Yeah, it’s a slim week, but December’s just getting started.
that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
Tustin bookstore might be the gutsiest new business of 2020—This Orange County Couple Seems to have more courage than brains, but more power to ’em!! Love the idea.
Campaign to buy JRR Tolkien’s house backed by Lord of the Rings actors—Another great idea
It’s time for Best-Of awards and lists, and what better way to start off than with this one: A Dog Pissing at the Edge of a Path wins oddest book title of the year—If I’ve been previously aware of The Diagram Prize, it’s completely slipped my mind. But I’m making notes to find out who wins in 2021.
The 89 Best Book Covers of 2020—I don’t understand how some of these made the list, and others I’m tempted to buy without knowing anything about the contents. Either way, a fun way to scroll for a few minutes.
A Response to Claims of Racism in Naomi Novik’s A DEADLY EDUCATION—I had a hard time swallowing all the claims I saw about Novik’s book a couple of months ago, but haven’t had the time to read it myself. I appreciate this response (while not agreeing jot-and-tittle with all it says)
What even is a relatable book?—I’ve found myself using this word more often than I’d expect I would. The Orangutan Librarian offers some good cautions about the use/overuse of it.
That I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
The Art of Violence by S. J. Rozan—I really could’ve stopped reading once I realized it was a new Bill Smith/Lydia Chin novel, but the premise is brilliant: an artist comes to Bill, worried that he may have killed to women, but has no memory of it. He wants Bill to prove him innocent or guilty—he just needs to know if he’s a serial killer.
The Transit of Lola Jones by Jackie Swift—”As the book opens we find Lola recovering from the breast cancer that threatened to prematurely end her life and languishing in a police cell, the main suspect in the murder of businessman Daniel Blain…But is she guilty, and even if she is guilty, is she to blame? This is a funny, smart, sexy, modern romp of a book and Lola Jones is a character that you’ll instantly want to be your best friend.”
Deer Shoots Man (then steals his cigarettes) by Tyler Knight—your typical cage-fighter “in a high-octane chase to track down the genetic code that could cure a disease that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, including himself and his son” in a near-future LA.
I’d like to say hi and extend a warm welcome toP.L. Stuart, Masha, and Shoppen met Marceline who followed the blog this week. Don’t be a stranger, and use that comment box, would you?
Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote
The claims of racism in A Deadly Education really made me wonder what was going on but cautious to dare try it myself… Hope you have a great month of December, sir!