A Long Swim Upstream

Radio host Mike Feder plows through his neuroses and personal terrors in these autobiographical stories that cover the highest and lowest points of his life. "Mother" chronicles Feder's long, strange relationship with his mother, her problems, and his own. The author's issues often paralyze him, and reading about his constant life-changing missteps will make the reader want to shake him by the shoulders. But there is always a payoff. Feder's real-life characters shine%E2%80%94particularly the would-be subway driver of "Here's Herbie"%E2%80%94and when he becomes passionate (e.g., when trying to save the 12-year-old Sanford Brodsky) the results are masterful. Part sit-down conversation, part autobiographic poetry slam, Feder's confessional stories may agitate and frustrate readers, but will keep them turning pages.