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When I learned I was pregnant with my first child, I dreamed of decorating the nursery and picking out a layette. But what I really couldn't wait to do was fill the bookshelves with my childhood favorites. The first to be placed was a collection of Maurice Sendak books. Sure, every kid deserves a copy of Where the Wild Things Are, but it was the Nutshell Library that earned the place of honor on Read more
The 18th annual Bad Sex Award, which honors "crude or outlandish sexual passages in modern literature," was bestowed upon author Rowan Somerville for his sophomore novel The Shape of Her. While imagery like a woman twisting "onto her belly like a fish flipping itself," entranced and appalled judges, the line that really hooked them was "Like a lepidopterist mounting a tough-skinned insect with a Read more
For National Author Day Monday, I asked who your favorite authors were. From old classics like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to contemporary favorites like David Sedaris and Margaret Atwood, you revealed who ranked number one on your mental list. Check them out below — maybe you'll find a new favorite. Lisa Kleypas Marisa de los Santos Cormac McCarthy Margaret Atwood Fyodor Read more
Once I'm into authors, I will read anything by them. Sometimes all they need to do is write one epic book, and I'm a reader for life; other times, I fall slowly through a series or a stretch of solid reads. Today's National Author Day, so let's round up our go-to writers and find some new favorites while we're at it. Read more
Relationship truths from famous female writers — Lemondrop The many grooms of Elizabeth Taylor — The Frisky Meanwhile, Elizabeth denies latest engagement rumors — Twitter Do men compare current girlfriends to their exes? — Glamour Botox could cost you friends — The Awl Pro-choice activist takes on "Abortion Changes You" campaign — Feministing On Tina Fey and the Single Ladies — Read more
This week, author Curtis Sittenfeld's new book American Wife hits book stores near you. The book is inspired by the life of Laura Bush, and a few weeks ago, when I was about halfway through American Wife, I chatted with Sittenfeld about the controversial aspects of the book, how this epic American tale is a departure from her previous two books, and what's going on with the movie version of Prep! Read more
I awoke this morning to the sad news that groundbreaking novelist Kurt Vonnegut died Wednesday at age 84. As reported by the AP, Vonnegut's wife, photographer Jill Krementz, said the writer suffered brain injuries following a recent fall at his home in Manhattan. Probably best-known for his books Slaughterhouse Five and Cat's Cradle, Vonnegut was truly one of the most important American writers Read more
Everything about Moonrise Kingdom is unmistakably Wes Anderson: the hazy cinematography, the clever dialogue, and even the use of the director's favorite actors. Indeed, Anderson isn't leaving his comfort zone as a filmmaker, but Moonrise Kingdom is still a pleasure to watch. Set in 1965, the movie tells the story of Sam and Suzy (newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward), preteen pen pals who Read more
Most brides are looking for beautiful ways to enhance their wedding's decor and to help it stand out from the crowd, and that's why terrariums are a great option for creating a beautiful, unusual impression on your big day. We talked to Katy Maslow and Michelle Inciarrano, owners of the Brooklyn-based company Twig Terrariums and authors of the new book Tiny World Terrariums about how — and why Read more
True Blood is returning on June 10, but before jumping back into Bon Temps's blood and lust, we're introducing you to the new characters. The Vampire Authority will be getting the spotlight this season, so there are several important members to get acquainted with, along with one human we briefly met in season four. Check out the new characters who are coming to True Blood's new season. Photos Read more
