Notable Crime Fiction of 2008 [NYT]
The best military history books of 2008 [Independent]
How Scientologists pressurise publishers: With books, their usual tactic is to get their solicitors to send out letters alleging defamation; I had one myself a few years ago. If bookshops receive such a letter, most of them chicken out immediately. They lose very little by not stocking a book – except their honour. [Guardian]
Typing Without a Clue: Next up may be Sarah Palin, who is said to be worth nearly $7 million if she can place her thoughts between covers. Publishers: with all the grim news of layoffs and staff cuts at the venerable houses of American letters, can we set some ground rules for these hard times? Anyone who abuses the English language on such a regular basis should not be paid to put words in print. [NYT]
My Book Of A Lifetime: Crossing to Safety, By Wallace Stegner: He was 62 when, in 1971, he won the Pulitzer for Angle of Repose: he was 78 when Crossing to Safety, his last novel before his death, came out. It’s a miraculous book, written with the wisdom of age but without seeming old. A novel based on character that has immense narrative power. [Independent]
Fought Over Any Good Books Lately?: Yes, it’s a nice, high-minded idea to join a book group, a way to make friends and read books that might otherwise sit untouched. But what happens when you wind up hating all the literary selections — or the other members? [NYT]
Follow the California Literary Review on Twitter: @calitreview
Leave a Comment