Two places at once

I read Nick Toshes book In the Hand of Dante a couple of years ago and have just run across his writing twice today in two different places. Here he’s reviewing a Dante bio (Bookforum link via fade theory) and here he’s participating in Esquire‘s Napkin Project.
I have to say that his napkin my favorite thing he’s written.

The Napkin Project is pretty cool and I killed too much time there today. Some of the writing is good, but what I’ve enjoyed is looking how all of the authors used the space of the napkin. There’s even an entry from Bama-boy Rick Moody, who took up both sides of his napkin.

Bookartist Podcasts

The Books Arts Program over in Tuscaloosa posts podcasts of interviews with book artists from around the country. I wish I had discovered this sooner. It’s great listening and amazing to compare the thoughts and processes of such an eclectic and talented group.

I hope they keep it up for years to come. Imagine having an archive full of these colorful folks 20 years down the road…

A ying to that yang

Now, after that last post ranting on the state of new books, I have to say I am most excited about Michael Chabon’s 2007 release! It’s titled The Yiddish Policeman’s Union and is set to hit bookshelves on May 1st. Being a cover-guy, I usually wait until Amazon has covers posted before linking. But I feel as if I need some balance after that last post.
Chabon’s new story has and “alternate reality” twist to it as it takes place in Israel which is in Alaska…

Continue reading A ying to that yang

Books, Publishing and Birmingham