From Verniana: Jules Verne Studies, Walter James Miller describes the “resurrection” of Jules Verne among English-speaking countries and interviews five Vernian scholars about the current state of Verne’s reputation. Why can't a woman write the Great American Novel? Female authors hold their own on the bestseller lists, but Elaine Showalter's provocative new history wonders why they get so little respect. A review of How Not to Write a Novel: 200 Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs If You Ever Want to Get Published by Sandra Newman and Howard Mittelmark. From the National Book Critics Circle's "Critical Mass" blog, an interview with PEN America Journal’s editor M Mark; and daily reviews of the NBCC Awards' thirty finalists, starting with Allan J. Lichtman’s White Protestant Nation: The Rise of The American Conservative Movement. Baby Bust: How the Right’s baby love is undermining conservatism. From The American Conservative, how radio wrecks the Right: Limbaugh and company certainly entertain, but a steady diet of ideological comfort food is no substitute for hearty intellectual fare; our enemy, the president: the most important battle isn’t between Republicans and Democrats but between executive power and the Constitution; can incoming CIA Director Leon Panetta fix Langley?; and a review of books on Wilsonianism. PBS' "Frontline" goes Inside the Meltdown.
