Author: Scott McKenzie

Who Gets Top Billing?

  Roy Hattersley provides an interesting perspective on literary festivals in today’s Guardian. “At breakfast during the Keswick Festival, I heard two writers on the next table arguing about which of them was performing at the time of day reserved for the top of the bill,” Hattersley writes. “When I suggested to Penelope Lively that…

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New Review in Paste

Be sure to pick up the August issue of Paste on newsstands now. Besides being an all around kick-ass magazine, this particular issue features my review of Altaf Tyrewala’s No God In Sight. This is a fascinating book about modern life in India. It won’t be released until August 22, but it’s definitely one to add to…

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While We’re Talking About Babies…

  While we’re on the subject of newborns, I’ve been amazed at the amount of media coverage given to the fact that we haven’t seen any photos of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ new baby. The Sacramento Bee featured a roundup of what the various gossip sites are saying about the unseen child. CBS News,…

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Congratulations Jeff

  I’ve been meaning to write and offer my congratulations to Jeff from Syntax of Things. My fellow book-blogger and his lovely wife Elaine welcomed their first child, Marlena Elise, into the world on Saturday evening/Sunday morning. Congratulations to Jeff and Elaine. Be sure to check Syntax of Things often as I’m sure Jeff’s book postings…

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Mickey Spillane Dies

Sad news yesterday as it was announced that Mikey Spillane, creator of the Mike Hammer series, died on Monday. He was 88 years old. Provided below are a couple of overviews of his life and work. I must say the literary critic in me wants to talk about his contribution to noir and popular gumshoe…

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