When one writer critically examines another respected author, readers should be skeptical. In Notes on Sontag, Phillip Lopate reflects on Susan Sontag’s essays, book-length nonfiction and fiction. He works from his strength as a personal essayist: intimate, balanced, and a generalist. Lopate’s appreciation of literature keeps the focus on her writing and not her personality. In fact, he cautions this is not, “Thank God,” a biography. He does, however, interweave some personal encounters with this fellow New Yorker. More significantly, he digs deeply into her writing. He quotes widely and at length from her body of work. And he chooses wisely. Look at this Sontag gem from an essay on Nazi symbols: “The color is black, the material is leather, the seduction is beauty, the justification is honesty, the aim is ecstasy, the fantasy is death.” Throughout, Lopate writes honestly, as readers should expect from an essayist, on her strengths and weaknesses as a writer. more ›

Everyone’s favorite Donnie Darko shout-out author, Graham Greene, has apparently had a hidden work unearthed by a Greene scholar named Francois Gallix, who was doing time here at the Harry Ransom Center. Right here in Austin. Over a year ago, but whatever. To some of us, this is still big news. more ›

To echo Anita Bryant (wow, never thought I'd say that), these books aren't just for young people anymore! These are excellent stories. Period. You don't need to be of a certain age to appreciate them. Right now there is a sort of Renaissance of teen and children's literature going on, and it's so exciting to be a part of that. I hope many others come and experience it this weekend. more ›

Sarah Bird: Like all sad little people who are compelled to amuse, to “be funny,” Phil was a hollow shell wrapped around a thin layer of repressed aggression, shot through with insecurity and competitiveness, all covered in a candy coating laced with strychnine. So, essentially, for me, this would be an autobiography. more ›

Duran: It's important to remember that the Television is part of the American culture. Therefore it's only natural that food has become a theme to be covered through this medium. As long as these chefs are inspiring viewers to start cooking in their own kitchens, I see no issues with what they are doing. more ›