Andrew Roberts' "Napoleon" ....

Andrew Roberts' "Napoleon" is a huge book that will change the way you think about one of history's most controversial figures. Roberts spent almost a decade researching the book, and it shows in the meticulous research, the attention to detail; Roberts seems to have been privy to Napoleon's strategy meetings such is the depth of his reporting on various battles.

Here's my interview with Roberts.

Indie presses

I had a really hard time putting this piece together on indie presses. Not because I can't write (although some former editors might say otherwise), but because I had such a wealth of material. Unfortunately some really good information and tales had to be cut -- I'm especially chagrined there wasn't more room for Nathan Kukulski of Six Gallery Press -- but sometimes sacrifices must be made.
Nathan, I owe you a beer, at least.
I am happy, however, to be able to shed some light on these wonderful folks who do this because they love books and writers and fiction and non-fiction and poetry. If you love books, these publishers deserve your support:
Braddock Avenue Books: Six Gallery Press; Low Ghost Press; Hyacinth Girl Press; and Creative Non-Fiction.
And my apologies to all the other small presses in the area that, for reasons of time and space, I could not fit in.
Of course, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Chuck Kinder and Diane Cecily for being hosts nonpareil.

Craig Bernier's "Your Life Idyllic"

Recently, Chuck Kinder told me about a new guy in town who was publishing a short-story collection. Actually, Craig Bernier's been here more than a decade, so he's not exactly "new". But I'd not heard of him until Mr. Kinder kindly introduced us via e-mail.

When I got my copy of "Your Life Idyllic" I set it aside. I'm not keen on most short-story collections -- Alice Munro's work being a notable exception -- because I like to immerse myself in stories. It disappoints me when a story starts to gain momentum and ends. I always want more, particularly if there are compelling characters.

Craig's collection, however, is more than satisfying. The stories are vivid and well told, and the characters are compelling and realistic.

And Craig's a great guy.

Here's my interview with Craig, published today in the Tribune Review.