Over at the Guardian, Dave Eggers talks about novelizing a children's classic, how his version of The Wild Things diverges from the film adaptation and his love for Maurice Sendak:
So the book, I thought, would be a place where I could explore these and other ideas, and where I could bend the story toward my own interests a bit (the movie is much more Spike's than mine). Along the way the novel diverged significantly from the movie, and from Maurice's book, but all three share a basic outline - boy is confused about a home and world out of control, boy acts out, boy leaves home and becomes king of a herd of sentient beasts. And all three benefit from the pure, uncompromised vision of childhood that Maurice Sendak espoused and put on paper, again and again, in a stunning body of work that becomes more impressive and singular with every passing decade. He is the greatest living writer and illustrator of books for or about children, period, bar none, end of discussion. He also has a dog named Herman.
Continue reading the article for an excerpt from Eggers's novel and go here for the Guardian's analytical and thought-provoking review of the book.
— Veronica Bond
Contest Mon Oct 26 2009
Here's a chance to get your hands on one of the hot new reads for free: Regal Literary, Audrey Niffenegger's literary agency, is giving away 25 hardcover and 10 advanced reader's copies of the author's new book, Her Fearful Symmetry. All you have to do to enter is become a fan of the book on Facebook and send an email to hfs[at]regal-literary[dot]com with the subject line "Facebook Special Offer - I'm a fan!" by November 13. Does it get much better than free books, especially good free books? I think not. (Also, be sure to check out all of the interviews and videos of Audrey discussing her work on the FB page...there's some good information there.)
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Oct 26 2009
On Thursday, Rick Kogan and Charles Osgood celebrate the release of Sidewalks (Volume II), the second volume of their collected Tribune columns and photographs. This book will be of particular interest to regular Book Club attendees as you might recall, several months ago, finding yourself on the business end of Osgood's exacting lens. No confirmation on whether we made it into the final cut, but regardless the book is sure to be a wonderful compendium of all things Chicago told in Kogan's inimitable voice and accompanied by Osgood's fine photography. Free at 7pm at the Lincoln-Belmont Branch Library, 1659 W. Melrose. Call 312-744-0166 for more information.
— Veronica Bond /
Speaking of getting freaky, do you ever stop to wonder just how much those Newberry librarians go through to bring you an awesome book fair each year? What kinds of crazy reads they're forced to sort into one of their numerous categories? And how many of them are sex guides? Here, a librarian describes some favorite donations: "One is still in print, and can be purchased as a book alone, or in a deluxe set with book, video, and tube of massage oil. I have read the book and I have watched the video...[a]nd I can tell you something about sex you may not have known. People who have sex have very large hands, and they always spread them out flat right HERE, at waist level, whether it's a still photo or a scene in the video. Oh, and people having sex always stand, sit, or loll at a side angle to a camera, so their hands can stay just HERE. Sex, apparently, is a matter of getting really close and then holding your hands out flat just HERE." My question is, who's donating these kinds books? And why? Perhaps I don't want to know.
— Veronica Bond
Reviews Fri Oct 23 2009
The Onion AV Club gives Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner's Superfreakonomics a luke warm review, saying that "there's an artfulness missing this time around in their circuitous paths toward obvious conclusions like 'technology isn't always better' and 'men and women are different.' When they don't openly recycle material...it still feels stale..." Meanwhile, another AV Clubber takes issue with the duo's pondering on why more women don't opt to enter the glamorous and profitable career of high-end hooking:"What a stupid f***ing question, writers of Freakanomics. Do you ever consider humans when you're considering economics?...Hmm, maybe most woman don't become prostitutes because there are literally thousands upon thousands of other, less dangerous, more enjoyable, less degrading, more-long-term, less illegal careers they could be doing. Careers where they didn't have to shower 7-8 times a day." I haven't read the book and I can understand why someone would take issue such a question, but I can't help but read that as a tongue-in-cheek thought experiment. These are University of Chicago professors writing this book, after all, and at the U of C, the mind trumps reality any and every day.
— Veronica Bond
News Fri Oct 23 2009
Cory Doctorow reports that a new CD of Shel Silverstein poetry and music is being released. His take on the new material? "[T]his is some seriously awesome kids' music, full of Silverstein's flawless, legendary rhyme, his wicked humor, and some damned fine music and playing beneath it. It's fast, witty, and full of jokes that work on levels that can be appreciated by pre-verbal toddlers...by kids, and by adults, who will appreciate the snatches of extremely grown-up jokes woven into the whimsy."
