Ever feel like book reviewers are trying to outwrite the author they’re reviewing? Ever feel like despite their highfalutin language, they’re helpless to spew the same clichés, over and over again? If so, this list is for you! “Arrestingly beautiful”: Whoever said this first oughtta be arrested for convincing reviewers everywhere that this phrase applies to any book with a description of a sunrise. “Unflinching portrait”: What exactly does this mean? Is the Mona Lisa an unflinching portrait? I’ve never seen her move…Generally this one is meant to describe a book that deals with controversial material, which is in all likelihood pretty tame. “Staggeringly …
Haruki Murakami may not have won the hearts of the Swedish Academy this year, but he did manage to snag the Hans Christen Andersen Literary Award! Although he was announced the winner last year, he was only given the award this weekend. According to the judges, Murakami was selected for his ability to “boldly mix classic narrative art, pop culture, Japanese tradition, dreamlike realism and philosophical discussion”. Murakami gave a notable speech following the ceremony, wherein he seemed to allude to what seems to be global panic about immigration. He poignantly notes that: “No matter how high a wall we build to …
Isn’t there something about November? I just wanna read read read! Luckily there is no shortage of delectable new releases! In fact, there’s too many! Here’s 8 of em. The Sellout by Paul Beatty Book Buttons Embed ISBN: 9780374260507 Now that it’s won the Man Booker, what are you waiting for? Get it while you can! Beatty’s new book is said to be an incendiary comic masterpiece, that shines a bright and unapologetic light on racism in America. Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple Book Buttons Embed ISBN: 9780316403436 Maria Semple is back! The former Arrested Development writer got …
Bob Dylan has finally broken a two week silence following his controversial Nobel Prize win, a decision that incurred a fair amount of criticism, even leading one member of the Swedish Academy to call his adamant silence, “impolite and arrogant.” Now, for whatever reason, he has chosen to respond to the win, as only Bob Dylan can. In a recent interview with Sara Danius of the Swedish Academy, Dylan announced that he would “absolutely” attend the ceremony “if at all possible”. Whether that refers to a busy tour schedule or conflicting personal matters, no one can say. Perhaps even more pressing …
This year’s coveted Man Booker Prize goes to Paul Beatty for his arresting and incendiary dive into race in America, The Sellout. The novel is Paul’s fourth book. Book Buttons Embed ISBN: 9780374260507 The Sellout was lauded by critics and peers alike, for its unapologetic and energetic writing. It follows an unnamed narrator, who attempts to reintroduce slavery into a contemporary Los Angeles. New York Times reviewer, Dwight Garner, says the book reads like: “the most concussive monologues and interviews of Chris Rock, Richard Pryor, and Dave Chapelle, wrapped in a satirical yet surprisingly delicate literary and historical sensibility.” So what are you waiting …
