L.A. Times - Books & Talks

'The Second Plane' by Martin Amis
Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700
September 11: Terror and Boredom IT would be too easy to read Martin Amis' slim book on Sept. 11 in a day and to dismiss it with a politically correct glare. The dozen essays, columns and reviews and two short stories in "The Second Plane: September 11, Terror and Boredom" are more illuminating than that, though deeply, sometimes self-indulgently flawed.
'The House of Widows' by Askold Melnyczuk
Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Family secrets lie at the end of a dark and twisted path FROM its puzzling opening line ("The most common grammatical error is the lie"), there's an ominous vibe to Askold Melnyczuk's third novel, "The House of Widows," and the sense of unease lingers until the final sentence. It's a mysterious, masterfully taut story in which dread plays a prominent role.
'Marco Polo' by Laurence Bergreen
Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700
An account of the adventures of the celebrated 13th century world traveler. MARCO POLO was only 17 when he departed for China in 1271 with his father, Niccolò, and his uncle, Maffeo. Those two merchants of Venice were known to the boy primarily as storytellers of their fabulous exploits, writes award-winning biographer and historian Laurence Bergreen, for they had been absent more than 16 years, Marco's entire childhood. The pair had followed trade routes east, encountered exotic countries and customs and survived many perils; they had even lived for a time at the court of Kublai Khan, the leader of the Mongol Empire. Eventually they agreed to accompany his emissary west to the pope, vowing to return to Cambulac (Beijing) with several items the Great Khan had requested.

NYT > Books

Children’s Books: The Greatest’s Story, Told Twice
Mon, 12 May 2008 15:42:56 -0000
Two handsome new books for different age groups take on the formidable challenge of telling the story of Muhammad Ali’s epic life.
Children’s Books: Earth to Young People: Help!
Sat, 10 May 2008 01:28:12 -0000
A “family encyclopedia of ecology” and the first book by “the MySpace community” spell out environmental threats and suggest action to help.
Children’s Books: When We Last Saw Our Heroes ...
Sat, 10 May 2008 12:57:15 -0000
Sequels to the popular children’s books “Not a Box,” “Zen Shorts” and “Little Pea” — plus the latest in Mo Willems’s “Pigeon” series.

Fiction & Poetry

Thirteen Hundred Rats
T. Coraghessan Boyle Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
There was a man in our village who never in his life had a pet of any kind until his wife died. By my calculation, Gerard Loomis was in his mid-fifties when Marietta was taken from him, but at the ceremony in the chapel he looked so scorched and . . .
Songs of a Season
Maureen N. McLane Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
for here or to go-- a glass mug, a paper cup-- life is fast, art slow only a few years before all that I am blows free, subatomic not for me that life the careless joy of the dog not for me that leap how to say beautiful weekend in . . .
After Love
Jack Gilbert Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
He is watching the music with his eyes closed. Hearing the piano like a man moving through the woods thinking by feeling. The orchestra up in the trees, the heart below, step by step. The music hurrying sometimes, but always returning to quiet, like the man remembering and hoping. It . . .

