Billy Collins at Strand

Lovely evening at a Billy Collins reading at Strand. On whether or not he’ll ever write prose: “No.” … “No one asks prose writers if they’ll ever write poetry.” … “Poetry is a bird, prose is a potato.” PS – My blog is back up, after a several month struggle/confusion with hosting.

Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel (& Author Event)

Gentle readers, I’ve returned from a longer than anticipated blogging absence. I went on a relaxing 9 day vacation to Michigan, thinking that I would probably catch up on some book review posts there. I wound up barely touching a computer the whole time. I did finish six books while I was there, which was… Continue reading Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel (& Author Event)

Lisa See Event

Lisa See The Lisa See event last night was excellent. It’s wonderful to hear her speak about her books and the research that goes into them, and her family. I tried to scribble down notes to share with all of you, and sort of succeeded. I definitely don’t have anywhere close to everything that she… Continue reading Lisa See Event

Neil Gaiman Event

On Saturday, Ryan and I went to a Neil Gaiman event that was part of the Pen World Voices Festival. The event was fantastic; Neil is an excellent speaker and very funny. Neil Gaiman   My favorite part of the discussion was his thoughts about the creative process. He said that any creative person (writer,… Continue reading Neil Gaiman Event

Junot Diaz Event

Junot Diaz I was thrilled to have another chance to see Junot Diaz last night. His first event was immediately after The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was published, and I had not read it, or his very well regarded short story collection Drown, so I did not go to last year’s signing. The… Continue reading Junot Diaz Event

Polysyllabic Spree – March 2008

Books Purchased: Books Purchased – March 2008 I found some awesome books and book deals this month. I picked up Clemetine’s Letter, Armageddon in Retrospect, and Unaccustomed Earth at Strand before they were released for 50% off, and Unaccustomed Earth was signed by Jhumpa. I picked up the Neal Pollack Anthonogy of American Literature at… Continue reading Polysyllabic Spree – March 2008

My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead

My Mistress’s Sparrow Is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekhov to Munro Jeffrey Eugenides This month two new books came out that benefit two branches of 826 National, a non-profit organization that helps school age children develop expository and creative writing skills. My Mistress’s Sparrow is Dead: Great Love Stories, from Chekhov to Munro, edited… Continue reading My Mistress's Sparrow is Dead