Comments on: Jigsaws & Novels

By: Jennifer Sheffield

Jennifer Sheffield — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:43:57 +0000

It’s Game 2 (rather than, say, Game 5), in NY, and first pitch isn’t until about 8. I believe some people will in fact prioritize talking about your boots — sorry, books — over watching the first inning. (I even know people who are [shh!] Not Sports Fans.)

I have high hopes!

By: Justine

Justine — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:43:21 +0000

Doret: I thought we were friends? Why are you trying to kill me?

Judith: I’m trying to figure out why it doesn’t bother me. I think partly it’s because Koval’s passion comes through so clearly when she interviews that I wouldn’t want to listen to an interview where she wasn’t passionate. And, you know, so what if she has zero interest in kid’s lit or YA. That’s her loss, not ours. I have zero interest in reading cosy mysteries. People trying to force me to do so would not change my mind any time soon.

Though unlike Koval I do not opine about that genre because I don’t like my ignorance to show. You’re right, the Byatt and Travis pieces were shockingly ignorant. Yay you for pointing it out.

Jennifer: Doret is evil. Through and through.

I’m relieved you at least have my well being at heart.

So does the world series being on mean no one will show up to my appearance on Thursday night?

By: Jennifer Sheffield

Jennifer Sheffield — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:19:28 +0000

Hey, no fair offering dangerous advice when she’s already reporting extreme fatigue!

(Though, honestly, Justine, we’ll welcome you regardless, if you win through the tough crowds on your way…)

By: Judith Ridge

Judith Ridge — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:34:02 +0000

Hi Justine, Like you, I am a regular listener to Romana Koval on The Book Show, but it has to be said she has a definite blind spot when it comes to children’s and YA books. She (almost) never interviews children’s/YA writers herself, and it’s been interesting to note that in her recent absence, Peter Mares has had two kids/YA feature interviews up front and centre on the show (Neal Porter on picture books and Leonie Norrington on her new YA novel).

And then there’s the deplorable, dismissive comments about children’s writers that started in Koval’s interview with AS Byatt, which she continued in a later interview with PL Travers’ biographer. I blogged about this not so long ago:

http://tinyurl.com/mhgfyk

Cheers.

By: Doret

Doret — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:15:11 +0000

Justine, while in Philly you should wear a Yankee’s Jersey and baseball cap