Sunday salon: Picador blog

I've been following with interest the relatively new Picador blog, which rapidly distinguished itself in my eyes from all the very many litblogs, and indeed the very many publishers' litblogs, by being a lively, conversational place about the wider world of books, bookselling, commuterdom and above all, reading, from an eclectic mix of contributors. I fell into conversation, as one does, with Jenny Geras, who runs the blog, and she very kindly agreed to consider a submission from me on the subject of our Sunday Salon. I hope that the post might encourage a few new members to join this stimulating yet leisurely (if that isn't a contradiction in terms) discussion group.

I do recommend checking out the Picador blog: the posts are varied yet pertinent. Here is Jenny Geras of Picador on books that made her cry (one of her list had that effect on me, but so did many others -- I cry very easily when I read). Here's Ed Woods of Waterstone's Books Quarterly asking where all the good contemporary war novels have gone. A post I particularly like is one by Jonathan Ruppin (who works at Foyles and writes the "paperback preview" report for the Bookseller) on the best books to read while travelling on the Underground (or any form of public transport, I guess). There are lots of comments to these posts, and to others, creating a real conversation on topics both highbrow and lowbrow (their definitions!). This blog really has a bit of a knack for what we book fans like to chat about, it is nicely designed and a friendly air. Oh, and it also features great publishing questions of today, such as what we all think of the widely reported decision by Picador to forego the hardback format for some of its books.

(Disclaimer: Picador books is a division of Macmillan. In my day job, I work for Nature Publishing Group, which is also owned by Macmillan.)

Comments

[Imani]

Hmm, you're write, from what I've read of your selection, Picador does seem to be more engaging than the usual publisher blogs. I will have to keep an eye on it. Thanks so much for mentioning my blog in the Sunday Salon post, btw.

[Imani]

Ack. I meant "You're *right".

[Susan Balée]

Ah, I like that blog. I just bookmarked it. Thank you, Maxine!

[Peter]

I think the question ought to be where all the good contemporary wars have gone.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
"Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
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[Maxine]

Having just sat through the distressingly leaden remake of the Manchurian Candidate, and kicking myself for the utter waste of time, I know what you mean, Peter.

[Wendy]

Great post on the Picador blog! Thanks for the link - I'll have to browse over there :)