Daily Lit Links for 8/12
Julia Child: chef, intelligence officer, and 2009 bestseller
Today questions are answered, such as “How’s the new Conroy novel?”, “What ever happened with Justine Larbalestier’s cover battle?,” and “How can I get my significant other to cook me gourmet food?” We also have a list of books from Washington journalist Judy Woodruff to help young people “stay sharp” - it could be a much needed transition between summer reading and school. Enjoy!
- Pat Conroy’s latest novel South of Broad was released yesterday, and so far critics are calling it entertaining but weaker than his other books. Best known for the Prince of Tides, Conroy often explores themes of suicide, race relations, and the South in his novels, and South of Broad is no exception. However, this time around the themes get in each other’s way, creating a somewhat disjointed read. The Associated Press says, “There are many tragedies in ‘South of Broad,’ any one of which could have sprouted its own novel. To see them all mashed together feels a bit gratuitous.” Other critics agree, though they believe Conroy fans will be able to see past the flaws and enjoy the book overall.
- In the same way that the Twilight movie helped book sales (as if they needed to be helped), the new film Julie & Julia is rocketing Julia Child’s classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking onto national bestseller lists. Jacket Copy discusses the movie’s influence on sales at LA’s Vroman’s bookstore, saying that Julia Child’s cookbooks aren’t the only thing selling - her autobiography is also flying off the shelf. Entertainment Weekly’s Shelf Life discusses the leap in sales, as well, and talks with publisher Knopf about how they are keeping the 50-year-old cookbook in stock. So if you’re craving some home cooking, take your partner to the movies, and prepare to reap the delicious rewards.
- For kids and teens it’s time to dust off the brain and re-enter school mode, and journalist Judy Woodruff suggests some books to help in the process and gives Short Stack “a reading list for young people who want to stay sharp.” From the inspirational The Last Lecture to the informative Battle for America 2008, the list offers young people enjoyable ways to stay in tune with the world around them. And there is no highlighting required.
- Last week we reported on the cover controversy surrounding Justin Larbalestier’s latest novel, Liar. The main character of the book is black, while the girl on the cover of the U.S. advanced reading copies was white. Publisher Bloomsbury responded to the recent outcries of bloggers and advanced copy recipients (not to mention Larbalestier herself) and has officially changed the cover to show a model who might actually pass for the protagonist. The Guardian has the full story, including a quote from Bloomsbury explaining that the original, white cover “was intended to symbolically reflect the narrator’s complex psychological makeup.” Let’s hope so.
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