Author Archives: Cat, Assistant Editor

About Cat, Assistant Editor

Cat loves 'The Women' by T.C. Boyle and 'Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories' by Sandra Cisneros.

Trailer Tuesday: ‘The Bird Sisters’ by Rebecca Rasmussen

The December Book Clubs column features the new paperback edition of Rebecca Rasmussen’s debut The Bird Sisters, a “poignant and powerful” novel that unfolds the story of two sisters with a tragic, eccentric childhood. Writes columnist Julie Hale, “this novel … Continue reading

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Recipe of the week: Stollen

Our December cooking column, part II of a fantastic collection of gifty cookbooks (see part I here), includes four spectacular collections of great meals. For the foodies and gourmands on your gift list, they’re great, but Illustrated Step-by-Step Baking by … Continue reading

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Trailer Tuesday: ‘Twelve Drummers Drumming’ by C.C. Benison

Typical Christmas fiction fare tends to include cozy fires, second chances, reuniting with family, unexpected love affairs . . . you get the picture. And our Christmas fiction list includes all these things, plus something else — an edgy holiday … Continue reading

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25 best book titles of 2011

Everyone has their own opinion on what makes a book cover great, and the same goes for titles. A little clever wordplay, a subtle nod or allusion, something weird—words that suggest that what lies inside is rich and memorable. We’ve … Continue reading

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25 best book jackets of 2011

Perhaps you can’t judge a book by its cover, but don’t you just love a great book jacket? One that seems to pop off the shelf? It can make all the difference when browsing through a bookstore, for a book … Continue reading

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Best Books of 2011, #41: ‘The Realm of Hungry Spirits’ by Lorraine López

As part of our Best Books of 2011 coverage, our editors weigh in on some of their personal favorites from the list. Lorraine López’s The Realm of Hungry Spirits mixes beliefs from multiple religions and cultures to tell the story of Marina, … Continue reading

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7 (more) questions with . . . Ian Rankin

Ian Rankin‘s The Impossible Dead, featured in our December Whodunit column, is the second book in his new series starring Edinburgh cop Malcolm Fox, who investigates corrupt police officers. Columnist Bruce Tierney says it’s packed with “fascinating backstory, compelling characters … Continue reading

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Recipe of the week: Molasses Ginger Cookies

Sometimes the title of a cookbook is just as good as the recipes inside, such as in the case of The Rosie’s Bakery All-Butter, Cream-Filled, Sugar-Packed Baking Book by Judy Rosenberg. After all, as much as it’s great to be … Continue reading

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Trailer Tuesday: ‘I Am Half-Sick of Shadows’ by Alan Bradley

Back in July, we gave a preview of Alan Bradley‘s newest Flavia de Luce novel, I Am Half-Sick of Shadows, including a truly charming excerpt (“Ali-kazam!“). The fourth novel in Bradley’s series finds plucky, 11-year-old sleuth Flavia in the middle … Continue reading

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Trailer Tuesday: ‘MetaMaus’ by Art Spiegelman

For the bibliophiles and self-declared bookworms on your gift list, we’ve assembled a fantastic list of literary gifts, all of which provide fresh perspectives on classic works. One of our selected lit gifts is the follow-up to Art Spiegelman‘s 1986 … Continue reading

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Monday contest: Critter books for kids

There’s something about Christmas that makes me reminisce about being a kid–or even doing my best to recreate favorite holiday moments (read: lots and lots of paper crafts). In honor of that childlike wonder inspired by the season (and all … Continue reading

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Best Books of 2011, #34: ‘The Night Strangers’ by Chris Bohjalian

As part of our Best Books of 2011 coverage, our editors weigh in on some of their personal favorites from the list. Inspired by a creepy door in his own basement and story of Sully Sullenberger, best-selling author Chris Bohjalian took … Continue reading

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Trailer Tuesday: ‘Love at First Bark’ and ‘Following Atticus’

Because I love dogs so much (and I’m not alone on this here at BookPage), I’m featuring TWO trailers for books from our November dog book feature! I just can’t help myself. First is Love at First Bark, the follow-up … Continue reading

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Weekly links: Really bad lit sex, Literary Turduckens & a thriller-diller Great Expectations

Literary Review revealed their shortlist for the 2011 Bad Sex in Literature award on Tuesday, and the 12 nominees include 1Q84, 11/22/63 and The Land of Painted Caves. The winner will be announced on December 6. In the meantime, check … Continue reading

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Recipe of the week: Sautéed Scallops with Asparagus

Thanksgiving is all about the best family recipes–the ones that use the most butter and cream and are handwritten on ancient recipe cards. Like my grandmother’s corn pudding recipe—at the bottom she wrote, “Serve, eat & slap yo’ mama!” So … Continue reading

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