Sweet short stories

This USA Today article emphasizes what a lot of readers have known for a long time -- that short stories are to be savored: rich, delectable nuggets which showcase a writer's gift. Short stories are difficult -- often writers who are wonderful novelists have a hard time writing a short story. Its a craft few master and many imitate.

The endless pile of books

Joe Queenan has a hilarious essay in last week's New York Times Book Review about the bibliophile's nasty habit: starting and reading multiple books at one time...