“One of the joys of literature is that we can always push back against established ways of speaking and seeing—and nothing has to be blown up.” Mark Z. Danielewski, whose latest novel, the first installment of a 27-book series called The Familiar, has just been released, writes for The Atlantic‘s “By Heart” series about “signiconic” writing, the orneriness of his work and the graphic novel Here. Pair with our 2012 interview with Danielewski.
Nothing Has to Be Blown Up
One Award To Rule Them All
Over at Book Riot, Jeff O'Neal's asking readers to vote for their favorite literary award… based on the quality of each one's backlist.
●
●
It’s an Honor
As a tribute to James Salter, who died on Friday at ninety, The Paris Review Daily republished his acceptance speech for their Hadada Prize, back in 2011. In the speech, Salter touches on George Plimpton, Barnes and Noble and his novel A Sport and a Pastime. You could also read our interview with the author.
●
●
Sourcing ‘The Hobbit’
In an essay for The Guardian, John Garth identifies an interesting source for parts of Tolkien's The Hobbit: Native American lore.
●
●
Red Dawn
Apropos of nothing, here are some books to read when your country is invaded by Russians.
John Green vs. Louise Erdrich
"Let me be frank," writes our own Edan Lepucki for the opening round of this year's Tournament of Books. "I went into this matchup excited to read The Round House, whereas I approached The Fault in Our Stars with curiosity and trepidation." But did she wind up pleasantly surprised? Check out the rest of her write-up to see which tearjerker moved on to the next round. (Bonus: Janet Potter on John Green's heartbreaking novel.)