Smart. Sexy. Fun.
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
Who needs a sleeve when you can wear your heart on the top of your head! While some tots will be sporting their Valentine's love with their clothes, lil ones with long manes can fashion their hair into the ultimate symbol of love with a heart braid. Cozy Friedman of New York's Cozy's Cuts for Kids and the author of Cozy's Complete Guide to Girls' Hair ($9), shared the sweet holiday look with us. Read more
If you're planning on throwing an Oscar viewing party for Hollywood's big night on Feb. 26, then I suggest that you go big this year and give your event a theme. Take a cue from the nominees and let best picture nominee Midnight in Paris give you inspiration. It has plenty of elements that translate into an opulent party: Paris, the 1920s, and many of its own scenes of revelry. Here's how to use Read more
There's always the perception that being vegetarian is expensive, but that's not necessarily the case. Deborah Madison, the author of Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone and Vegetable Soups From Deborah Madison's Kitchen, says in general, "vegetables aren't that expensive compared to meat." Here are tips from Madison on a few ways vegetarians can save: Learn to cook and eat grains and legumes of Read more
Breaking Dawn Part 1 Twilight's star-crossed lovers Edward and Bella (Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart) tie the knot in this installment, but their idyllic honeymoon is interrupted when they discover that vampires can, in fact, impregnate humans. Bella is willing to do anything to protect the life of her baby, Edward will do anything to save Bella, and Jacob tries to keep his wolfpack at Read more
