Books/Mags/Blogs

We probably would have let this Boston Globe article pass if a typo on Page Two hadn’t caught our attention. In reviewing the posthumous offering from Olivia Goldsmith, the article’s author says Dumping Billy “…is a clich-ridden story with characters…” We don’t know if she means clinch or cliche — for us, it makes all the difference in the world (yes, we are making fun of someone’s honest mistake which is dangerous given our frequent typos…but they have professional proofreaders; we have cats who can’t type). From London to NY, the merry-go-round called romance

We admit it — initially, we had no interest in reading The DaVinci Code. After all, we outgrew our fascination with all things Templar long ago. But we’re weak and succumbed to peer pressure. And it was a light, fast read. We took it like we take everything: with a dash of healthy skepticism. We often mistakenly assume all people are like us. The Boston Globe examines the phenomenon and rush to tell the “true” story. Alas, it’s clear that some will never learn that truth is in the eye of the beholder. Thriller instinct

We found ourselves both agreeing and disagreeing with Hannah Strom-Martin as she analyzes several current Chick Lit titles. We also agreed and disagreed with the Utne Reader article. Lest anyone accuse us of flip-flopping, let us be clear: we think there is room for all kinds of women in today’s literature — from Isadora Wing (Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying to the stumbling-along-socially (many current novels). We like variety in our heroines, but also think it’s time for Chick Lit to move beyond the conventions established. Perhaps (and this is just off the top of our little heads) the first

We are great believers in karma. Not enough to stop us from making inappropriate comments about people who make us crazy, but enough to force us to do something good when such comments happen. We do a lot of good. Now we are recommending My California: Journeys by Great Writers, despite the fact we weren’t invited to share (see how easy it is to have a karmic slip?). Proceeds from the anthology, which, as may be obvious, celebrates The Golden State, go to the California Arts Council. So buy the book, seethe with jealousy over the fact that we live

We were attracted to this article for all the usual reasons. The delicate jibe at the Los Angeles Times’ inability to review anything interesting. The assertion that the differences between the sexes extend into the world of magazines. The subtle hints for writing for women’s magazines. Maybe it’s the sheer cattiness of the subject. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the confusion we felt at the use of “blithely” in the title while the author interviews former Ladies Home Journal editor, Myrna Blyth (out publicizing her book Spin Sisters: How the Women of the Media Sell Unhappiness and Liberalism to the

When we were children (and this, perhaps, dates us), graphic-laden stories were called comic books. Then they evolved (better covers, better paper, more pictures) to become graphic novels. We were happy with this set-up. But then manga (what you might call Japanese comic books, but as long time fans — we know how to jump on a trend well in advance of its trendiness — we understand these books are so much more) caught a plane out of Narita and emigrated to the United States. Perhaps we weren’t satisfied with our graphic novels, or perhaps theirs were truly better. Only

Some believe it is our unending fondness for bodily function jokes that separates us from beasts. Those some are right. CNN.com covers the enthusiasm of children for all things flatulence, but we believe this article could have targeted grown men just as easily. Poop fiction big hit with kids

We confess: one of the least popular gifts we gave our mother was an AARP membership. Why? Because she didn’t like the implication. Of course, now she sees how membership saves, and appreciates our thoughtfulness more. That and it’s like getting carded again. For authors, AARP offers a very special benefit: yes, we’re talking cold, hard cash (or, more likely, a warm and fuzzy check). MediaBistro spills the beans on pitching to a well read magazine. How to Pitch: AARP The Magazine

The cynic inside sees this as a marketing ploy, the tip of the iceberg, that sort of thing. Why does the world now need The Yellow Submarine: The Book? Wasn’t a song, an album, and a movie enough? I guess it’s the convenient marketing tie-ins: Paul McCartney will also pen a children’s book while the movie, remastered for your viewing pleasure, will be rereleased. Beatles’ Cult Cartoon to Become Book

Following up on our previous wide-eyed story about Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss…it appears the book is destined to be an international bestseller. Sure, it may never achieve the status of, oh, Elements of Style, but a modern book for modern times? I’m waiting for my copy. For authors out there who watch trends: there is now a market for the well-written book on punctuation. A worldwide British success story. Full stop.