Imagine my surprise when I looked at my archives and realized I’d been writing this book blog for one year. Yes, it all began with a classic, The Way We Live Now. If it didn’t weigh 15 pounds I’d recommend it as one of the great summer reads of all time. And if I didn’t have a TBR (to be read) pile that looked like this: I’d read it again. Thank you to everyone who ... Read More...
Jessica Soffer: Interview AND Recipes
Earlier this week I reviewed Jessica Soffer's debut novel, Tomorrow There will be Apricots. The power and grace of this novel have now pushed me to a point of superstition because she is the fifth debut novelist this year (!) who has grabbed and shaken me and each has done it in a different way. It's making me fearful that I'll be reading nothing but drek for the rest of 2013 ... Read More...
The True Secret of Writing: Connecting Life with Language
Thus, sitting, walking, writing, are all moments of practice. The quietest, deepest sits I’ve experienced have included writing. The writing helps to empty and settle the mind. We then can sink into a quiet pool, into silence, out of which all of those tumultuous thoughts were created in the first place. This is from the introduction of Natalie Goldberg’s new book The ... Read More...
Kent Haruf Interview
Earlier this week I reviewed Kent Haruf's newest book, Benediction. To say I loved the book is an understatement. It was one of those books that, when finished, left me moved and mad at myself for having gone this long without knowing the author. I also resolved to learn more about Haruf and to read his other books. Step one was completed with this article from Publisher's ... Read More...
Interview with Carlene Bauer
On Monday I posted my review of Frances and Bernard, a book I found to be witty, sharp, and deep. A complex look at love and friendship between two writers. As often happens when I enjoy a book this much I want to know more about the author and their process. Here then is a Q&A session with Carlene Bauer, conducted by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the publishers of Frances and ... Read More...
Herman Koch Interview
Earlier this week I wrote a review of The Dinner, a book that I found brilliant in its execution and one I would highly recommend to anyone in a book club as it demands discussion. Author Herman Koch challenges the reader by turning their perceptions and beliefs inside out. Where you began the book is not where you will end it. To whet your appetite here is an interview with ... Read More...
