Because he's my friend, author Brian Leung let me read his new book, "Lost Men," before it came out. And I was not supposed to talk it up (too much) until it became available. Well, I can't wait any longer. "Lost Men" is Brian's first novel after a critically acclaimed collection of short stories published in 2004, "World Famous Love Acts." (With one of the best book covers ever.)

The short and sweet of it is, "Lost Men" is damn good. I read the book in a few days and actually found myself trying to slow down and linger over a few particularly poignant passages. The novel is about an estranged father and son on a trip together through China. It's a new-fangled road movie (in a book). It's a human drama that is all emotion and understatement (instead of overdone action).

Fair warning, Brian has a way with words and characters that may make you see pieces of yourself in his book. And that's a powerful, good thing. --Aaron K.

Buy "Lost Men."

Learn more about Brian Leung here.