Michael O’Brien is professor of American Intellectual History at the University of Cambridge, and he's also the author of an upcoming book about Louisa Catherine Adams, wife of John Quincy Adams. Library Journal gives it a starred review. Here's a glimpse of what to expect.
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.
Grodstein’s “A Friend of the Family”
An absorbing novel of suburban tragedy. At the center is an over-protective father. Here's a glimpse of what the story is about.
The zombies are back on TLC
I'm once again trying to embrace the night of the living dead lurching it's way down literature's tree-lined classic lanes. I don't like it but hey, the zombies are doing phenomenally well for publishing sales.
National Book Critics Circle finalists
The NBCC announced the list of finalists for their 2010 awards. Five books in each of six categories. A great list to cherry pick good reading for these gray winter days.
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.
New books to anticipate
Here's a dozen new books to browse for upcoming reading January through April. Author names on the list include the known and unknown, the "known" being Ian McEwan, Anne Lamott and Martin Amis, among others. A mix of fiction and non-fiction. Get your reading table ready!
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.
Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” in 2010
I've not read this Russian classic, although I made an attempt in 2008 and 2009. I'm resolving to try again in 2010. Here's my story, with thoughts about translators Peaver & Volokhonosky and the Maudes.
No monkey business here
Steve Jenkins children's book "Never Smile at a Monkey" tells you what you should never do if you encounter one of the surprisingly dangerous animals illustrated in his book. I went looking for it because of the book's cover deemed a favorite of 2009, and then found the content informative.
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.
Best unread books
"The Spare Room" and 11 other books that should have succeeded this past decade but didn't. From The Guardian.
The Longest Chapter 