A Fresh New Look
Don’t call it a comeback. John Irving has been here for years. His latest effort is garnering applause, but is it up to snuff? The LA Times weighs in. Twitter is a surefooted technological tool. We only wish it would steer clear of literature. Just look what it’s doing to Bill Shakespeare. Sarah Vowell is one smart cookie. Her new book about Roger Williams and his brethren will have you laughing over and mourning for America’s early religious sects. Ayn Rand is a time-transcending lightning rod. Love her or hate her, she’s caught the attention of The Economist. Pol Pot, another historical figure — albeit despised by thousands — is in the news. Words Without Borders has a drive-by account. One thinks of Ansel Adams in black and white. Take a gander at some of his more colorful work. Finally, it’s jazz, baby. Long ago a comprehensive book was written, which traced the arc of this monumental art-form. The Jazz Book goes all the way back to ragtime, and then travels across the landscapes of big band, bepop and fusion. All you cats should have a listen. — Kevin Murphy