— Veronica Bond
News Thu Oct 22 2009
Kanye West is a proud non-reader of books and yet he is about to publish his third. Yeah, I'm scratching my head at that one, too. The new book, Through the Wire, is described as a graphic memoir illustrating twelve of West's songs: "From his decision to drop out of college to pursue his dreams in music, through his days spent folding chinos at The Gap while struggling at night to make a name as a producer, through the pivotal car accident that eventually set him on the course to stardom and the epiphany of realizing exactly who he had become." Hmm...somehow I don't think I'll be lining up at the bookstore to purchase that when it comes out.
— Veronica Bond
Granta continues their coverage of all things Chicago by asking 57th Street Books about their top five Chicago reads. Some famous names are on that list and two of the reads have been past Book Club selections.
— Veronica Bond /
Booklist's Book Group blog directs us to Shelf Renewal, a blog by two Chicago-area librarians dedicated to shining a light on not-so-new books instead of giving more attention to upcoming books that are already getting plenty of publicity. Blog posts so far include a list of books centered around eating habits, dysfunctional families and, inspired by the show Glee, high school novels. Part of the blog's goal is to help other librarians recommend good reads to their patrons, but for readers in general, the blog looks like it will certainly do well to branch out into lesser known books on topics of their interest. (After all, do we really need to know another person's opinion on the latest Dan Brown?) I look forward to seeing which books the pair dig up in future posts.
— Veronica Bond /
Contest Fri Oct 16 2009
The fur-covered editions of Dave Eggers's The Wild Things have arrived at the McSweeney's offices and the first thing the group did was to get busy styling that monster hair. The results are highly amusing (and somewhat unnecessarily cute, e.g. the Clark Kent Wild Thing to the right), but McSweeney's isn't stopping there: they're challenging all you Wild Things readers to send in photos of your own stylized versions of the book to win a special prize. No word on what that prize is yet, but I can't wait to see all the entries. Email your photos to webmaster[at]mcsweeneys[dot]net and check back on November 16 to find out who wins.
— Veronica Bond
Not only is Granta giving our city love with their all-Chicago issue, but they're also shining the spotlight on local bookstores by asking them for their top five Chicago reads. This week it's Quimby's. Check back each week to find out a new store's favorite Chicago-related books.
— Veronica Bond
Contest Fri Oct 16 2009
Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner's follow-up to the bestselling Freakonomics is being released next Tuesday. Titled Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance, the book follows the path of its predecessor, asking such questions as "How is a street prostitute like a department-store Santa?" and "Did TV cause a rise in crime?" Want to win a copy? Head over to the Onion AV Club where they're giving away three copies and official Superfreakonomics T-shirts (now that's a superhero I'd like to see!). Just email them at avcontests[at]theonion[dot]com and they'll pick the winners on October 30.
— Veronica Bond
As we embark on our final Book Club selection for the year, Alice and I are preparing to pick our books for 2010 and we'd love to hear from you about what you're interested in reading. Remember that authors of fiction books must be connected to Chicago in some way and that non-fiction books must be about Chicago. Take a look at the sidebar to refresh your memory on all of our past reads, then put your suggestions in the comments or send them to bookclub[at]gapersblock[dot]com.
— Veronica Bond /
Today in Silly Quizzes, can you tell the difference between Behind the Bell, Dustin Diamond's Saved by the Bell tell-all memoir, and Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls? Or, more importantly, would you admit it if you couldn't?
— Veronica Bond
Get inspired by your dark side: the Tribune is holding "The Great Chicago Ghost Story Contest" and is accepting submissions from all, non-Tribune-employed writers. All your story has to do is be previously unpublished, mention at least one Chicago location or business, be no more than 700 and be suitable for a family newspaper (keep it clean, people!). Otherwise, let your imagination run wild. Tribune critic Julia Keller will select the winning story which will be published in the paper's Arts & Entertainment section and the writer will receive a CD recording of the story read the by haunting, gravelly tones of Rick Kogan. Submissions are due by midnight on October 25 and, as they are received, the best pieces will be published online where readers can vote on their favorites.
