Kakutani at her Finest
Normally, I’m not a fan of Michiko Kakutani’s reviews for the New York Times. But damn, her buzzsaw today through Diane Johnson’s Lulu in Marrakech is a riot. The bloodletting begins in the second paragraph when Kakutani introduces the book as a “ridiculous new novel.” The critic then goes on to examine the main character’s…
continue readingAll the Sad Young Readers
For the past few weeks, I’ve been reading nonfiction almost exclusively. There have been a few novels scattered here and there, but not as many as my usual literary diet requires. So to break out of my nonfiction rut, I decided to read a bigtime, serious, attention-getting novel. I grabbed one that generated a ton…
continue readingWin a Trip to See Metallica
Nothing to do with books, but guitars are my second love, so here ya go… While many listeners may still be debating the audio quality of Metallica’s new CD, Death Magnetic, that’s no reason to stop you from entering this cool contest. If you like Metallica, that is. Or, if you want a badass guitar.…
continue readingInterview: Matt Bondurant, Author
In 2005, Matt Bondurant published The Third Translation, a book that blended the study of Egypt, professional wrestling thugs, cults, London musuems, extensive research, and hieroglyphic puzzles. The debut novel received critical acclaim and was published in a number of countries around the world. Now, Bondurant is back with a dramatically different tale. Based on…
continue readingCool Activities at Dzanc Books
Dzanc Books, one of the coolest small, independent publishers out there, has some interesting activities in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars now, because you’ll want to get in on this action. First up, writers can submit their work-in-progress for the 2008 Dzanc Prize. The winner receives $5,000. In keeping with Dzanc’s mission of supporting…
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