Despite these challenges, Papua New Guinea has made significant progress in recent years in areas such as education and health care. The government has also implemented policies aimed at promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The country is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum, among other international organizations.