At first glance, wheat farming may not appear to be a scintillating topic for a novel, but in the hands of renowned social realist Frank Norris, this seemingly quotidian activity is transformed into a fascinating analysis of the economic factors that spurred the expansion into the western United States. The first novel in a planned trilogy that Norris never completed, The Octopus: A Story of California is an enlightening and gratifying read.

George and Harold love Christmas, but they've decided that the old traditions could use an upgrade. Their solution? Blissmas — a cooler, more modern version of Christmas, including a Mechalition Derby, holi-DJs instead of Christmas carols, lasers instead of twinkle lights, and a totally jacked Santa Claus.

But