Washington Post: “Newly tapped, [Thomas] Steinbeck’s writing prowess is like a flood. Steinbeck’s first novel is currently at 1,059 pages and rising. ‘Since I can’t write the greatest American novel, I’m going to write the longest American novel,’ he said.”
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World eBook Fair
You have until August 4 to download many eBooks for free. The Boston Globe reports that there have been 1.5 million downloads in the first few days. (via Bookninja)
Zidane: The Smuggest Player of the World Cup
I was at the Irish Bank this afternoon with some pals (including a friend from Liverpool, who, with diplomatic intentions, refused to pick a team), rooting for Italy in the World Cup Final. But any shreds of sympathy I had for France disappeared with the arrival of Zineidine “Hubris Is the Secret Answer to Life” Zidane. The first indication that Zidane was problematic was when he was injured late in the second half, beckoning the medical authorities to him as if they were servants offering canapes rather than doctors restoring injuries. And then there was the head butt (pictured above) against Marco Materazzi — perhaps the lowest blow I saw during the World Cup. Thankfully, he was given a red card.
I hereby vote Zidane the Smuggest Player of the World Cup. He is everything that soccer should not be. So long as he plays, I cannot find it within me to root for France.
T.C. Boyle Week
If you enjoyed the Black Swan Green discussion earlier in the year, on Monday, I’ll begin posting the roundtable discussion of T.C. Boyle’s Talk Talk, now in progress via email. It features none other than Dan Wickett, Megan Sullivan, Gwenda Bond, (hopefully) Scott Esposito and yours truly. Is Talk Talk a genre experiment by a highbrow writer? Or is it something more? Find out on Monday morning as the peanut gallery serves up their thoughts.
And for those who enjoyed The Bat Segundo Show #10, I’m pleased to report that Our Young, Roving Correspondent will be chatting with Mr. Boyle again. Keep watching the skies.
There will also be two podcasts released next week, including a certain Show #50 that some people can wait no longer for.