WWII Nazi Opus Ignites Passions (Pro and Con)

Going Rogue likely to continue trend of hits from right-wing figures

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin’s memoir is expected sell so well that it will singlehandedly boost the fortunes of the ailing book business. The book is already topping preorder lists, and publisher Harper plans an extensive slate of promotional appearances to make full use the former Alaska governor's drawing power. "They may feel one way or another about her, but they will want to read about her," says a Borders exec. More»

Obama's vacation book list drives leaps in Amazon sales rankings

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s poll numbers are faltering, but his summer reading choices are getting rave reviews, Politico reports. A survey of the Amazon.com standings of the five books the White House announced he would take with him on his Martha’s Vineyard vacation show a drastic improvement in sales. If you’re doubtful about joining Obama’s Book Club, look at these numbers and follow the pack: More»

You can look smart, but still get your fill of juicy sex

(NEWSER) - Paulina Porizkova “quit school at 15 to live off of my looks,” but she’s also a lifelong bookworm, she writes for Modelinia. Because she feels “the need to constantly prove I’m not some dumb model,” she offers up her “summer reading for folks who want to seem kinda smart”:

• A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth: Not only is this 1,488-page tome full of “good ol’ sex and drama,” you’ll learn all about India’s customs, politics, and religion.

Fluffy novels 'must respond to a more sober age'

(NEWSER) - The world of chick lit is populated with material concerns and hefty price tags—but in today’s battered economy, such themes may no longer resonate, writes author Sarah Bilston for DoubleX. Her latest book's “cheery consumerism and aimless career-dithering were clearly out of touch in a world of mortgage defaulting, pink slips, and repossessed homes.” The UK version was already on shelves, but not so the US edition: So "in a single mad month I slashed and burned," as other writers must for the genre to survive. More»

Online group may help you finish Wallace's intimidating tome

(NEWSER) - As the first anniversary of David Foster Wallace’s death approaches, many would-be readers still see his Infinite Jest collecting dust on their bookshelves. Wallace’s 1,079-page tome “has become known equally for its sprawling attention to detail, its near impenetrability, and its effectiveness as a doorstop,” writes Joe Coscarelli for Salon. Enter InfiniteSummer.org, envisioned to help its creator deal with Wallace’s death—and finally finish Jest. More»