This nonfiction novel, to revive an old-fashioned term, has the makings of a modern classic. Zeitoun (McSweeney’s, $24) is about a Syrian-American small-business owner and father of four who remained in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, paddling a canoe through the flooded streets to help his neighbors, until authorities mistook him for a terrorist and locked him up. One specific, sympathetic, deeply researched story becomes the emblem of a profound American moment. Eggers may also discuss his screenplay adaptation of Maurice Sendaks Where the Wild Things Are, which opens in theaters next Fri., Oct. 16. JONATHAN KEIFER
Wed., Oct. 7, noon, 2009