— Veronica Bond
Each year the Reader publishes new and great voices in Chicago fiction and they recently posted on their blog that they are currently open to submissions for this year's issue. Past contributors include such recognizable names as Keir Graff, Elizabeth Crane and Adam Langer. Join this panethon of celebrated local fiction by becoming a part of their 9th annual issue, to be published in December, by emailing your submissions to fiction[at]chicagoreader[dot]com.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Oct 12 2009
As the recipient of the 2009 Chicago Public Library Foundation Carl Sandburg Literary Award, notable and much lauded author Salman Rushide will be at the Harold Washington Library on Thursday to read from and discuss his work. This is a great opportunity to see one of literature's greatest living authors, so if you have the opportunity to attend this talk I highly suggest you do so (I'd also recommend you get there early because these talks tend to fill up quickly). The talk is free and will be moderated by Booklist's Donna Seaman; 12pm in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at 400 S. State St. Call 312-747-4300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond
Our October meeting is coming up this Monday, Oct. 12. Below you will find some sample questions for our discussion.
1. How has Lords of the Levee changed your perspective of early 20th century Chicago?
2. How well do authors Wendt and Kogan convey the setting of this period in Chicago's history?
3. How would you describe John Coughlin and Michael Kenna?
4. How well did you understand the events in the book? How do Coughlin and Kenna fit into Chicago's history? Have they had any lasting impact on the city? On history?
5. What did you learn from reading Lords of the Levee that you didn't know before about this time period? What events in the book stand out the most for you?
6. How would you describe the writing style?
7. The authors use a lot of dialect in the speech of the characters. What did you think of the dialogue in the book?
8. How do the authors feel about their subject? Are they biased?
9. How does Lords of the Levee compare to other books we have read for the book club, especially Boss by Mike Royko and Sin in the Second City by Karen Abbott?
— Alice Maggio /
News Wed Oct 07 2009
The Chicago Writers Association has been working on a project to shine the spotlight on our city's literary greats: the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. This week they launched a new website to introduce their inaugural nominees, many of which faithful Book Club readers will be familiar with. The list boasts such names as Nelson Algren, Saul Bellow, Lorraine Hansberry, Norman McLean, Studs Terkel and many others whose contributions have significantly affected Chicago. Nominators include a flurry of current literary notables, such as Booklist's Donna Seaman, Lake Claremont Press's Sharon Woodhouse and our own Alice Maggio (whoo!) and on the judges panel sit more Book Club selection authors, such as Achy Obejas and Stuart Dybek. The judges will select six of the nominees to be inducted into the 2010 Hall of Fame, though the selection date doesn't seem to be posted on the website yet. Nevertheless, take a moment to browse through the nominees and reacquaint yourself with writers you've read in the past and get acquainted with writers that have escaped your literary eye. The full list of nominees is, as expected, impressive and the project will do well to uphold their mission of "promot[ing] and celebrat[ing] Chicago's rich literary tradition."
— Veronica Bond /
The Book Club was featured in the Tribune this weekend as part of their series on Chicagoland book clubs. Here you'll find some basics on how we operate and some books that provoked good discussions. For further enlightenment on why these books, out of all of the ones we've read, were picked, here's the full answer to that question:
• The first one that comes to mind is Passing by Nella Larsen, a Harlem Renaissance writer who focused on two light-skinned African-American women, one of whom chooses to "pass" as white. It's a short novel, but there's so much to unpack about society and culture and how we decide who belongs to which group that we could have easily discussed this book for several hours without having touched on everything.
• Along the same lines, Richard Wright's Native Son made for a rousing discussion. My favorite comment from that evening came from an attendee who said that his experience reading the book now, while living in Chicago, was vastly different from his experience reading it in his Indiana high school. It is indeed shocking to realize that a story set in the 1930s can be still be so relevant today and it's uplifting to see that books like this still have the power to change someone's worldview.
• Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, however, is one of those books that almost everyone deeply loved. The fantastical situation of the main character literally running away to join the circus combined with a frustrated love story made for a satisfying and endearing read.
