Category Archives: Books

Franz Kafka’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” ?

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Mash-up Franz Kafka’s groundbreaking novella The Metamorphosis with Frank Capra’s syrupy classic film It’s a Wonderful Life and you get this marvelously absurd short film. Directed by Peter Capaldi and starring Richard E. Grant, the film won tons of awards … Continue reading →

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Support Indie Bookstores

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Most indie bookstores in the US are struggling to keep their doors open. Subterranean Books in St. Louis, MO is no exception. To support this terrific bookshop, Noir@theBar , an exceptional venue for author readings and book events, has put together the … Continue reading →

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The Hobbit: Behind the Scenes

Posted on August 9, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Restless Tolkien fans are anxiously awaiting the completion of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit, but until Christmas 2012 they’ll have to be content with sneak peaks at the production. This week, Jackson released a series of great group photos from the film … Continue reading →

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On The Beach

Posted on August 6, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

In this sad era of library closures and drastic funding cuts, one nation has found novel ways to reach out to library users. In the Netherlands, they’ve launched the world’s first airport library (at Amsterdam Schiphol) and now they’ve opened … Continue reading →

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Our Kind of Cover Art

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

I know, some of you are shaking your heads and saying “enough with the cover art”, but too bad, cause here’s some more. This year John Le Carré’s U.S. publisher Penguin has reissued most of his novels with stunning new … Continue reading →

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The Hobbit (in under 2 minutes)

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

If you never read the Hobbit and you’re just too busy (or too lazy) to read it before Peter Jackson’s film version is released, why not check out The Brothers Grim and Grimy’s Hobbit Under 2 Minutes . Writer Declan … Continue reading →

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France Supports Its Bookshops

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

In an unprecedented effort to support booksellers in France, an ambitious advertising campaign has been launched this week. A consortium of labor groups that represent booksellers, publishers and bookstores is financing the effort to encourage French readers to visit bricks and … Continue reading →

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Keepin’ It Minimal

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

You’ve got to love Chicago-based artist/designer Christian Jackson’s clever reimagining of covers for classic children’s books and fairy tales.

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Awful Library Books

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Hat-tip to our friends at Any Amount of Books, London for this suggestion: Michigan librarians Mary and Holly have been compiling their hilarious, and sometimes scary, blog of Awful Library Books for almost four years. I know that booklovers and … Continue reading →

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Reading Life: 1st Impressions

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

Last Sunday, the New York Times Sunday Book Review inaugurated a new column on writing entitled “Reading Life“, which will be penned by none other Geoff Dyer. If you haven’t had a chance to read the first column, it’s a … Continue reading →

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