Book news: Price and Diaz, Maher and 'Moby-Dick'

New York landmark Times Square isn't what it used to be — according to novelists Richard Price and Junot Diaz, who talk to each other, and New York Magazine, about New York.

Richard Price: I hate Times Square so much. It’s like the triumph of some kind of fundamentalism. I miss those all-night movie houses. All those guys with the popcorn pimp hats. I loved that.

Junot Diaz: I know this is a reach, but I always think that there are these zones where really cool, non-formulaic [bleep] is happening. And for all the [bleep] dinge of those places, we’re our best selves there. And no matter where these zones are, people want to get rid of them. Anyone with any kind of power.

New York City is losing something else: the 6-year-old New York Sun, which will close its doors Wednesday. Get its always interesting book coverage while it remains online.

Bill Maher chooses his six favorite books, and he's not above padding. "Moby-Dick" makes the list, although he's never read it. Maybe he should see the movie.

But wait! Even "Moby-Dick" isn't what it used to be! A plan is afoot in Hollywood to "reimagine" the novel. "Gone is the first-person narration by the young seaman Ishmael, who observes how Ahab’s obsession with killing the great white whale overwhelms his good judgment as captain," Variety reports. One filmmaker says, "This is an opportunity to take a timeless classic and capitalize on the advances in visual effects to tell what at its core is an action-adventure revenge story." LAist laments this as "the worst idea in history":

this story has very specific intent, very sincere and deeply expressed meaning. Making a version of the story that rejects everything but the most superficial aspects of the story is an insult to the intellegence [sic] of the nation for whom the book was written, and the moviegoers who are the film's intended target.

The LAist rant is pretty darn funny. I'm not going to see that movie. But — honestly? — I haven't read "Moby-Dick," either.

— Carolyn Kellogg

Photo by heymynameispaul via Flickr.

Comments

[Craig]

Moby Dick is one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written. I had to read it three times before the subtle meaning and beauty of the book emerged.

It is only on its superficial level that the book is a whaling story.

[chi]

Wow. i'm stunned that you, as a book blogger in Los Angeles, haven't read Moby Dick. Kind of embarrassing, actually.

[Carolyn]

Well Chi, you're right, I should read "Moby Dick," and hope to someday. But wouldn't you rather I admit to not having read it than pretend I have?

As much as I do read, I know I'll never catch up on all the books I'd like (or ought) to have read. Sadly, Milton was probably the last guy who could claim to have read everything. (Milton -- him I've read.)

[J.S. Peyton]

Well, I'm sure this will get me stoned but...

I don't think you're missing anything Carolyn. I read the complete unabridged version and frankly, I was bored out of my mind. The best part of that novel was the first line ("Call me Ishmael."). Everything else? Meh.

If you decide to read it, I say get yourself the abridged version. I wish I had.

[chi]

well, carolyn, sure it's better to admit such thing. and i respect that part of it.

and it's not whether you end up liking the book or not, j.s. peyton. it's about knowing the history of the field you're working in.

for example, if i was a, i don't know, basketball blogger, i'd make sure i watch some clips of bob cousy and magic johnson and tiny archibald, whether they are my type of players or not, before i can writ accurately about chris paul or steve nash's place in the pantheon of nba point guards.