In the summer of 2007, author Francisco Goldman lost his young wife Aura Estrada in a swimming accident on a beach in Mexico. His new book, "Say Her Name," is a mix of fact and fiction that tells the romantic yet tragic story of their brief years together. It's beautifully written and consuming.
Month: March 2011
My wallet was a book
It's true. I have a wallet made from a book. You can see it here. Also in this post, a photo of a book with wings, plus information about "Bookwork" to be released this spring from University of Chicago Press.
Jo Ann Beard & Marcia Clark publish novels
The novels of these two authors caught my attention from a list of 12 debuts that Kirkus deems outstanding. Both are scheduled for release in April. And yes, that's Marcia Clark of O.J. Simpson fame.
Purple Jesus: symbol and cocktail
This novel from a small press in Maryland came to my attention via a Twitter exchange with the book critic at The Washington Post. Its subject of small town, trailer trash life in South Carolina's lowland region intrigued me. The story proved, indeed, to be a hilarious, cultural eye-opener.
The incredible journey
Here they come. The spring migrants heading north after wintering in warmer climates. Michael McCarthy, environment editor of London's Independent, has written an engaging book about the annual spring journey of birds from South Africa to England. It's a timely book to be reading mid-March and has surprisingly captivated me.
Joss Whedon is not at the Bodleian Library
There's a new vampire/witch/daemon fantasy novel that's hit the best-seller lists. Here's my experience reading the 579 pages. Slayer fans, if you're wondering why the brilliant Joss Whedon is present, read on. And a heads up to everyone: this is a long post. Settle in, or put on your skimmers.
“You Know When the Men Are Gone”
A great title for a debut collection of stories that focuses on the soldiers of Fort Hood, Texas, and the wives they leave behind when deployed to Iraq. It provided this reader an enjoyable respite from witches and vampires.
The Longest Chapter 