The Roaring 20s

Literary Leap Day

Mm, so, a lot of noise has been made about what Leap Day means.  Food 52 thinks it's a day when calories don't, or shouldn't, count.  (Take a gander at their chicken-fried steak and you'll easily agree.)  On Jezebel they're talking about Sadie Hawkins Day, when women eschew more demure sensibilities in favor of propositioning men.  My humbly nerdy proposal on this cold, wet, dismal February 29th, is the following:

Read, and read out of your comfort zone.      

Today, why don't you take a chance on a book you might never normally try? It might sound counterintuitive to read something you think you might hate, but even the things we dislike can tell us a great deal about ourselves.  If you find yourself at a loss for ideas, write to me in the comments--I'd be happy to recommend a literary departure, hand-picked just for you.  Happy Leap Day!  

 

Remembering Keats

So the other night I was at the Brooklyn Inn debating the romanticism of tuberculosis (née consumption) and today, awfully, marks the date John Keats died of consumption in a sick bed in Italy.  To commemorate the man (and make me feel loads better), why don't you give "The Eve of St. Agnes" a read? Forbidden love, ecclesiastic devotion, not-so-chaste virgins...not only is it a beautiful poem, but as evidenced by the excerpt below, it's incredibly sexy.  

Anon his heart revives: her vespers done,   

Of all its wreathed pearls her hair she frees;   

Unclasps her warmed jewels one by one;   

Loosens her fragrant bodice; by degrees   

Her rich attire creeps rustling to her knees.

When you've boned up on Keats*, watch Bright Star.  If you still think consumption is romantic after that, I'll buy you a drink.  

*this pun was an accident, but I felt compelled to leave it.  Sorry, guys.   

Flatscreen

I confess--I'm pretty tired today and it's no fault of Fat Tuesday's.  Last night was the release party for Adam Wilson's debut novel, Flatscreen.  A massive crowd of friends, fans, and bespectacled Brooklynites chowed down on dumplings and nearly spit out their red wine during what was arguably one of the funniest readings BookCourt ever hosted.  Though I can personally testify to the comedic and literary value of this outstanding debut, you'd probably be better off listening to the critics.  Here are just a few lovely things people have been saying about Flatscreen:

“An auspicious debut that promises, in Wilson, a standout addition to a new generation of writers.”— Booklist (starred review)

“Flatscreen is a bleakly funny and totally outrageous debut from an exciting new writer. Adam Wilson has written the slacker novel to end all slacker novels.”— Tom Perrotta, author of The Leftovers

“Comic novelist Adam Wilson makes his swaggering debut in Flatscreen.”— Vanity Fair

“Five things we emphatically endorse this month … a laugh-out-loud literary debut.”— Details

“Wilson gives us something depressingly hilarious and undeniably real....Low-level angst is still angst, and Wilson captures it perfectly.”— Time Out New York

“Flatscreen is the sort of novel we’ve heard nobody is able to write anymore: erudite and hilarious, raunchy and topical, and flat-out fun. Nicholson Baker meets Barthleme with a dash of Nabokov….[B]uy this altogether magical book.”— Darin Strauss, author of Half a Life

Flatscreen is on shelves now.  Stop slacking and go read it! 

PS: For Adam's favorite slacker novels, head on over to Flavorwire...

Happy Birthday, Richard Ford!

"If loneliness is the disease, the story is the cure." 

A very happy birthday to Richard Ford, master of American realism and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Independence Day.   In just a few months, Ecco will publish Canada--Ford's first novel since his Bascombe trilogy--and we could not be more thrilled.  Canada has everything you expect from Richard Ford: luminous, spare prose and an unflinching, empathetic look at human beings.  The novel begins with the most imperfect of crimes, when fifteen year old Dell Parsons’ otherwise unremarkable parents decide to rob a bank.  Dell’s life is thrown into chaos, eventually landing him in Canada, where a charismatic, dangerous American takes him in.  Dell struggles to remake himself in the vast wilderness, searching for a grace and peace which can only become more elusive.  Canada isn't out on May 22nd, but if you'd like to read a copy now, the eGalley is up on Edelweiss.   

School Library Journal Talks to Madeline Miller

"One of my favorite parts about Achilles's legend is the fact that, aside from his skills as a warrior, he is also a beautiful musician. I have always found this a tantalizing and tragic path not taken—Achilles as a creator, instead of destroyer. Throughout the novel, Patroclus fights to help Achilles keep that human, creative side—to be the man, not just the warrior. It is also a reminder that none of us are just one thing." 

