Richard Flanagan
A conversation with Australian novelist Richard Flanagan about the erosion of book culture, Nicole Kidman’s genius, and souls that are ever underline-able.
Robert Birnbaum
Lazy, Hazy Summer Days
Books about food (sort of), Japan (David Mitchell), and a tough sassy Havana cop. Plus, Hugh Trevor Roper on history and lots on comics. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
It’s a Mad, Mad World
Is there life after LeBron’s Decision? Lindsay Lohan’s blues? Birnbaum’s got the cure: Roger Maris’s story, Ben Greenman’s short fiction, and nearly everything by Charles McCarry.
Libraries of the Imagination
Grab bag for July: A dog story; more Borges; Duke Ellington; and whatever happened to Harper Lee?
A Listing Ship
Grafting authors onto lists may be a silly ceremony, but it does get people talking.
Of Ice and Men
The end of the Earth probably won’t mean the end of Old Man Keillor—unfortunately.
Summer Daze
Reasons to feel overwhelmed—meaningless lists; R.I.P. David Markson; the reign of Justin Cronin.
David Remnick
Our man in Boston goes the distance with author and “New Yorker” editor David Remnick in a conversation about President Obama, magazine publishing, and “American Idol.”
Enemy of the Good
A terrific debut novel set in Rome with a zany ensemble of journalists providing stories.
Kick-Ass Wit
A one-woman show based on the life and wisdom of journalist Molly Ivins.