Paradise Counter Display

Donald Barthelme. Penguin Books, $69.5 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-14-778219-9

Simon, a 53-year-old architect, takes a year's sabbatical from work and his marriage and moves to New York, where three fashion models move in with him. PW commented: ""At times, Barthelme strains for his gags and comic effects, and jokes fall flat or topple into whimsy; but it is amazing how often and well the wit comes off.'' (December)