I promise, I'll stop talking about The Song of Achilles at some point.  But before I do, let me direct your attention to School Library Journal's interview with Madeline Miller.  If you want more, mine can be found here. The Song of Achilles hits shelves March 6th.    

Date Night for the Bookish

Whether you love or loathe Valentine’s Day, chances are you’ll be forced to acknowledge it somehow. That’s where I come in.  People tend to complain about dating in New York, but don’t mistake them—it’s meeting people that’s difficult.  Planning the date itself? A cake-walk.  In New York, there’s always something afoot.  And if you’re a literarily-inclined couple, there are a few places I can recommend without reservation for that perfect date night.  

Manhattan

1) Bookmarks, in the Library Hotel.  This is, quite possibly, one of the swankiest ways to start your night.  Each floor in the Library Hotel is named for a different Dewey Decimal category, and the cocktails are equally clever.  Try a Capote or a Great Gatsby and admire the view from the roof.   Make sure you say hello to the NYPL’s Library Lions (Patience and Fortitude) on the way.  

2) The Strand.  I know reactions are mixed when it comes to Strand, but nothing compares to wandering around this bookstore with a date.  You’ll probably see plenty of NYU students doing the same, so keep that in mind when you’re picking out books from the $1 bookcarts outside.  If you find yourself in need of a Plan B, McNally Jackson and Housing Works are no-brainers, and fairly close-by.  Or, check out a reading at KGB Bar, get blitzed with the young-ins in St. Mark’s and load up on arepas.            

 3) The Center for Fiction.  How do I love the Center for Fiction? Between the moldings, the chandeliers, and the incredible reading series (like last month’s House of Mirth marathon), this is a midtown treasure. 

4) Hudson Bar and Books.  Another, spendier idea—probably best for one or two drinks, unless your date is Daddy Warbucks. Check out the selection, smoke a cigar, and nurse a well-made Manhattan.   

5) Cherry Lane Theatre.  What’s a trip to Manhattan without seeing a show? This theater, located in a landmark building in the West Village, happens to have been founded by poet Edna St. Vincent Millay.  See a play and afterwards, squeeze into ‘Ino for panini and wine.  End the night with a kiss in front of 75 Bedford Street.  

Brooklyn

6) Proteus Gowanus.  Proteus is a hidden gem in one of the most polluted areas of Brooklyn, and totally worth the trip.  After browsing the carefully curated library, trek on down to Four and Twenty Blackbirds for the best pie of your life.  If you’re thirsty, head over to this book-stacked, spacious watering-hole and hold hands by the fireplace.      

7) Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch.  It’s been a few years since I went on a date in a library, but it’s etched in my mind forever.  Get lost in this one and fill your beloved’s arms with recommended tomes. 

8) Greenlight Bookstore.  One of my favorite bookstores with a stellar location. Start at Greenlight and catch a movie at BAM, then visit Hot Bird afterwards for reasonably priced cocktails made with care.  Did I mention there’s a fire-pit in the backyard? 

9) The Community Bookstore/BookCourt.  Within steps of each other, these bookstores could not be more different.  Community is helter-skelter, cluttered, and gloriously dusty.  BookCourt is more of an all-ages, neighborhood store. Staffed with friendly, whip-smart readers, BookCourt is sure to make you feel the love.  From here, there are tons and tons of places to brunch, drink, or indulge a chocolate binge.  Within walking distance are Black Mountain Wine House, Clover Club, Char No. 4, The Chocolate Room, Rucola, Prime Meats, Buttermilk Channel, Building on Bond, Van Horn Sandwich Shop, Hanco’s…If you couldn’t tell, I live close-by and might border on biased.      

New Yorkers, what did I miss? Poet’s House, WORD, The White Horse Tavern, powerHouse Books? Enlighten me in the comments if need-be.  Lastly, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or lamenting it, be sure to show yourself some love. xo  

Hemingway and Gellhorn

It's been a busy few weeks! Deadlines, meetings, big projects, a trip down to Dallas...

Take this trailer as a peace offering.  And of course, let me know what you think.  Do you buy Nicole Kidman as Martha Gellhorn? Clive Owen as Hemingway? I love the idea of this movie: take a famously contentious literary couple and put them through two world wars, mapping the terrain of love, divorce, and infidelity.  The finished product, on the other hand...well, I guess we'll see.  For your pleasure, and judgment, Hemingway & Gellhorn.