1.   Books on medieval architecture and astrology were next to some good modern novels, a selection of classics, travel and adventure, mysteries, biographies and even poetry.

2.   And like any good novel, there have been several unexpected twists and turns since those arrests last summer.

3.   Besides, says Barnes, a good novel beats good journalism any day.

4.   A good map fires the imagination like a good novel.

5.   But for all that, a good memoir does what a good novel does.

6.   But one of the things you come to appreciate is the amazing thing that a writer could write a good first novel at all.

7.   Each good novel has a vision of its world that informs what is put in and what is left out.

8.   He did three good novels on the life and work of Arkady Renko.

9.   It seemed rather empty-minded, but someone remarked that a really good novel was its basis.

10.   It was published last year by Knopf and received respectful notices but, like many good novels, was quickly in the remaindered bin.