All of a sudden I’m going to be doing a public interview with Rupert Thomson — a literary hero I’ve never burned out on — at McNally Robinson on Friday, August 17, at 7 p.m. The scheduling dovetails with the U.S. publication of his latest novel, Death of a Murderer. A more stripped-down, contemplative story than I’m used to seeing . . .
Excellent news from a friend at Algonquin: ZZ Packer will guest-edit the 2008 edition of New Stories From the South.
The Smart Set is a weekly feature, compiled by Lauren Cerand, that usually appears Mondays at 12:30pm and highlights the best of the week to come. Special favor is given to New York’s independent booksellers and venues, and low-cost and free events. Please send details to lauren [at] maudnewton.com by the Thursday prior to publication, with the date in the . . .
Henry James slept here: Terry Teachout visits Wharton’s house and recounts her hilarious anecdote about James asking for directions.
On the other coast: Mark Sarvas, Ann Cummins, and Mishna Wolff read for Swink tomorrow night at Tangiers Lounge in Los Feliz.