"The Slap," written by Australian author Christos Tsiolkas, became a surprising word-of-mouth success this year and even landed on Britain's 2010 Man Booker Longlist. Many think the book is too offensive for such recognition. I wanted to find out why.
Month: September 2010
How to live and play the piano (etc.)
Michel de Montaigne provided answers in his famous essays to the universal question of how to live. Sarah Blackwell's biography of the 16th century philosopher weaves those answers into his life story. Also in this week's literary encounters, a memoir of piano lessons, some poetry and even an illuminated breviary.
A year of reading old books
How would you react if you were given a mandate of no new books for one year? That's what Susan Hill gave herself, when she discovered dozens of books in her personal library she hadn't read. Her new book, soon to be released, tells the journey.
This debut tells a remarkable story
I had a feeling "The Gendarme" would be a good book, and that instinct was on target. Author Mark T. Mustian's fictional story is unusual, set during the Turkish deportation of Armenians during World War I. Not only an engaging story, but an important one for the history it brings to light.
What’s in your backpack?
I've returned from a hiking trip in Utah's Zion and Bryce National Parks. On the journey, I met Kindle readers passionate about their beloved e-reader, yet print books held the majority when it came to what travelers were carrying.
Taking a short break. Back soon.
The Longest Chapter hits the pause button.
Ernest Hemingway meets Lassie
The fruits of some recent book collecting. From highbrow to TV kitsch.
The Longest Chapter 