Monthly Archives: December 2006

It’s that time of the year: Time for the annual holiday torture rituals, games like “Name that drug the nephew is on,” “Who can make LK cry at Christmas dinner,” and “Guess who owes the IRS!” Okay, I exaggerate (after … Continue reading →

Although Swann’s Way blew the competition away for the Best Read of ’06, other favorites do come to mind. How do I determine a favorite? Easy. If I can still remember the title, without looking at my list for prompting, … Continue reading →

As several people expressed interest in Sylvia Plath’s work, and as I’ve read just about everything she’s written or that’s been written about her, I thought I’d share some suggestions for further reading. First off, I should explain that I’m … Continue reading →

Warning: A full-tilt pooter post ahead, with lists and random ramblings and personal opinions from someone who doesn’t get paid to give them. (If you haven’t been keeping up with the pooter debate, well, you’ll just have to trust me … Continue reading →

I confess: I am one of those obssessive Sylvia Plath people. I wouldn’t call myself a “fan.” You really can’t be a fan of a suicide, can you? I am drawn by her surprising, stunning use of language and haunted … Continue reading →

Can you believe this? COLUMBIA, S.C. – A fed-up mother had her 12-year-old son arrested for allegedly rummaging through his great-grandmother’s things and playing with his Christmas present early.The mother called police Sunday after learning her son had disobeyed orders … Continue reading →

Don’t you love the holidays? The perfect excuse to give such fun, goofy presents to family and friends (or yourself). Here are some stocking stuffer ideas for the literary in your life. Jane Austen Action Figure. Just the thing for … Continue reading →

This weekend at a Berkeley cafe, I met a man who had met Jack Kerouac. (I think he overheard me talking about my recent reading of The Dharma Bums.) He said he met Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady in Big … Continue reading →

I like this gift idea from Salon: Organize your friend’s bookshelves — by color, by size, by theme, or alphabetically, whatever she wants. Find a snowy Sunday, turn on “The Wedding Singer,” “Prairie Home Companion” or the Ramones, and do … Continue reading →