The new issue of "The American Scholar" features a troubling article about the decline of English literature as a college major. It's worthy reading. Plus, 10 books from my college bookshelf. Are they now irrelevant?
Finding “Kaputt”
"The New York Review of Books" Classics series publishes great novels of World War II. Here's one of them.
“The Humbling” is Roth at his best
"The Humbling" is Philip Roth's 30th book. Here's a review and links to Roth's own thoughts about the book.
A lingering wild in America’s Great Plains
A photography book by Michael Forsberg published this month celebrates America's middle region. Forsberg says he strives "to photograph and build appreciation for what is left of the wild Great Plains."
Milo & Tock’s creators team up again
Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer, who collaborated on "The Phantom Tollbooth" in 1961, are working together again on a new book.
The horror of it
Two new books for those worried about zombies and werewolves. (Count me out.)
More books for the reading table
77 books of fiction won the National Book Award between 1950 and today. It's a great list for finding your next good book to read.
Dark, gritty books too loud to ignore
Two Dollar Radio is an independent publisher in Granville, Ohio. Their literary novels are getting national attention. Here's what I learned, plus their books.
“So You Think You Can Spell?”
A book that challenges spelling expertise with 200 tests and quizzes. And here I thought I was a good speller.
Looking back at book covers as art
Penguin and Faber and Faber published books in the U.K. about their book cover designs and illustrations from past to present. I wanted a look inside.
The NBA finalists & my disappointment
The National Book Award finalists have been announced. Here's the list, plus a link to the award site.
Michael Greenberg’s happy intensity
"Beg, Borrow, Steal: A Writer's Life" is a compilation of Michael Greenberg's columns from the "Times Literary Supplement." They are funny, wise and a great joy to read.
Preview: new poetry
Marie Ponsot's "Easy" got a starred review in Publisher's Weekly. I don't know her poetry, but from what I'm reading, I want to change that.
TLC appears on Critical Mass
The National Book Critics Circle is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Guest commentary is being posted on their blog, including one from me.
Up next: the National Book Awards
The U.K. announced the winner of its prestigious Man Booker Prize. Now it's time in the U.S. for the National Book Award.
The Longest Chapter 