Smatterings, Midweek

As one of the 2666 skeptics, it is only fair I judge the book on its merits, which I hope to do now that a copy has landed in my mailbox. But Levi Stahl has worthy commentary on the reviews so far. (via)

Leonard Cassuto – whose new book of cultural criticism HARD-BOILED SENTIMENTALITY is a must-read, and who along with S.J. Rozan entertained a lively and intellectually curious crowd at Book Culture last night – looks at Harold Schechter’s TRUE CRIME compendium for the B&N Review.

Patrick Anderson is generally favorable towards Ken Bruen’s ONCE WERE COPS, but recognizes it’s “ designed to appeal to readers with less refined sensibilities,” at least compared to the book he reviewed last week.

Joseph Boyden has won the Giller Prize.

Clea Simon: not a huge fan of THE FIRE.

Allen Barra on James Bond in books and film.

Art Winslow pays tribute to John Leonard, who is also memorialized in moving fashion by his son, Andrew.

Amazon UK launches a Literature in Translation store. Wouldn’t it be nice if the US store did the same thing? 

Nam Le wins the Dylan Thomas Prize.

The FBI file on Norman Mailer. (via)

So that doom and gloom in publishing quarters? It’s probably going to get worse.

OTOH, this is almost a slam-dunk.

And Obama’s memoirs might save Canongate from financial ruin.

And finally, Arthur Shawcross passes on. I’d say “RIP” is about the last term I’d use here.