On the eve of moderating a panel about book collecting, a personal reality check in that area. Plus, my Faulkner first edition (in spanish).
Category: Other Books
And that means what for their readers?
There are 13 fiction writers among the 180 Guggenheim Foundation grants recently announced for 2010. I recognized some of the authors but not all and then wondered what it means for readers considering a book by an author who's a Guggenheim Fellow.
Kerouac’s “On the Road” blooms
Put a novel in the hands of a data artist and the prose becomes a visual feast. That's what I discovered when I landed on Stefanie Posavec's website. Her Writing Without Words project includes "On the Road," interpreted into colorful data maps.
1970 novel to get award in 2010
Forty years ago, rules for the Man Booker Prize changed, causing a year of British authors and their books to be skipped for award consideration. The Lost Man Booker Prize will fill the gap. Here's the shortlist of finalists, and why I think they should let well enough alone.
What you’ll find “In Almost Every Picture”
"In Almost Every Picture" is a series of quirky photography books that contain images found and published by Dutch art director Erik Kessels. It's a weird but clever idea that's become collectible. Check out the slide show.
Hilary Mantel wins again with “Wolf Hall”
The National Book Critics Circle announced the winners for their annual awards in fiction, nonfiction, autobiography, biography, criticism and poetry. Here's the list.
My Reading Table gets a make-over
I keep piling books on the reading table to the point where it becomes another book shelf. So, the RT has been reorganized. Here's what moved off and what it looks like now, with descriptions of the 12 books. Realistic versus hopeful.
Webster is fine now (thank you)
If you have dogs or love dogs, this is a brief dog post with a minor book tie-in.
Trial lawyer walking
"The Unnamed" is the recently released second novel of Joshua Ferris. It's absurd, unique and ultimately sad, commenting on the fragility of a good, secure life. Not for every reader. Here's why.
Caldecott, Newbery and NBCC awards
It's one of those award weeks showcasing good books for kids and adults. The 2010 Newbery and Caldecott award winners were announced Monday, and we'll soon be hearing the line-up of contenders for the National Book Critics Circle 2010 awards. Here's the scoop.
Keep your books
There are way too many books coming into my life to keep all of them, but I wish I'd kept my copy of Stephen King's second novel, "Salem Lot". I sold it 20+ years ago, and now it's commanding a pretty nice price.
What urban dwellers never see
"Burtynsky: Oil" is a photography book that questions human accountability regarding the cost of the resource we so depend on to run our cars. It's worth a look. Also, check out the video of the curator at The Corcoran Art Museum who says, "Burtynsky shows us a world that has incredible importance in our lives."
100 years ago, Paris went under water
This month Palgrave Macmillian publishes a book about the great Paris flood of January 1910. It's by an author recently honored as one of the top young historians in the U.S. The publisher's website and book's blog link to astonishing photos of this historical event.
Life without TV
Mid-2009, when analog transitioned to digital, I let my TV sets go dark. No cable. No digital boxes. Here's why, plus a list of books read in 2009.
An illustration of peace and joy
Wishing TLC readers and readers everywhere many moments such as this one during the holidays and into the brand New Year.
The Longest Chapter 