I greatly admire contemporary publications (blogs, literary journals, fashion magazines) that do not always succumb to the pressure to be timely. While it is true that most professional media is supported by advertising, there is no reason that an art blog, or a literary magazine, or even a shopping guide need always cater to the latest study, book or lipstick. Sometimes, slightly-past-its-first-release research can be exciting, reach a new audience, or have new resonance. And a book that is not-quite-new, but not old enough to be a classic, can be worth admiration and a Pulitzer.

Dan jokes that The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was the only book I read this year (not true!). While I did shift reading habits to more short stories and essays, this book was by far the book that made the biggest impact on me in the past year.

I need to get back to novel-reading, but Michael Chabon’s new collection of essays is so tempting! Decisions, decisions.