How refreshingly normal was that stumbling through the oath by now-President Obama? I loved it. And now for some quick bookbits:
Australian writer Harry Nicolaides has been sent to jail in Thailand for three years for insulting the Thai royal family in his novel Verisimilitude. Gulp.
- 101 and going strong – Mills and Boon novelist Jean MacLeod spent her 101st birthday writing her next book.
- The hitman believed to be the one tasked with killing Roberto Saviano for writing Gomorrah: Italy’s Other Mafia escaped the Italian police through the sewers.
- The drawback of an e-reader for authors is that the reader can, all too easily, check how often a phrase or word is used. I should check out how The Redemption of Althalus fails in that way, since I hated all the repetitions in it. Although, for that matter, Homer wouldn’t pass the test, either, what with his endless repetitions of “the rosy fingers of dawn” (or a slight variation thereon)…
Here’s something to get the bibliophile that has everything: a Robo-Murasaki that recites The Tale of Genji, complete with fluttering fan. By the way, if you’re going to read it, get the entire thing – don’t be a fool like me and buy (unknowingly, it has to be said) an abridged version, because by the time you get used to the style and completely into the story, it’s finished and you’re left hanging.
- Interview! Here’s a piece on Indian writer/diplomat Vikas Swarup, whose debut Q&A has been adapted into the (already) award-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire.
- R. I. P. John Mortimer, creator of Horace Rumpole of television and book fame, died on January 16th, aged 85.
- A new trend? In her latest novel Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell pushes American Rust, Philipp Meyer’s debut novel (out next month). She liked the manuscript so much she decided to have one of the characters read it. How’s that for endorsement/advertising?
This is really a Lit Link (they’ll be returning shortly!), but I couldn’t resist: ReadKiddoRead.com – a website chockfull of tips on what kids of all ages might want to read. Any site that recommends Knuffle Bunny is a good one in my book!
- Have a look at the writing den of Sebastian Faulks. Heartening to see such a seasoned writer have “Keep Calm and Carry On” right above his computer.
Tags: Children's Books, crime, e-readers, endorsement, Fiction, Film & TV Tie-ins, interview, jail, keep calm and carry on, lese-majeste, old, repetition, robots, Romance
We LOVED Knuffle Bunny in our house too. One of those rare picture books that parents will enjoy just as much as kids. And the sequel, Knuffle Bunny Too was another rarity – just as good as the original while sticking to the same kind of story. These books make me smile every time I look at them.