"Dark Places" is Gillian Flynn's new novel set in Kansas during 1985 and the present. It's a fictional crime story about a family murder reinvestigated by the surviving daughter, Libby, 25 years after it happened. Had the author created a more convincing Libby, "Dark Places" would be a terrific story instead of acceptable entertainment.
Window on a sleazy world
Living in a drunken stupor may not seem like palatable reading matter, but Patrick deWitt’s unique style in his debut novel "Ablutions: Notes for a Novel" is – well – addictive. DeWitt's "Ablutions" is written in the rare second-person viewpoint.
No lucky guess, but a lucky child
In his moving Holocaust memoir, Thomas Burgenthal recounts the miraculous story of his survival in Auschwitz as a 10-year-old separated from his parents. In his Acknowledgements, he writes about the difficulties in getting his memoir published in the United States.
Ian Frazier turns 40. Huh? Make that 58.
The New Yorker, May 18, 2009, published a poem by Ohio author Ian Frazier claiming he's turning 40 "in just a couple of days." Of course, Frazier, a humorist, is spoofing the reality of 58. He was born in 1951 and graduated from Harvard in 1973.
Where do underpants come from?
Six books coming out this summer that are worth taking a look at, including works by best-selling novelist Richard Russo and journalist Bob Greene.
“The Little Book of Plagiarism”
Richard A. Posner's "The Little Book of Plagiarism" is an important book for every writer to own because, as Posner explains about plagiarism, "its boundaries are becoming vague and contested." He also writes, "digitization has made it at once easier to commit and easier to detect."
Jeffrey Fisher’s “Birds”
Artist, illustrator Jeffrey Fisher published a book this spring season featuring hand-painted portraits of 46 birds. Its title is simply "Birds," and the book is delightful.
The e-book lacks intimacy
Companies that do not love books, like people love books, are creating an e-reader revolution and making us want it. Hyping its efficiency and convenience and coolness. Its readable screens and easy storage. Its instant purchase gratification. Its iPod readiness. E-readers and e-books may better fit our lifestyle, but we'll pay the price of lost intimacy.
Three additions to My Reading Table
Three new books added to Kassie Rose's Reading Table: "Revolutionary Road" by Richard Yates, "Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?" by Charlise Lyles and "Loneliness as a Way of Life" by Thomas Dumm.
Erin McCarthy, Henny Penny and good news
I had the privilege to join Ohio writer Erin McCarthy at a juvenile correction facility today, where she spoke in the library to 10 teen-aged girls. She gave the girls copies of the book "Demon Envy" and left copies of "Speed Demon" with the librarian. Erin McCarthy (who writes under the name Erin Lynn for her young adult books) and the girls engaged in a lively conversation about writing, getting published and books.
One of the finest American short novels
Glenway Wescott's "The Pilgrim Hawk: A Love Story" is described by the New York Review of Books as "A work of classical elegance and concision" and says it "stands with Faulkner's 'The Bear' as one of the finest American short novels." I've reached a point in my life where I realize some books need to be read a second time to fully appreciate them, let alone understand the depths of their meaning. "The Pilgrim Hawk" is one of them.
A first: Britain’s new female Laureate
Carol Ann Duffy was named Poet Laureate of Britain today, according to the New York Times. She's the first female Poet Laureate to be named to this esteemed U.K. position held for centuries by men. The Independent reports Duffy was considered 10 years ago but passed over for concern that "Middle England" may not be … Continue reading A first: Britain’s new female Laureate
Got goosebumps?
You may be feeling the imminent arrival of R. L. Stine. He's coming to Columbus for the 3rd annual Ohioana Book Festival on May 9. R. L. Stine is the famed Ohio author of the Fear Street and Goosebumps book series for kids. He's also authored many other scary books, including the Rotten School series. R. L. Stine's website claims The … Continue reading Got goosebumps?
Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi
Geoff Dyer's "Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi" tells the story of British middle-aged Jeff Atman as free-lance journalist covering Venice's Biennale and then experiencing spiritual insight in India's sacred city, Varanasi. Dyer's cleverness teases us along, much like a clever friend that drops the occasional hilarious line or gem of wit.
Forgotten Pulitzer-winning novels
NPR's All Things Considering offered a list of novels that won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and likely would provoke a perplexed "huh? who?" Here's that list. It includes three Ohio authors: Louis Bromfield, Josephine Johnson and Conrad Richter. Johnson's novel Now in November is not forgotten by me -- it's one I've given as a gift, … Continue reading Forgotten Pulitzer-winning novels
The Longest Chapter 