London Review of Books

Gazillions · Neal Ascherson: Organised Crime
Karabas was gunned down in 1997. He and his mob had taken over the port city of Odessa as law and order disintegrated in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. One might call his reign a comprehensive protection racket. But, looked at in another way, Karabas became the only reliable source of authority and social discipline. He arbitrated the city's commercial disputes (10 per cent of net profits was his price); he kept the drug peddlers to one area of Odessa, and prevented the horrific people-smuggling in the harbour district from infecting the rest of the town. Using a bare minimum of thuggery, he kept the peace. Karabas seldom carried a gun. Everyone looked up to him, and levels of violence stayed lower in Odessa than in other Russian and Ukrainian cities. His murderers were probably Chechens hired to break Odessa's grip on the local oil industry, a grip coveted by Ukraine's then president, Leonid Kuchma, who 'during his ten years in power . . . presided over the total criminalisation of the Ukrainian government and civil service'.
An Element of Unfairness · Ross McKibbin on the Great Education Disaster
The modern history of English secondary education begins with the 1944 Education Act, usually known as the Butler Act. It was, for better and worse, the most important piece of education legislation of the 20th century, but was expected to reform an educational system already deeply divisive and inequitable. In some ways it promoted the hopes of wartime democracy; in others it betrayed them. It raised the school-leaving age to 15 and made secondary education universal and free. It equalised the payment of teachers in all state secondary schools and devised procedures by which nearly all the religious elementary schools were incorporated into the state system. It didn't specify what kind of secondary education local authorities should establish, and as a result they fell back on what already existed and what conventional opinion thought appropriate: grammar schools for the academically inclined, junior technical schools for those with superior technical aptitudes and secondary moderns for those of a 'practical' turn of mind.
Kick over the Scenery · Stephen Burt on Philip K. Dick
When an art form or genre once dismissed as kids' stuff starts to get taken seriously by gatekeepers - by journals, for example, such as the one you are reading now - respect doesn't come smoothly, or all at once. Often one artist gets lifted above the rest, his principal works exalted for qualities that other works of the same kind seem not to possess. Later on, the quondam genius looks, if no less talented, less solitary: first among equals, or maybe just first past the post. That is what happened to rock music in the late 1960s, when sophisticated critics decided, as Richard Poirier put it, to start 'learning from the Beatles'. It is what happened to comics, too, in the early 1990s, when the Pulitzer Prize committee invented an award for Art Spiegelman's Maus. And it has happened to science fiction, where the anointed author is Philip K. Dick.

Guardian Unlimited Books

JK Rowling says no to age banding on children's books
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
JK Rowling has joined the growing revolt against publishers' plans to brand children's books with "appropriate" age bands
US teacher is suspended for letting pupils read bestseller
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Collection of stories written by inner-city teenagers and collated by teacher is banned by school authorities due to swearing
The Presence wins Welsh award
Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Jul 2: Dannie Abse and Gareth Miles win Wales Book of the Year prizes

NPR Topics: Books

Welsh Awards Snafu Leaves Red Faces
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:41:00 -0400
Welsh Assembly Culture Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas has apologized for naming the wrong person winner of the Wales Book of the Year. He named Tom Bullough, who briefly thought he had won. Dannie Abse was the actual winner. Thomas apologized to both.
Excerpt: 'Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean'
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:19:00 -0400
Douglas Wolk takes graphic novels seriously and dissects today's comic-book landscape.
Excerpt: 'The Great Comic Book Heroes'
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:12:00 -0400
Jules Feiffer offers a critical history of comic books. He labels comics "junk" — only to vigorously defend our need for them.

Slashdot: Book Reviews

Dungeons and Desktops
samzenpus Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:30:00 -0000
Aeonite writes "Dungeons and Desktops: The History of Computer Role-playing Games chronicles the rise and fall of the Computer RPG industry, from Akalabeth to Zelda and everything in between. While the bulk of the book is devoted to the genre's 'Golden Age' in the late '80s and early '90s, author Matt Barton explores the entire history of CRPGs, from their origins in the mid '70s to the very recent past. While not entirely comprehensive, the book covers not only the major players and award-winners, but also dozens of obscure 'also-ran' as well as notable games in related genres." Keep reading for the rest of Michael's review.Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Google Apps Hacks
samzenpus Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:58:00 -0000
stoolpigeon writes "It seems that it wasn't long ago that Google was just a search company. The number of on-line products that fly under the Google moniker, today, is impressive. Google has moved well beyond its office-suite-like applications and excelled with everything from mapping to blogging to 3-D drawing. Google Apps Hacks is a new book from O'Reilly, published in conjunction with their Make magazine. This volume presents the reader with 141 hacks in an attempt to get the most out of a wide array of Google's on-line applications. The result is a quick ride that is rather fun — and while a bit shallow at times, it provides a great overview of just how much is available out there." Read below for the rest of JR's review.Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Terminal Chaos
samzenpus Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:10:00 -0000
Ben Rothke writes "While Terminal Chaos should be shelved in the current events or business section of a bookstore, it could also be placed in the modern crime section. After reading it, one gets the impression that the state of air traffic today could only come due to criminal neglect or mischief. If one looks at pictures of airline flights from the 1960s, you will see well-dressed passengers enjoying their flight. In 2008, barely a day goes by without an incident of air rage, from irate passengers in the terminal, to those in the air causing flights to be diverted. Today's airline traveler considers it a near miracle if his flight arrives on time with his baggage." Keep reading for the rest of Ben's review.Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Books

