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
I read some thoughts over at Reading Matters. Basically the guy goes off on Updike’s new book Terrorist. I have not read Updike’s latest, but I do have to nod in agreement to his general view of the books big houses are cranking out these days.
I am in no way a “serious lit” reader. I wish I could get into a lot of the classics and put forth thoughts on liteary theory. But all that takes the fun out of books, for me. I like a good read. Period. That means good writing too.
I give every novel 100 pages before I give up…
Continue reading I kind of agree…
to check out this weekend’s BookTV schedule.
The most interesting segment I see would have to be Kantor’s Guide on Politically Incorrect English and American Literature. She seems to make some pretty bold statements. It’s fun to talk to your tv! Maybe even argue! DVR’s are go!
Simon & Schuster is producing a new online “get published” site. It’s called First Chapters and is being touted as a web-based “American Idol for books”. Basically, unpublished authors submit works, then everyone votes, etc., etc. After weeks of narrowing the field a panel of judges awards the winner $5,000 and a publishing contract.
Here’s the NY Times full article.
I guess any publicity for the publishing industry is good. But this just seems like a convoluted way of arriving at a book with mass appeal via the “lowest common denominator”.
I’ll check in once the field has been cut to the finalists. The whole point of relying on publishers and editors is so they cut through all the crap for me and I don’t have to waste time wading through stuff that’s not any good.
