Philip Roth

The Philip Roth Society

*I truly love Philip Roth and have been surfing around looking for reviews on his newest novel, Indignation. Today I came across this website and just had to share. This is by far the craziest website I have ever seen! It actually brought tears of laughter to my eyes. I have no idea why I responded that way. Click on the title above and see for yourself.

Tom Moon

1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die 

by Tom Moon

You have heard of the book and have wanted to check out the music. Well, now you can go to Moon's website and explore the online version of the list (published alphabetically in the book). 

Jonathan Lethem

Jonathan Lethem,longtime author and 

first-time songwriter collaborated with the Silos to release the album, I'm Not Jim. Check out their myspace to listen to a few tracks.

A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity

For a limited time, for every copy of A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity bought on BillOReilly.com, they will send a copy to the troops.

The Given Day

The Given Day: A Novel 

by Dennis Lehane 

Set in Boston at the end of the First World War, New York Times bestselling author Dennis Lehane's long-awaited eighth novel unflinchingly captures the political and social unrest of a nation caught at the crossroads between past and future.

Click on this link for a video trailer introducing the book.

Hole in My Life

Hole in My Life

by Jack Gantos

Review:

Jack Gantos is known for writing semi-autobiographical stories, picture books and novels for children. He has written over thirty books for young people and was a National Book Award finalist. In Hole in My Life, Gantos relates how as a young adult, he became a drug user and smuggler. He was arrested, did time in prison, and eventually got out and went to college. The whole time he was living a life of adventure, he yearned to be a writer.

I loved this book for its honesty and voice. Originally, I thought it would be great to recommend to a middle school student, but after finishing, I realize there are some scenes that are more appropriate for a well read high schooler. Some of the literary references, would be most appreciated by adult readers and especially huge classic literature fans.

Caedmon Poetry Collection

Caedmon Poetry Collection
A Century of Poets Reading Their Work
by William Butler Yeats

Review:

The Caedmon company was founded in 1952 and have produced a rich oral tradition in poetry, drama, and spoken-word performances for several years. This set of three Cd's presents you with an unbelievable listening experience from some of the twentieth century's greatest poets. What sets this comprehensive collection apart from other poetry readings is that the actual poets are reading their work. A must have for all English teachers and lovers of poetry.

I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee

I Am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee

by Charles J. Shields

Review:

This book is a great companion to explore while reading the most widely read novel in American literature, To Kill a Mockingbird. Although Lee lives a mysterious and private life, Shields still manages to piece together hundreds of interviews with Lee's classmates, friends, and neighbors. Shields is the author of several nonfiction books for young readers and this book would be perfect for any middle or high school student. He is also the author of The New York Times best seller, Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee, which I highly recommend for mature readers.

Hello, Harvest Moon

Hello, Harvest Moon

by Ralph Fletcher and Kate Kiesler

Review:

This is a great little picture book that is perfect for the Fall season. The illustrations are alluring and magical. If you are a teacher, this book is great for teaching a lesson on "mood". I actually used it for a K-1 grade craft class as a starting point for a conversation about a scarecrow. If you enjoyed Ralph Fletcher's Twilight Comes Twice, you will love love this companion.

Exit Ghost 

by Philip Roth

Review:

Exit Ghost is Roth's 28th book and the final novel in the Zuckerman series. This series began in 1979 with The Ghostwriter. The story begins with a 71-year-old Nathan Zuckerman returning to New York after more than a decade in rural New England. He is visiting a doctor about a prostate condition that has left him incontinent and probably impotent. It wouldn't be a Roth novel if the plot was that simple. Returning to New York, he makes three important connections. The first is to a young couple with who he suggests swapping homes. The second is to Amy, the former muse of Zuckerman's literary hero, E.I. Lonoff. And the third is to a churlish Lonoff biographer. Overall, anything written by Roth is a great read in my opinion and this one was definitely worth the time, especially if you have been following Nathan Zuckerman for years. A great wrap-up to his story and a must read for all fans of Roth.

"Home" excerpt

*Marilynne Robinson published her first novel, Housekeeping, in 1980; it would be 24 years until her next one, Gilead. Now, a mere four years later, she returns to the town of Gilead with Home. 

 Click here to listen to Maggie-Meg Read as she reads an excerpt from the book.

Joshua Ferris on David Foster Wallace

*I stumbled upon this article a little over a week after the death of Wallace and thought it was worth sharing. Click on the title below for the full story.

The world according to Wallace

The literary world has been stunned by the suicide of David Foster Wallace, a writer considered by many to be the natural heir to Joyce, Pynchon and DeLillo. Here a prominent young American novelist recalls meeting him as a starstruck student reporter.

The World in Six Songs

The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature is written by Daniel J.Levitin, a research scientist and ex-record producer. Some artists cited in this work include Sting, The Talking Heads, Brownsville Station and Johnny Cash. If you enjoyed This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession, you'll love this book!

"This is the worst idea for a book I've ever heard - it makes me want to vomit. The idea encapsulates the very worst part of Western thought. It makes a purely Socratic distinction about something that isn't intellectualizable." [One week later:] "I take it back - I'm sorry! This is great!" — Joni Mitchell

Brooklyn Book Festival

* Today marked the third annual Brooklyn Book Festival in Boerum Hill, NY. This event took place at Brooklyn's Borough Hall and Plaza, yet despite the heat, the place was packed. Luckily, I was still able to hear a few literary stars and some emerging authors read from their newest works. I also, personally met a handful of authors, purchased some books and was able to get some autographs. Throughout the day, I sat in on a few panelled discussions and paraded around the tables upon tables of vendors, looking for bargains and free books. Overall, a great day for fun, sun and books!

Hannah Tinti

*I went to see Hannah Tinti on Friday, September 12th @ Pianos, 158 Ludlow Street, NYC . She read from her first novel The Good Thief. This was a One Story Cocktail Hour Reading Series event and was located on the cozy top floor of the venue. If you have never been to Pianos, they host One Story events regularly, where you can score single stories for only a buck. Although, I missed the reading itself, due to the rainy commute, I still had a chance to meet Hannah and was able to purchase a book and grab an autograph. She gave me and my friend each a St. Anthony's medal, that I have been wearing ever since I put it on Friday night. I hope it brings me good luck. Overall, what started out as a horrible, dreadful night, turned out to be a spontaneously fun adventure. I look forward to reading and reviewing this book in the next few weeks. In the meantime, check out her site and One Story's inventory. 

'Thank You, Thank You Very Much"

The King 

by Rich Koslowski

Review:

The King is a graphic novel mystery about an Elvis impersonator on the Vegas strip, who is taking the world by storm. The investigation revolves around an over weight performer who sports a shiny gold helmet that covers his face. His performances are breathtaking, and many fans are starting to believe that he really is Elvis. One journalist is destined to find out who this man is and will go to great lengths to disprove that he is "The King". Great pictures, fabulous quotes by famous performers and funny one liners. A must read for Elvis fans and graphic novel enthusiasts.