Friday, September 24, 2010

Banned Books & Round Ups

Before the round-up begins, mes auteurs: next Thursday, September 30th, as per Le R's & Tahereh's brain(blog?)child, I'll be blogging about my favorite banned book. If you want to do the same, add your name to Tahereh's post!

And now: today's Friday round-up with Laura from Combreviations.


Today I have split the happenings of the week into three distinct categories: things that make me go "Ugh, for reals?," things that are interesting, and things I love. As a cranky, pre-caffeine, non-morning person, I think we should start with the things that are super annoying and work our way to happiness. Yes? Yes.

I don't know if you heard, friends and foes, but Danielle Steel is not a romance writer. Yep. That's right. Also, Sarah Palin is super persecuted. Shame on you, persecuting world, for being mean to this poor woman, who has done nothing to deserve any judgment. Speaking of women, there are just too many ladies in publishing. And, you know what, the article isn't that bad, but this really cheesed me off: "The main impediment for attracting men, many think, is the low pay of publishing jobs, especially entry-level ones." I'm sorry. That's an impediment for anyone. You want to pay me $25k a year, before taxes, to work in an industry centered in New York, the most expensive city in America? Where I'll spend $1,000 in rent a month to live in Brooklyn with 4 roommates? Sign. Me. Up. And, unfortunately, it is lucky, because breaking into the industry—even entry-level, even if you're a lady—is extremely difficult to do. If you try to be on the writing side, well, you'll suffer the stigma of your trade paperback original, and e-books are probably going to wipe out print anyway. Also, finally, what is up with Texas and textbooks? It's a truly terrible combo deal.

On the things that are interesting side, here's a round-up of fall 2010 literary movies. If you're not so literary, there's also a list of the most scientifically accurate sci-fi novels, or, hey, some smut by John Milton. Important questions include: Is Danica McKellar sending the right message about being smart and sexy? Could we have a female great American novelist? Why do we bother reading things we won't remember? And does it matter if 4-year-olds can understand irony, if they won't grow up to use it correctly? Also interesting is this 2,400 page cookbook, this list of smart YA books, and suggestions for what to read on jury duty.

For the truly awesome, we need look no farther than Tim Burton's poem for Johnny Depp. But, if you must look further, here are nine great word apps, and also news about a new J.J. Abrams show, starring Locke and Ben Linus from lost. Happiness, thy name is television. You can analyze common author poses, or be impressed by the fact that Terry Pratchett forged himself a meteor sword. Where do such good ideas comes from?

That's all for this week—see you next time, right here.

4 comments:

  1. 85% of publishing employees are women? This is not a surprise to anyone who works in publishing. :) Where's the other statistic? What percentage of publishing upper management is women? That number gets suddenly smaller, eh?

    Texas is crazy. The end.

    Danicka Keller is attractive. Her brain makes her smoking hot.

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  2. Catcher in the Rye is my favorite banned book. All good books should contain a spark of controversy, for heavens sake!

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  3. No female great American novelist? // this list of smart YA books. >>

    Yet all 10 of the "smart YA books" are by women.

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  4. Tim Burton's poem for Johnny is a very interesting and must-to-read.Women in publishing, the percentage is really high. I feel sorry for Sarah but this should be considered seriously.

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