Appreciation for storytellers
mkehe Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:38:31 -0000
The Newbery-Caldecott dinner (the event at which this year’s winners of the prestigious children’s book awards are honored) took place this week and you won’t find a better piece of reporting on that than what appears in the 7/2 edition of “Shelf Awareness,” the e-mail newsletter that goes out daily to independent [...]
How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend
picks Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:19:47 -0000
How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend written by The Monks of New Skete is a pleasant, interesting, and informative training manuals for dog owners. We are gently taught why dogs do what they do and learn kindly ways to change their attitudes and behavior, as well as our own. The Monks of New [...]
Wry views of a fesity generation
reviews Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:05:35 -0000
If you’ve never read Jane Gardam – and most Americans haven’t – you’re in for a treat. She’s been writing fiction for grown-ups since 1975, and has won numerous literary awards, including the Whitbread twice and the Booker shortlist.

 

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Gaffney, Patricia - From Bookworm's Lair a complete bibliography and review of the novel 'The Saving Graces'.
Meta Description: [ Complete bibliography and reviews of selected novels ]

Gaffney, Patricia - The author of Circle Of Three from HarperCollins.
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Gale, Barbara - This is the official home page of romance author, Barbara Gale. Author of The Ambassador's Vow.
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Garbera, Katherine - Silhouette Desire releases Katherine's third book, Her Baby's Father. The book will be part of an in-line series called The Baby Bank.
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Garbera, Katherine - Award-winning author of sexy, adventurous romance, Katherine Garbera is known for heart-tugging sensual romance.
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Garner, Sharon K. - Biography of the romance author, plus synopses and excerpts from her books, River of Dreams and Lokelani Nights, prize drawings, ordering information.

Garnett, Juliana - The home of romance writer Juliana Garnett. The author of The Vow.

404 Garwood, Haley Elizabeth - Book synopses.

Gavin, Nell - Author's personal website includes description and excerpt from Threads: The Reincarnation of Anne Boleyn, biography, Tudor facts, and contact information.
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Gellis, Roberta - The author of Irish Magic.

Gentry, Georgina - Two time winner of Romantic Times Lifetime achievement award. Read Georgina Gentry's Cheyenne Song.
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George, Elizabeth Taylor - Here is the web site of award winning romance author of Medieval Ebook from LionHearted Publishing, Knight's Desire.
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George, Melanie - Author of both historical and contemporary romances. Biography, book information, and an excerpt.
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Gerard, Cindy - The author of Lone Star Knight and other best selling romance novels.
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Gerow, Tina - Romance Authors biography, current writing project and critique group information.

Gibson, Rachel - USATODAY best selling author, Rachel Gibson is known for writing fast paced novels filled with humor. Rachelgibson.com gives readers a forum to get info about upcoming and existing books.
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Gideon, Nancy - The author of The Men of Pride County series.

Gideon, Nancy - Here is the web site of bestselling romance writer Nancy Gideon aka: Dana Ransom , Rosalyn West and Lauren Giddings. Look for new vampire romance series starting with Midnight Enchantment.
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Gifford, Blythe - Award winning historical author of The Knave and the Maiden Harlequin Historicals January 2004.

404 Gill, Judy - The author of Hidden Embers.
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Gillgannon, Mary - The author of eight novels set in the dark age, medieval and English regency time periods.
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Giusto, Layle - The author of Wind Across Kylarmi.

Givner, Carol - GoldDuets is Carol site for all her alias, the author of Bing, Bang, Boom.

Glass, Seressia - Writer of contemporary and historical romances.

