Books Reading Tonight
posted by February 25 at 10:20 AM
onTwo open mics, a poetry reading, and a few other readings going on tonight.
At Town Hall, Frederick Kaufman is reading from A Short History of the American Stomach. Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly said about the book:
“…a hip, journalistic approach to America’s all-consuming relationship to the gut, from Puritan rituals of fasting to the creation of the Food Network. Kaufman maintains that the feast-fast syndrome that torments America—obesity, anorexia, overeating, dieting, fads and cures, gastroporn, pollution and purity of food, and self-sufficiency—all originate from our understanding of virtue and vice, first established by the Puritans.”
To which I say: “Duh.” But maybe there’s something worthwhile in there somewhere. If there is, let me know.
Manil Suri, who I wrote a little about yesterday when he read at Third Place Books, is reading at Elliott Bay Book Company tonight. This is your last chance.
Ellen Klages, an author of science-fiction and young-adult novels, is reading at the Hugo House. Not having read any of her work, I have absolutely nothing to say about her, except that her book covers are horrible, but I’m sure she doesn’t have any choice in the matter.
The University Book Store is hosting two-time-Booker-Prize-winner Peter Carey. Carey’s last novel, Theft, wasn’t good at all, and I’d bet good money that his newest novel, His Illegal Self, isn’t so hot either, but this is worth attending for his previous work, Oscar and Lucinda and Jack Maggs in particular. I’m of the personal opinion that Carey’s just in the throes of a middle-aged author rough patch, and that he’ll emerge from it a better novelist than he was before.
Full readings calendar, including the next week or so, here.
Comments
I liked His Illegal Self.
I mean, it probably won't get him his third Booker Man Booker, but I enjoyed reading it. The structure of reveals at the beginning was really nicely done, and although it gets a bit rambly in the middle it kind of redeems itself in the end.
I'd also recommend Carey's The True History of the Kelly Gang. I read it shortly after seeing John Hillcoat's The Proposition, which almost plays like an adaptation. Almost. Funny, but The Kelley Gang reminded me of Cormac McCarthy, and now Hillcoat is adapting The Road...
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