David Abrams's Blog, page 20
February 10, 2019
Sunday Sentence: Dying: a Memoir by Cory Taylor
Simply put, the best sentence(s) I’ve read this past week, presented out of context and without commentary.
The problem with reverie is that you always assume you know how the unlived life turns out. And it is always a better version of the life you’ve actually lived.
Dying: a Memoir by Cory Taylor
February 8, 2019
Friday Freebie: War Flower by Brooke King
Congratulations to Tisa Houck, winner of last week’s Friday Freebie: The Peacock Feast by Lisa Gornick.
This week, I’m pleased to be giving away a new memoir about combat and its aftermath: War Flower by Brooke King. I had the chance to read an early version of the book and offer these words of praise on its behalf: “In her memoir about a combat deployment to Iraq, Army veteran Brooke King writes Nothing good survives war. I would beg to differ: King went to war, lived through months of unthi...
February 4, 2019
My First Time: Adam Kovac
The First Time I Dated My Novel
I fooled around and fell in love....with a novel.
Publishing my debut novel, The Surge , was a lot like dating. Looking back, I can only describe the process as a roughly five-year slog of rejection, sprinkled with brief bursts of glee, followed by utter dejection. And let’s be clear: I hate dating. I’ve been on many dates. Almost every single one was a shambles, just like almost every single pitch I sent to agents and publishers.
I’m one of those vetera...
February 3, 2019
Sunday Sentence: Edward Abbey
Simply put, the best sentence(s) I’ve read this past week, presented out of context and without commentary.
What is the purpose of the giant sequoia tree? The purpose of the giant sequoia tree is to provide shade for the tiny titmouse.
Edward Abbey
(quoted in History of the National Parks WPA Poster Art )
February 1, 2019
Friday Freebie: The Peacock Feast by Lisa Gornick
Congratulations to BJ Nooth, winner of last week’s Friday Freebie: Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman.
This week’s giveaway is for the new novel by Lisa Gornick, The Peacock Feast . I have one hardcover copy to put in the hands of one lucky reader. Will it be you? Here’s what Meg Wolitzer, author of The Wife, had to say about the book: “The Peacock Feast is one of those rare books that feels both grand and intimate, bringing the reader deeply into a very vivid past. Lisa Gornick has written an eng...
January 29, 2019
Front Porch Books: January 2019 edition
Front Porch Books is a monthly tally of new and forthcoming books—mainly advance review copies (aka “uncorrected proofs” and “galleys”)—I’ve received from publishers. Cover art and opening lines may change before the book is finally released. I should also mention that, in nearly every case, I haven’t had a chance to read these books, but they’re definitely going in the to-be-read pile.
I Miss You When I Blink
by Mary Laura Philpott
(Atria Books)
Jacket Copy: Mary Laura Philpott thought sh...
January 27, 2019
Sunday Sentence: In Memory of Jane Frazer by Geoffrey Hill
Simply put, the best sentence(s) I’ve read this past week, presented out of context and without commentary.
She died before the world could stir.
In March the ice unloosed the brook
And water ruffled the sun’s hair,
And a few sprinkled leaves unshook.
“In Memory of Jane Frazer” by Geoffrey Hill
from New Poets of England and America
January 25, 2019
Friday Freebie: Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman
Congratulations to Sudha Balagopal, winner of last week’s Friday Freebie: the new collection of short stories by Kathy Fish, Wild Life .
This week’s giveaway is for Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman and it sounds like a really fun read. Jill McCorkle, author of Life After Life, had this to say about the book: “The sharp, smart wit of Elinor Lipman is a treasure and Good Riddance more than delivers with laugh out loud dialogue, wise social commentary, and thoughtful observations about love.” ...
January 20, 2019
Sunday Sentence: Flaubert’s Parrot by Julian Barnes
Simply put, the best sentence(s) I’ve read this past week, presented out of context and without commentary.
The writer must wade into life as into the sea, but only up to the navel.
Flaubert’s Parrot by Julian Barnes
January 17, 2019
My First Time: Christy Stillwell
My First Encouragement
As a freshman at the University of Georgia, I declared an art major. Winter quarter I was registered for my first studio art class, held in the art building, a warehouse-like place with high ceilings and cement floors. Smelling of chalky paint and turpentine, the place felt exotic and intimidating. We sat at long worktables. A quick glance at the supply list and syllabus revealed what I estimated to be several hundred dollars’ worth of materials. The instructor explaine...