404 Gleason, Colleen - The author of A Whisper of Rosemary.

Gold, Kristi - Romance author of His E-Mail Order Wife.

Gordon, Lucy - The author of Farelli's Wife

Gorman, Cher - Award winning author of romantic fiction.
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Goudge, Eileen - The best-selling author of Garden of Lies, Such Devoted Sisters, Blessing in Disguise, Trail of Secrets, and Thorns of Truth.
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Grace, Carol - Romance author of Married To The Skeik. This site includes biography and excerpts from her published books.

Gracie, Anne - This is the official website of romance author Anne Gracie, who writes historical romances for Harlequin, Mills and Boon and contemporary comedies for Harlequin Duets.
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Graham, Elizabeth - The author of Hayley's Heart.
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Graham, Heather - Historical and contemporary romance author; also writes as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.
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Graham, Janice - An interview with bestselling romance author of Firebird. Plus biography, excerpts, reviews and book jacket summary.
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Graham, Lynne - Unofficial fansite dedicated to the Harlequin presents author. Includes news, publishing dates, a bibliography and a fan forum.

Grall, Marilyn - Electronically published romance author Marilyn Grall announces the release of In Search of Amanda, from New Concepts Publishing.

Grange, Amanda - The author of The Six-month Marriage.

Grant, Laurie - Award-winning historical author,

Grant, Tracy - Historical romance novels by Tracy Grant set in Regency Scotland and England. Includes excerpts and historical notes.
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Grant, Vanessa - Romance Writer's resources from Vanessa Grant. Vanessa's Writers Bookstore has a wide selection of resource books for writers, Canadian Romance Novels, and books by Vanessa Grant. Writers Software features free templates and macros for writers, and the Dogwood Compendium of Names for character naming. This site also features Writing Seminars on Tape, Events, Resources for Research, Publisher and Authors' links.

Graves, Jane - Romance author I Got You Babe.

Gray, R. Garland - The author of paranormal, fantasy and futuristic romance novels, published in paperback and e-book. Biography, title lists, sample chapters, e-book tutorial.

Grayson, Elizabeth - In 1986 her first historical romance, Love, Honor and Betray was published under the name Elizabeth Kary. In 1995 she began to write frontier stories under the name Elizabeth Grayson. Stop in and read about her wonderful new book, PAINTED BY THE SUN, a book Romantic Times calls a sheer wonder of a story.
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Green, Carmen - The author of Endless Love.

Green, Christine - The author of Kate Kinsella mysteries.

Green, Crystal - Romance author of There Goes The Bride.

Green, Sharon - The author of Silken Dreams.

Greene, Carolyn - Currently on deadline with her next novel for Silhouette Books. When she's between books, Carolyn presents information-packed workshops on plotting, story structure, characterization, and conflict.
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Greene, Elena - The author of Regency romance, including biography, reviews and excerpts from current books, previews of upcoming books and some fun links.

Greene, Elena - Award-winning author of Regency Romance. Read excerpts from her books, see the places in England that inspire her stories and explore some fun links.
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Greenwood, Leigh - This is the web site of contemporary and historical romance author of Love On The Run - Zebra Bouquet (contemporary).

Gregory,Jill - Jill's Official Homepage informs you about new and past releases, her life, past reviews, along with her favorite links.

Grey, Amelia - aka Gloria Dale Skinner, author of romance and women's fiction.
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Greyle, Katherine - The author of Rules for a Lady.

Griffin, Bettye - The author of From This Day Forward from BET Books. Read an excerpt from her latest book. Enter her current contest.

Griggs, Winnie - Romance author of What Matters Most.

404 Grijalva, Lucy - Brief bio and book review.

Guhrke, Laura Lee - Award-winning author of historical romance, Laura Lee Guhrke is known for her engaging characters and vivid story lines. Winner of the RITA award.
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Gurnee , David - The author of Memoirs of Elise from WindTime Publications.
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Novelist Yolonda J. Greggs - Information on books written by new Arabesque author Yolonda J. Greggs