I skipped the buzz last week because of Karen's book tour. Thanks to Karen and everyone who dropped by. I'm into week 2 of NaBloPoMo and so far, so good. It's been challenging but not impossible. So here is what I found in the bookish news category this week:
- Reading bad books, so you don't have to. Are you curious about Don't Hassle the Hoff but just can't subject your eyes to it? Well, SB Sarah's husband read the whole darn thing and gives a review here. Apparently, he's a miracle worker, or at least the Hoff thinks so. Filed under SciFi/Fantasy.
- Oprah picked Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth as her latest book club book. It's was #1 on Barnes and Noble the last time I looked. Looks interesting. Have you read it?
- Iran recently banned the title of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's latest: Memories of my Melancholy Whores (what's with Marquez and whores?!) Can't say I'm surprised.
- This past week was Children's Book Week in the US. Next week, November 17-24, is TD Canadian Children's Book Week. I'll be posted some thoughts on kid's books next week.
- 'Tis the season! Some bloggers are getting into the holiday spirit. Nymeth is hosting a Christmas Exchange, Kailana & Marg are putting together an Advent Calendar and here's a blog devoted to the Christmas season (Warning: There be music.)
- The Writer's Strike continues. The Superfast Reader gets personal about it.
- '"Beowulf" is more like "300," only with more violence, if that's possible.' Or so this article claims. Did you know it was adapted by Neil Gaiman? You going to see it?
- And someone's bookshelves just got a little bling (bookish style). A first edition Wuthering Heights went for $225,500. And my husband thought I spend too much on books!
"what's with marquez and whores?" Haha. If you read is autobiography (Living to tell the tale), you'd understand why. Iran bans like everything, and the book isn't really that new. I actually want to see Beowulf because Gaiman adapted it. I think it may be getting a reception better than 300 though. Have a good weekend, Chris!
ReplyDeleteAs always, a great Friday post!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that link to the review of the Hasselhoff book. Funniest thing I've read all week (the review, not the book).
ReplyDeleteI loved Pillers of the Earth. Great historical epic. You know how when you see those old churches and you wonder how they ever built them? This book follows one. hmm, that sounds boring, but it's not at all. It's set in 1100s or so England.
ReplyDeleteGreat book buzz today. I'm enjoying your Friday's columns. I'm trying that nablomoblah too. And it's not too bad, not easy, but not impossible. Go, Chris go; keep it up. (just a little cheer you on)
Well, Garcia Marquez's title in Spanish is actually "Memorias de mis putas tristes", which doesn't actually imply that he's talking about a whore. In Spanish people say "puta" just as a filler word, or as an adjective. But I can see how just having that word would make it scandalous, which I think was his intent.
ReplyDeleteI read part one of his autobiography (mentioned by athena above) and yes, it does make you understand his title. I would go so far as to say he might be referring to himself when using the above-mentioned word!
Thanks for the support!
ReplyDeleteLaura- In Iran, they changed it to sweethearts, which they found more acceptable. The only Marquez I've read is Cholera which I only thought was ok. I'm not sure if he's the author for me.