It is almost a cliché that famous writers and alcohol go together. In this important new book English author Olivia Laing focuses on six prominent American writers who struggled with alcoholism — F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, John Cheever, John Berryman and Raymond Carver. Laing grew up in an alcoholic family, which partly explains her intense … [Read more...]
‘Distracted’ probes ADD issue expertly, but writer’s homily simplistic
With two parts wisecracks and one part wisdom, Lisa Loomer has aimed her word processor at some of contemporary life’s intriguing social issues. She has illuminated our views on employing Third World nannies (Living Out), body modification rituals (The Waiting Room) and efforts to become parents (Expecting Isabel) with highly theatrical humor. Belonging unmistakably to that … [Read more...]