Surveillance by Jonathan Raban – Not as widely available as other books, but maybe worth hunting down. Note: Everyone HATES the ending, but from a discussion group standpoint, at least it’s something to talk about.

After This by Alice McDermott – Strangely elliptical but compelling fiction about generational turmoil for a Catholic family from WWII to the 70s.

I just started Michael Ondaatje’s Divisadero, which I’m enjoying, but I’m not far enough along to recommend yet.

Contemporary but not as recent:

Little America by Henry Bromell – This is really interesting, kind of timely, and obscure enough that everyone hasn’t already read it. Plus, he’s a great storyteller (used to write for Northern Exposure and Homicide).

Manhattan Nocturne by Colin Harrison – Or any of his books, really. He’s a great contemporary crime writer who is also literate (University of Iowa grad) so his books are compelling but well written.