Reading...
Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart. One of the New York Times Book Review's Top 10 Books of 2006. Just out in paperback. Funny and sad and shocking and sweaty. Absurdistan's anti-hero is like A Confederacy of Dunces' Ignatius J. Reilly with Russian sensibilities. Excellent.
The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West. Awhile back I was reading West's Miss Lonelyhearts and recommended it heartily. This one even more so. For fans of Waugh or Fitzgerald.
The Dead Fish Museum by Charles D'Ambrosio. Have worked through about 2/3 of the short stories in this collection and haven't found one I didn't love. Stands up against any of the great short story writers of the 20th century.
Tepper Isn't Going Out by Calvin Trillin. This book makes me wish I had lived in New York, because it has very much the insider critique. Still, the themes are universal, the characters charming, and the story excellent.
Listening to...
Rock Plaza Central. Previously recommended. Can't recommend them enough. Everything you love about Neutral Milk Hotel, Will Oldham, Of Montreal, etc.
Bright Eyes. This new albumcmay be my favorite. Hard to say.
Michael Penn's greatest hits collection. Remember this late 90's favorite? Remember what a singable song No Myth was? Either way, check him out. For fans of Jon Brion, Aimee Mann, and George Harrison.
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