Frederick Barthelme (b. 1943) is the author of nine novels and six other books. He edits the Mississippi Review. I like many of his books enough to reread them every year or two years. He seems consistent, as a writer. I like his tone. I like his characters. They seem calm, funny, non-dramatic, considerate, and accepting. My favorite novels by him are maybe Two Against One (1988) and Bob the Gambler (1997).