Waiting for the Barbarians, Daniel Mendelsohn, 2012

From classic Greek poetry and theater to contemporary TV (Mad Men), theater (Spider Man) and movies (Avatar, Titanic), Mendelsohn wades into criticism of every sort with wonderful knowledge, sensitivity, and extraordinary writing skill. Stendahl, Rimbaud, Hollinghurst, Sontag, and Franzen all make an appearance.  Reading Mendelsohn is like dining with an educated, amiable friend over a bottle of good wine.