The Round House by Louise Erdrich

This is a powerful story of injustice told through Joe, a thirteen-year-old Ojibwe living on a North Dakota reservation in 1988. He and his three friends search for answers when his mother suffers a brutal rape. Historic questions of whether the act was committed on federal, state or tribal land hinder the investigation.

The events in the book are loosely based on actual cases and stories.

Erdrich's compelling tale is emphasized by the realization of the long history of mistreatment of Native Americans. This is a book that stays with you. Highly recommended.   

Washington Square by Henry James

Every once in a while, it's time to forego the best seller list and reach into the past for a good book.  So if you're looking for a reason to read (or re-read) a literary classic, the Big City Book Club has chosen Henry James's "Washington Square" as its next selection.  The choice is in conjunction with "The Heiress," a 1947 play currently on Broadway.

"James's short, potent novel about a wealthy doctor, his plain daughter and the young man of highly dubious ambitions who comes between them is a classic tale of New York social climbing," says the New York Times, which sponsors the Big City Book Club.

The date and time of the BCBC discussion will be announced soon. To become a member and receive updates about future chats, send an e-mail with "Join" in the subject line to bigcity@nytimes.com.

The current cast of "The Heiress" includes Jessica Chastain, David Straithairn, and Dan Stevens.  Oldtimers will recall Olivia DeHavilland, Ralph Richardson and the incomparable Montgomery Clift in the roles.