The Big Dick
OnAs many of you know from my book reviews, I love the work of the mad literary genius Philip Kindred Dick (1928-1982). And I’m glad to see that he’s finally receiving some of the recognition denied him during his short and troubled…
The Boomer Bookshelf
OnIn the current issue of Newsweek, Malcolm Jones looks at the books that define the boomer generation: Though really, boomers should probably be flattered that someone still considers us a target audience at all. But the underlying suggestion is valid enough: was…
Review Un Lun Dun by China Miéville
OnToday in January Magazine’s children’s book section, contributing editor Andi Shechter looks at Un Lun Dun, China Miéville’s first book for young adults. Shechter reports that Un Lun Dun works on all levels. “The best praise I can offer is that Un…
Why Sam Leith Hates Deepak Chopra
OnIn a posting on The Telegraph’s Arts blog, literary editor Sam Leith, author of Daddy, Is Timmy In Heaven Now?, doesn’t mince words when slamming Deepak Chopra’s latest pearls of wisdom: I have a conviction, perhaps irrational, but no less deeply felt…
Hitler Tome Vetoed During Freedom to Read Week
OnWhen the Saskatoon Public Library asked Yann Martel to read from any banned or challenged book for Freedom to Read Week, the author of Life of Pi chose Mein Kampf. “It’s a horrible book,” Martel told The National Post, “but a horribly…
When Imperial Power Wanes
OnSpoiler Alert! (Or, maybe, “newsflash,” depending on your take on the matter.) Captain America is dead. According to The Guardian: As a symbol of waning imperial power, it is unmistakeable. Captain America, the stars-and-stripes wearing, blond and blue-eyed “pinnacle of human physical…
Where Does He Find the Energy?
OnIt seems that Marshal Zeringue, who we first got to know through his terrific Web log Campaign for the American Reader, now has five blogs going at once, all of them presenting opportunities to learn about authors and their works. In addition…
Review: The Echelon Vendetta by David Stone
OnToday in January Magazine’s crime fiction section, contributing editor David Thayer examines The Echelon Vendetta, a debut novel by the pseudonymous David Stone, reportedly a former soldier and intelligence officer. “The Echelon Vendetta is an intelligent, sophisticated thriller,” writes Thayer, “an impressive…
Another Random Purchase
OnA 90 per cent chunk of Virgin Books has been acquired by Random House UK. According to Booktrade.Info, the deal “gives the company worldwide use of the Virgin brand in the field of book, audio and digital publishing.” Not strictly part of…
Review: Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster
OnToday, in January Magazine’s fiction section: a review of Paul Auster’s 13th novel, Travels in the Scriptorium. Paul Auster’s 13th novel is almost wonderful. One gets the feeling that the author was reaching for something here, something he doesn’t quite attain. Part…