While I Was Out

David Ulin became the new editor of the Los Angeles Times Book Review, effective in October. Here he is on notable books for the fall.

David Kipen left the San Francisco Chronicle for Washington, where he’ll direct the literature program at the NEA. Check out the farewell party report by Mark “In The Know” Sarvas.

The Booker Longlist was announced, and includes all the big names you’d expect: Salman Rushdie, Kazuo Ishiguro, J.M. Coetzee, Ian McEwan, Zadie Smith. The shortlist will be announced this Thursday.

The Lit Blog Co-Op, of which I’m a member, wrapped up preparations for its fall pick announcement. Here are some clues on the nominees, courtesy of Ed Champion.

The new issue of Ruminator came out, with contributions by Gloria Kurian Broder, Daniel Handler and David Sedaris, and an interview with actor Joan Allen, among other things.

826LA announced that Los Angeles mayor Antonia Villaraigosa will guest edit its newest anthology of student writing (scroll down).

Outsider Ink published a fall issue devoted to life under George W. Bush.

After complaints from the ADC, the entry for the word “Arab” on Thesaurus.com was amended to strike out pejorative synonyms such as welfare bum, homeless person, and beggar.

A.L. Kennedy wrote an excellent piece for the Huffington Post about the travelling life of the modern writer.

American-born novelist Diana Abu-Jaber was held at Miami International Airport for two hours while immigration officers “checked her out with Washington.” She was told this was likely to happen again next time she travels by plane.