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
Jennie Gerhardt is back
A few years ago, at some random point in my reading journey, an author or critic said he or she preferred Theodore Dreiser's Jennie Gerhardt, published in 1911, to the more famously known and assigned Dreiser classic Sister Carrie. Not just preferred, though -- the book was described as a favorite. I went online to purchase a copy, only … Continue reading Jennie Gerhardt is back
I miss letters
On October 8, 1946, legendary singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie wrote an eight-page letter to Charlotte Strauss. The two had been corresponding since 1945, after Strauss read Guthrie's autobiography Bound for Glory and wrote him a fan letter. That eight-page letter went up for auction on January 15, 2009 at Freeman's, as part of the Manuscript Archive of … Continue reading I miss letters
Will you be dispensable?
The Other Press is publishing The Unit in June, the first novel by Swedish author Ninni Holmqvist, translated byMarlaine Delargy. From what I read in the press release, it's sci-fi along the lines of Orwell's 1984 and Huxley's Brave New World. Sci-fi is not a genre that calls to me, although I've read the aforementioned classics, … Continue reading Will you be dispensable?
The Longest Chapter 