A list of some of the books "restricted" in Malaysia. More here (via)

It is usually rare for men to be making a case for a Heyer novel, so when it comes, one points to it. Also, Risky Regencies asks what one's Favorite Heyers are - ten and these will keep changing often, anyway - The Grand Sophy, Regency Buck, Beauvalet, Devil's Cub, These Old Shades (one's first Heyer), Venetia, Frederica (ah Felix!), Sylvester, The Nonesuch, The Unknown Ajax...(entire list)

Paul Aster wants to tell a story:

...art is useless, at least when compared, say, to the work of a plumber, or a doctor, or a railroad engineer. But is uselessness a bad thing? Does a lack of practical purpose mean that books and paintings and string quartets are simply a waste of our time? Many people think so. But I would argue that it is the very uselessness of art that gives it its value and that the making of art is what distinguishes us from all other creatures who inhabit this planet, that it is, essentially, what defines us as human beings.

Hisham Matar's In the Country of Men is on the list for Guardian's First Book Award.

The Inheritance of Loss - book burning threat over portrayal of Kalimpong.

A very interesting project Seen Reading where readers are celebrities (via).