Monthly Archives: July 2011

Review: When the Killing’s Done by T.C. Boyle

Even when his subjects are arcane, for instance, historical novels about the life and work of Alfred Kinsey (The Inner Circle), or the women in Frank Lloyd Wright’s life (The Women), I can always find something to love in TC … Continue reading

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The Joke’s on Me is Here!

Yes! Beating my personal deadline of having a novel published by a significant birthday, The Joke’s on Me is here and, like the hot tomatoes on the cover, ripe for the plucking. I’m taking this show on the virtual road … Continue reading

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The Keep: A Review

Because I loved A Visit from the Goon Squad, I went straight to my library to find Jennifer Egan’s earlier works. The Keep, published in 2006, is another example of how brilliant she is with flawed and sometimes unlikable characters. … Continue reading

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Give the MLB All-Star Game to the Minors

I love the Home Run Derby. A fairly recent addition to the All-Star Game festivities (it’s televised tonight, at 8PM, check your local listings), it pits the big bats, like David Ortiz and Prince Fielder, head-to-head in a contest to … Continue reading

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The Not-So-Great Gatsby: A Literary Abomination

In a brilliant blog post yesterday, film critic Roger Ebert lays into Macmillan Reader Editions for putting out a “dumbed down” version of The Great Gatsby. This series, apparently, is designed to relieve high school students of that nasty responsibility … Continue reading

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Food Fight on the Fourth

Every Independence Day since 1916, Nathan’s Famous has sponsored their International Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island. But don’t for a minute think these contestants are simply a bunch of big dudes who can pack away … Continue reading

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