Back with the links

Michiko met THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA and they didn’t really get along. “Provocative, but lumpy.” Somehow I doubt that’ll be a blurb anytime soon….

Another day, another comparison of the three novels who make use of Henry James as a subject or catalyst.

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The Asian News Network profiles Lu Haiyan]3, who is one of China’s most popular detective novelists.

Mary Poppins, the musical? Yes, ’tis true, but the music and lyrics won’t be written by the Sherman Bros (who often top our list of hack songwriters when we feel the urge to make such a list) and this allows the Independent to write up a tribute of sorts to Mary’s creator, PL Travers.

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The Toronto Star catches up with Daniel Handler]5, aka Lemony Snicket, who reveals that…he’s a Cowboy Junkies fan?! Interesting….

Ian Rankin’s new Rebus novel, FLESHMARKET CLOSE, is now available in stores in the UK, and the Glasgow Herald likes it–mostly. Hell, I’m amazed, because didn’t he only turn in the book, like, last week? Turnaround times, they be getting crazier…

Patrick Anderson agrees with me–Dan Fesperman’s THE WARLORD’S SON is an excellent book. So, you know, if you haven’t read it yet….

Oline Cogdill doubles up for her latest column, awarding a mixed review to Dylan Schaffer’s MISDEMEANOR MAN (which echoed some of my problems with the book; good writer, but the plot needs tightening) while liking Kathy Brandt’s new book.

Dick Adler’s column in the Chicago Tribune features reviews of books by David Wolstencraft, Ruth Francisco, Steven Sidor, Dana Stabenow and Steve Berry.

Yann Martel’s THE LIFE OF PI will be made into a movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan. This allows the Sunday Herald to ask all the usual silly questions about what Martel thinks about this. Aside from taking the money and running, what else is he supposed to think?

And finally, noooooo! This cannot be true. No no no. But I guess I’ll just have to accept it.