June 24, 2016

Podcast: David Foster Wallace’s “Infiinte Jest” at 20 Years of Age

Posted by Jack B. Rochester in Book Reviews, Interviews, Podcasts

The world is divided into two groups: those who have read the late David Foster Wallace’s masterpiece, Infinite Jest, and those who have not. Tipping in at just over a thousand pages, and described on Amazon as “A gargantuan, mind-altering comedy about the Pursuit of Happiness in America set in an addicts’ halfway house and a tennis academy,” it’s not for everyone. I confess I bought it with high enthusiasm. Couldn’t wait to read it. Now, twenty years on, it’s still resting on my bookshelf, unread. Yet after hearing the people in this New York Times Book Review podcast discuss it, upon the occasion of the 20th anniversary edition being published, I’m ready. Sometimes books are like that, aren’t they? You just have to wait until you’re ready to read it. This podcast was originally netcast…

Continue reading →

June 22, 2016

News and Interview with Nicole Beauchaine

Posted by Mike Rochester in Interviews, News

I recently had a chance to catch up with our Featured Artist for last October, Nicole Beauchaine aka Woodsybug, about her new work. In March, she published her first book: an adult coloring book titled Goddesses. It seems that unlike Trix, coloring is not just for kids. Read on to hear more about it. The Fictional Café: Congratulations on your new book! First off, what exactly is an “adult coloring book?” I’ve never heard of that before. Nicole Beauchaine: So, an adult coloring book is just like a coloring book for kids, only slightly more complex designs and subject matter. For instance, my book includes nudity, not specifically sexual, but not exactly for children either. FC: Good to know! Thanks for making that important distinction. What inspired you to make a coloring book?…

Continue reading →

June 21, 2016

A Visit to Dumas’ Chateau de Monte Cristo, Deuxieme Partie

Posted by Jack B. Rochester in Book Reviews, News

“I confess that the sensation attaching to the name of an absent person bedazzled me. I became ambitious of this glory of making people talk about me places where I was not.” – Alexandre Dumas Paris, 13 Mai, 2016. In France, a country that reveres its authors, Alexandre Dumas is considered a national treasure. He was a prolific writer, most notably for stage plays, novels, and travel nonfiction. He is said to have written 100,000 words, an estimate which, given that he penned some 400 works, must certainly be a low estimate. Dumas was also a man who lived large and loved every moment of his life, which speaks to his character and a subject of equal or greater interest: Le Chateau de Monte-Cristo. [You might enjoy watching this short video, although it’s in French.]…

Continue reading →

June 19, 2016

Children’s Lit Issue – “Chou” by M. J. Sterling

Posted by Mike Rochester in Guest Posts, News

Editor’s Note: For the final installment of our Children’s Literature Issue, we have an essay by one of our members, M. J. Sterling. She writes about the agony of anticipation that comes with hoping for parenthood. * * * In Chou on Spruce and Sacramento one crisp November day while the city reverberated with the tap tap tap of keyboards under blue lights in cardboard cubicles, we were two deserters and a stowaway drifting through the jewel box of smocked, pinstriped, hand-knit and starched cotton treasures as through an enchanted forest. Just past three. Nestled on that too beautiful San Francisco street, clear brilliance of red and blue and green skyline — the city paused here in quiet repose. The owlish shopkeeper in giant black glasses and 50’s polka dot scarf peered into her dog-eared…

Continue reading →

June 17, 2016

Podcast: Michael Connelly, Stephen King, John LeCarre, Frederick Forsyth and More!

Posted by Jack B. Rochester in Audio Arts, Book Reviews, Podcasts

If you’re an avid bookie, you probably read The New York Times Book Review, which comes tucked inside the Sunday paper. For some time now Pamela Paul, the NYTBR’s editor, has been creating podcast interviews and other book news in a podcast. This month, we’re highlighting not one but several we think you’ll enjoy listening to. The first is an interview with a popular crime thriller author, LA’s own Michael Connolly, author of the fabulous Harry Bosch and Lincoln Lawyer tales, discussing his most recent novel, The Crossing. It’s followed by Alexandra Alter’s in-depth exploration about how Stephen King came up with the ideas to write the short stories in his latest collection, The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. A review of Adam Sisman’s biography of the king of spy novelists, John Le Carre, author of The Spy Who…

Continue reading →

The Fictional Café

2 days ago

Fresh Java! "Armageddon Series" Season 2! By Terry Tibke - is.gd/lhdLeK ... See MoreSee Less

"Armageddon Series" Season 2! By Terry Tibke - The Fictional Café

www.fictionalcafe.com

On a planet of feuding dragon tribes, a young dragonrider brings hope to the people of Caball in Armageddon: Whitesteel Peaks!

View on Facebook

The Fictional Café

2 weeks ago

Check out this fun podcast! ... See MoreSee Less

"Punching Out" by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink - The Fictional Café

www.fictionalcafe.com

"Punching Out" by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink is a dark comedy that combines office humor with a zombie apocalypse twist.

View on Facebook

The Fictional Café

2 weeks ago

Fresh Java! "Punching Out" by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink - is.gd/xvdArW ... See MoreSee Less

"Punching Out" by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink - The Fictional Café

www.fictionalcafe.com

"Punching Out" by Jenni Stukin and Ruby Fink is a dark comedy that combines office humor with a zombie apocalypse twist.

View on Facebook

Podcast: David Foster Wallace’s “Infiinte Jest” at 20 Years of Age

News and Interview with Nicole Beauchaine

A Visit to Dumas’ Chateau de Monte Cristo, Deuxieme Partie

Children’s Lit Issue – “Chou” by M. J. Sterling

Podcast: Michael Connelly, Stephen King, John LeCarre, Frederick Forsyth and More!

This is your site

Archive

Facebook