• Joe Meno's Hairstyles of the Damned was our first selection and it was a very memorable one. The premise of two punk teenagers living out their adolescence in Chicago may not have seemed immediately relatable to everyone, but the beauty of Meno's writing is that it very much was. I don't think everyone who attended that meeting would have read that book if it hadn't been selected, but I'm fairly certain no one left having regretted it.
• I must, of course, mention Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama. The general consensus on this book was that even senators need good editors. While we enjoyed learning more about the man that would become our President, the wealth of information Obama packed into his book brought up very good questions of truthfulness in memoirs and the degree to which we can trust the author's memory.
I think many of our attendees would agree that even if not everyone loved these books, the discussions that came out of them were intellectually stimulating and very spirited. (In fact, one thing we've realized that it isn't those books that everyone loves that make for the best discussions, but the ones that provoke a variety of opinions.)
Also, over the weekend the Tribune profiled the Book Cellar, our Book Club home. Be sure to check that out too.
— Veronica Bond
Events Mon Oct 05 2009
Join Book Club selection author Sara Paretsky as she celebrates the relese of her latest book, Hardball, on Wednesday. The book is the next installment in Paretsky's popular V.I. Warshawski series. Free at 6pm at 57th St. Books, 1301 E. 57th St. Call 773-684-1300 for more information.
— Veronica Bond
News Fri Oct 02 2009
OK, not literally. But in terms of sales figures, it seems that local authors have a greater influence on the Chicago book buying public than market darling Dan Brown. Granta recently wrote in a press release that reports from Unabridged Bookstore favored the magazine's Chicago issue over Brown's The Lost Symbol two-to-one. Says Ed Devereux of Unabridged: "Copies of GRANTA 108 are flying off the shelves. We've restocked three times already. It's even outselling Dan Brown!" Such loyalty to our city's authors is heartening, indeed.
— Veronica Bond
File this one under "Um...okay...": In anticipation of the Spike Jonze/Dave Eggers Where the Wild Things Are adaptation, Opening Ceremony has a number of Wild Things inspired costumes that you can purchase just in time for Halloween. If you have an extra $600 lying around. (If I had an extra $600 to spend expressly on Halloween, I would spend it on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. I would pile them in my living room, then climb onto one of my bookshelves to dive into them, à la Scrooge McDuck and his golden coins. But I digress.) Assuming you do have that kind of cash, you'd probably want to get more than one wear out of your costume and the AV Club has some great ideas on where such apparel might be appropriate.
(Seriously, that guy looks ridiculous, but doesn't he also look toasty? Imagine wearing that on a mid-February morning at the El station. You'd be the envy of CTA riders everywhere.)
— Veronica Bond /
News Fri Oct 02 2009
Did you know that October is National Reading Group Month? Only two years old, the celebration was started by two members of the Women's National Book Association and works to promote the value of books and reading, particularly "enjoyment of shared reading and appreciation of literature and reading as conduits for transmitting culture and advancing civic engagement." To which I say, right on. Unfortunately, there isn't a Chicago chapter so there won't be any National Reading Group events here, but that doesn't mean you can't take their mission to heart and get involved in shared reading on your own. If reading Chicago-related books isn't your thing, or if your schedule doesn't work with ours, there are a ton of other reading groups in the city with a variety of foci. Our Book Club home, the Book Cellar, hosts their own book club meetings each month and plays host to a number of other book clubs as well--if you're interested in South Asian writers, the Desi Lit Book Club might be for you; if you enjoy young adult reads, check out the Never Too Old Book Club. Women and Children First has a long running book club that focuses on feminist reads and the Chicago Public Library, in addition to hosting the One Book, One Chicago program, offers a number of different book clubs for both teens and adults throughout their various branches. Or, get together your friends, family, co-workers or other interested parties and start your own club. The NRGM website features a list of Great Group Reads to help you get the ball rolling.
— Veronica Bond
News Fri Oct 02 2009
On Amy Guth's Chicago Subtext blog, Danielle Chapman, the Director of Literary Arts and Events at the Cultural Center, wrote a post detailing the Center's plans to expand the Chicago Publishers Gallery, a well-honed collection of books from local authors and publishers in celebration of the city's contribution to literature. Chapman offered her email address for anyone who would like to be included in the Gallery, so if you're a local author or you publish books in Chicago and want to be considered for inclusion in this display, now's your chance to voice your enthusiasm.
— Veronica Bond
