What’s up, Weekend Update

So first, a hearty welcome to those that followed the link from Terry Teachout’s “Sightings” column in the Weekend Wall Street Journal. I’m especially proud because it may well be the very first time that two members of the same family are namechecked in a major newspaper at the same time…

Now, the Sunday papers:

NYTBR:Bruce Handy admires Jonathan Harr’s ability to write non-fiction like it’s a thriller, but better; Kathryn Harrison smacks MoDo down for her book-form diatribe on the necessity of men; and A.O. Scott talks up the National Book Awards, but has no clue who will win.

WaPo Book World: Melvin Jules Bukiet smacks down Anne Rice’s retelling of Jesus’s early days; Mylne Dressler rounds up new fiction by French female authors (including the marvelous ANGELINA’S CHILDREN); and Michael Dirda looooooves his Flashman, especially so now that the 12th volume is just out.

G&M: Margaret Cannon’s crime column looks at the latest by Brian Freeman, Catriona McPherson, Mark Giminez, Vince Flynn & Stanley Evans; Martin Levin raves about the new volume of the Annotated Sherlock Holmes by Leslie Klinger; and Maurice Switzer urges Canadian to pay attention to Aboriginal literature to understand why the Kaschechewan scandal is as appalling as it is.

Guardian Review: An exclusive peek at the final volume of John Fowles’ diaries shows a man conflicted with his complex self until the end of his life; Rose Tremain met with the Guardian Book Club and emerged relatively unscathed, for the most part; Tabish Khair wonders about the relevancy of the so-called Indian Diaspora; and Benedicte Page takes over the publishing roundup from Joel Rickett, who took over from Nicholas Clee, showing how bloody incestuous the whole world really is.

Observer: Peter Guttridge commends two grand dames of crime fiction for staying at the top of their game; Andrew Steven examines whether Christopher Meyer’s DC CONFIDENTIAL is worth all the hype; and Robert McCrum remembers John Fowles and his body of work.

The Times: David Baddiel muses about the significance of Harry Thompson’s lone novel making the shortlist as he lay dying; Damian Whitworth wonders at this possible trend of political types writing novels (but what of Indicted Author Month?)

The Scotsman: Alison Miller went to some anti-war protests and emerged with the impetus for her new novel; Anthony Burgess gets his due in a meaty new biography of the author; and Neil Gaiman talks about the upcoming adaptation of his children’s book into a play that will tour Scotland.
 

The Rest:

How nice of the Telegraph to finally upload Susanna Yager’s columns again. The one from late last month looks at new releases by Jonathan Kellerman, Michael Connelly, Louise Penny, Frances Fyfield, Rafael Reig and Paul McAuley, while her most recent piece examines PD James’ latest Dalgliesh novel.

Meanwhile at the Independent, Jane Jakeman offers a two-fer, with a rave review for Martin Davies’ THE CONJURER’S BIRD and something less so for Ben Elton’s new crime offering.

Oline Cogdill takes a Florida-centric approach with her column this week, looking at new books by Jose Latour and Tom Corcoran.

And speaking of Florida, the Miami Book Fair has kicked off and the Sun-Sentinel rounds up what to go to and who to see.

Dick Adler’s Chicago Tribune column looks at new mystery releases by Archer Mayor, Marshall Browne, Joan Druett, Teddy Hayes, Jane Langton, C.R. Corwin and Leslie Klinger.

Adam Woog’s crime column for the Seattle Times focuses on more lighthearted fare by Alexander McCall Smith, Christopher Fowler, Nancy Bush, Jane Isenberg and C.C. Fickling, the creators of Honey West (reissued back to life by Overlook.)

Why are so many bestselling authors turning to writing books for children? Regis Behe examines this growing trend of crossing over.

Another day, another Ian Rankin profile, this one courtesy of the Financial Times.

The Boston Globe talks to Harold Bloom, who’s flogging his current analysis of the bible, this time in relation to the New Testament.

Chick lit won’t be going away any time soon, which makes these articles in the Toledo Blade and the Australian all the more timely.

And finally, reviews like this are why I really, really want to read Daniel Handler’s next book for adults.