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June 6, 2007
Book Notes - Jean Thompson ("Throw Like a Girl")
In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that is in some way relevant to their recently published books.
Of Jean Thompson's writing, David Sedaris said:
"If there are 'Jean Thompson characters,' they're us, and never have we been so articulate and worthy of compassion. These stories confirm that no one is beneath her interest, or beyond her sure and seemingly limitless reach."
I have to agree, I have admired Jean Thompson's novels and short fiction for years, and am proud to have another of my favorite authors participate in this series.
Thompson's fourth short fiction collection, Throw Like a Girl, is another volume that showcases Thompson's literary craft.
Preview or download this playlist at iTunes
In her own words, here is Jean Thompson's Book Notes essay for her collection of short fiction, Throw Like a Girl:
I'm an oldie's jukebox and a little bit country:
1. Anything Motown is great, but how about The Crystals, When He Walked Me Home, to summon those days when we were all young and hopeful and thought life was going to be Da Doo Ron Ron. Better times for Phil Spector, too.
2. and 3. Two classics about the raw and hungry heart. Bob Seger, Night Moves, and Derek and the Dominos, Layla.
4. Les Freres Balfa, Jolie Blonde. For the young man I was dancing with. He knows who he is.
5. Prince, Little Red Corvette. Driving by myself on Route 50, America's Loneliest Highway, somewhere in Utah, and thinking, Hey, this isn't all bad.
6. Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter. Everything old is new again, and war is still just a shot away.
7. Bob Dylan, Tight Connection To My Heart. For everybody who's been in pissed-off love.
8. Alison Krauss, New Favorite. My hometown Illinois girl's near-perfect voice mellows everything out.
9. Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, Pancho & Lefty. Man, it's hard being an old outlaw.
10. Emmylou Harris, Easy From Now On. Time to lay all that heartache down. Remember, you have a wild card up your sleeve.
see also:
Jean Thompson and Throw Like a Girl links:
the author's website
the book's website at the publisher
the author's guest essay at Maud Newton
reviews of Throw Like a Girl:
Publisher's Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
other reviews
Previous Book Notes submissions (authors create playlists for their book)
Note Books (musicians discuss literature)
52 Books, 52 Weeks (2007 Edition)
52 Books, 52 Weeks (2006 Edition)
52 Books, 52 Weeks (2005 Edition)
52 Books, 52 Weeks (2004 Edition)
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tags: books music fiction literature
