Book excerpt: For six decades, writer and editor Robert A. Parker has followed up each book he reads, mainly novels, with an evaluation of that book. His comments are informed by an independent critical view that balances a moral and literary sensibility. In this fifth of six volumes, the authors covered range from Brian Moore to Neil Sheehan, and include O'Connor, Pamuk, Patchett, Percy, Plante, Price, Read, Richler, Roth, Rowling, and Saramago. There are at least 120 authors included in this volume. These writers represent a range of writing styles, cultural influences, and moral philosophies. All are rated on their literary achievement, the effectiveness of plot, character, and setting, plus their recognition of the moral, ethical, and spiritual values of mankind.