Yesterday, I spoke with Elizabeth Blair on NPR’s morning edition about unfilmable novels (I’d written a piece on the topic for The Atlantic back in October). I really enjoyed our conversation – but the most exciting part to me was that I had a chance to be on air with David Mitchell, one of my favorite contemporary writers. I only wish that I’d had a chance to meet him in person.

I’ve actually yet to see Cloud Atlas the movie; I must admit, I’m stalling because of my love for the book. I’m too afraid of being disappointed. That’s actually something Elizabeth and I discussed during our conversation, though it didn’t make it to the final cut: how do you approach the films of books that you’ve loved? Do you avoid them for fear of ruining a dear mental image–or do you embrace them on their own terms? It depends on the film and the book in question, of course, but it’s always an interesting conundrum. I’d love to hear your thoughts. And a related question: have you ever read a book after loving the movie? And if you have, were you ever disappointed?

listen to the NPR segment here

I’m excited to share this early, starred review of MASTERMIND, from Publisher’s Weekly. A one-sentence excerpt: “Not for Baker Street Irregulars alone, this fascinating look at how the mind works—replete with real-life case studies and engaging thought experiments—will be an eye-opening education for many.”

You can read the full review here.

My book, Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, is now available for pre-order at Indiebound, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. Check it out! There’s no cover photo yet, but I’m excited to share it with you soon. I think it’s a beautiful design.

This drawing would make a wonderful accompaniment to the recent Guardian piece on the (false though repeated ad infinitum) relationship between creation and pain or–though preferably, and–suffering.

Illustration by the wonderful Grant Snider.

I just came across this image and absolutely loved it:

I realize the art of reading a hardcover is likely on its way out, but it makes me happy to see the physical book treated with such care and respect. My books are my babies. Each and every one is there for a reason. When I see someone mistreat or mishandle them, I cringe. I have to resist the urge to snatch the innocent victim from the offending hands. When Matthews writes, “I almost fainted,” I empathize with the sentiment completely. It doesn’t seem at all like exaggeration.

And I must admit, I hate lending books out. Ever. To anyone. I know it sounds selfish, but I can’t bear the thought of someone not treating them nicely. Sometimes, it’s impossible to say no. I hate those times. I wish I could avoid them altogether.

To Matthews’s wonderful guide to handling the book, I’d add the following common-sense-seeming tips, that I’ve seen violated uncommonsensically one time too many:

-Don’t eat or drink next to a book

-Don’t touch a book with dirty or wet hands

-Don’t leave a book out in the sun

-Don’t dog-ear pages. Ever ever ever.

-Don’t put a book down unless you know the surface is clean and dry

-Don’t bend back a biding, no matter how much easier it makes it to read the book; it is never necessary

-Always return books you’ve borrowed from someone else. In a timely fashion. Don’t be that person.

-And most important of all, always handle books with love and care. As Ray Bradbury once said, “Books are people.”

Maybe, that’s just me. But if you ever want to borrow one of my books, you’ve been warned.

Thanks, Malorie, for discovering this lovely image!