I love Jane Smiley’s 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel. Stuck on her current project, this author of many novels in different genres decided to read one hundred novels. Her journey makes fascinating reading. I love her personal insights and humble tone. A book essentially for readers and novel fans, there is also an […]
Now Reading – 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel Read More »
Welcome aboard Japan! I just had a look at my mapping widget and I’ve had hits from two new places in Australia (East and West coasts) plus Japan, perhaps Tokyo. My map counter doesn’t name names so I’m going by general area. I have also had over 4000 views now. Very gratifying. Guess I won’t
WOTS – Final Clips Read More »
Here are some more quick clips from Word on the Street. In each case, I have asked my interviewees to name their favorite book. Most people named novels but this Atlanta Georgian preferred poetry. This charming librarian from the Toronto International Film Festival Group made me want to live downtown so I could pop into
Clips from Word on the Street – Part II Read More »
This year the weather was perfect for Word on the Street. The crowds were thronging, children were laughing, musicians were playing… My only complaint is I couldn’t do it all. I bought magazines and books, met lots of nice people who publish literary journals and even wrote an impromptu poem. I also went book-buying bananas!
Word on the Street – Favorite Book Clips Read More »
Here’s more literary fun for your MP3 player: New Yorker Stories podcast Current New Yorker writers chose stories from the archives. These are recordings of classic New Yorker stories, introduced and discussed. Happy listening.
New Yorker Stories Read More »
Now reading: law books From Crime to Punishment: Third Edition.Joel E. Pink & David C. Perrier. eds. Criminal Law: Second Edition (Essentials of Canadian Law series)Kent Roach I’m researching courtroom procedure for that big climax to my YA novel. I’m a little torn between using Canadian law and procedures or something more generic. It is
From Crime to Punishment & M.G. Vassanji Read More »
Currently reading: Descant 122, Fall 2003, Volume 34, Number 3. Descant is one of those recherché words, beloved of literary magazines. The editors of these publications eschew titles like ‘Bob’s lit mag,’ often in favour of fancy language. In my opinion, “descant” wins the prize for most esoteric. Not only did I have to look
Literary Spec Fic — Descant 122 Read More »
Oh Pure and Radiant Heart begins with the type of premise I love. J. Robert Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi and Leo Szilard are transported, at the moment of the first nuclear test, to contemporary New Mexico. They are discovered by a librarian, Ann, who at first refuses to believe she has seen “dead physicists.” Lydia Millet’s
Oh Pure and Radiant Heart — by Lydia Millet Read More »