Tag Archives: Book Reviews

I didn’t see this coming

I just read that Frank Wilson is leaving the Philadelphia Inquirer… tomorrow! His blog was the second one I ever read. I still remember my first ‘hat tip’ regarding news about some lit prizes. His reliable posts and comments have been fun to try and keep up with. And I have to say there was always something cool about a professional book reviewer blogging all the while he’s penning ink to actual paper.

I’m hoping that Wilson will continue vetting the best and worst of book-inspired links for all of us, somewhere online.

Hello 2008!

I sure do hate to see the holidays fading behind me. It’s one of the few times a year I can really cram in some solid reading time. A couple of days off work, big old couch, cup of coffee, a new book…

Over the past week, I picked up and finished  Chabon’s Yiddish Policeman’s Union. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the perfect winter holiday book. I’m not one for ‘alternate history’ kinda things, but this one was well done. Of course Chabon’s writing was great (as always) but I really enjoyed the peek into the lives of the Jewish/Yiddish/Orthodox people. Lots of interesting tidbits to chew on. It’s fascinating to ‘experience’ older cultures like that. I did throw my two cents into the conversation with a short rambling book review over on LibraryThing too.

Now I’m turning the pages of The Bookaholics Guide to Book Blogs. If you frequent lit blogs, then you’ll know 99% of the folks featured in the book. I had no idea that some of the ‘heavy weights’ in the lit blog world are such a tight knit group. A couple of them are even married. I’ll pass along more when I’m done.

Hope your new year is off to a good start and that your holidays were as enjoyable and book-filled as mine were!

Book Review Podcasts

The Birmingham Public Library has posted a stocking full of podcasts. They feature local librarians’ reviews and recommendations for gift-worthy reads this season. Looks like they’re using PodBean and it loads verrrry fast! So it’s no hassle to cruise them all rather quickly. Very cool!

I’m going to have to check out Yvonne Crumpler’s take on Wayne Flynt’s book to see if we agree. And then check back later to see what else she recommends.