In Praise of Short

No, I'm not talking about myself. Though short people do have a lot to offer, but that's another post.

Buying and moving into this house has definitely affected me on so many levels. I've experienced a gamut of emotions, and yes, I've been (and no doubt will continue to be for a while) quite distracted. I've slowly started to get back into reading, which is a great relief. But even months ago, when we first started thinking seriously about buying a house, I began to get distracted, and found it difficult to finish large novels (case in point: I'm still reading Bleak House!)

There are times in one's life when short writing is just what the doctor ordered. And not just short stories, either (which are of course, a joy to read). It's time to sing the praises of short non-fiction. So I thought I would mention some titles that I have devoured in the past few months – books full of essays that are smart, funny, pithy – and yes, short in length, but never short on quality.

Writers on Writing: Collected Essays from The New York Times, Volumes I and II

If you enjoy reading about what inspires or compels writers to write, or just how damn difficult it is to live with this midnight disease, then these are must read books for you. Beautifully written essays by authors such as Saul Bellow, Richard Ford, Annie Proulx, Jane Smiley, Margaret Atwood, A.M. Holmes, Elmore Leonard and David Mamet. Very inspirational. (Just a personal preference, but I found Volume II to be much better overall).

Bookmark Now: Writing in Unreaderly Times
Edited by Kevin Smokler

Do you think the world of reading and writing is on the decline? Kevin Smokler doesn't think so, and neither do the many authors who contributed their thoughts to this book. This is a fascinating look at the world of writing and publishing, with the influence of technology, the internet, and yes, blogs, and how this has changed the publishing field for the better. Engaging essays about getting book deals via writing blogs, the perils and pleasures of having a large online fan base, and what happens when you get a wee bit too obsessed with Googling yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and really connected with Kevin's Smokler's insightful introduction.

David Rakoff, where have you been all my life? His two books, Fraud and Don't Get Too Comfortable are just some of the wittiest shit I have read in a long time. Originally from Toronto, Rakoff has lived in the U.S. since he was about 18, and just recently became a U.S. citizen, which yes, is one of his hilarious essays in his 2nd collection, Don't Get Too Comfortable. Rakoff looks at everything from a very cynical, world-weary perspective, exploring the vanities and greed of our self-absorbed society in North America, and documenting it all with a sharp eye and a rapier wit. I think Fraud is the stronger collection of essays, but both books are definitely worth reading.

Some Writers Deserve to Starve! 31 Brutal Truths About the Publishing Industry
by Elaura Niles

I confess that I was really drawn to this book because of the cool title, the cute size and the very attractive design. But I'm a sucker for gift books, and I would catalogue this as a good gift book to give to a friend who is a writer just getting started, or just a nice treat for oneself. It's a no-nonsese, straight-from-the-hip guide to all the ins and outs of the writing and publishing industry. Most of it is common sense, but I did learn a few things from reading this book. And all this vital info is now packed into an attractive portable book that you can take with you anywhere. A fun (and funny) informative read.

So that's it for now! I'll probably do another 'short list' sometime later in the year, because I'm sure to have more of those moments when only a short read will do.

So c'mon! Get Shorty!

Comments

[R J Keefe]

Thanks for the tip about David Rakoff!

[bookfraud]

nice recommendations. you had me nodding in agreement -- i'll pay amazon a visit -- until i saw "some writers deserve to starve!..." now that's one to make you want to sit down and pick up a pen...but i'm sure it's a good read, which is what matters.

[Pete]

"Bookmark Now" was great. Loved it.

[iliana]

I really want to read Bookmark now. Thanks for the short tips :)

[Anne]

I should probably give the "about writing" genre another shot. I get bored reading the prose of writers on the topic of writing. I'd rather read their real writings --fiction, essays, poetry, etc. -- and not know so much about their views of the process.

The Rakoff stuff sounds good.

[eliane]

What's up with your space bar, Patricia?

[patricia]

Is the space issue that much more compelling that the post?

[Frank]

Hello ! This is very [url=http://www.google.com/bb497]good[/url] site !!