I’m thrilled that the Book of Life will be soon be published in the UK. Here’s the wonderful book cover, designed by the terrific David Pearson. See more of his terrific work here: www.davidpearsondesign.com

The nice people at O Magazine have made The Book of Life their “Find of the Month” for January.

The Book of Life was Briefly Noted in this week’s issue of the New Yorker (November 7, 2011).

Finally, a long-overdue update here. I’m on my way out to the Midwest for some readings. But before that, some extra things: A great interview is up at the Rumpus. Some words on the High Holidays, and the stories that didn’t make it, are up at the Jewish Book Council’s Blog. And a list of my favorite songs about infidelity are up on Largehearted Boy. Go see! More later. Time to fly.

After years of writing, reading, revising, waiting, planning, and worrying, The Book of Life has finally been published. I saw it for sale for the first time, fittingly, in a bookstore near where I grew up. This was two weeks ago now, and I hadn’t been planning to see it sitting there on the table. Like so much about these stories, this caught me by surprise: they’d just gone out into the word without letting me know.

Here’s some photographic evidence of the moment, as well some high praise for the stories from Shelf Awareness.

“Blessedly dark ironic humor is a supreme talent that Nadler displays in telling these tales… A dazzling debut short story collection replete with characters wrestling with guilt and regret but fighting for lives with humor, spirit and the odd transgression.”  Read the complete review here

Some short good news, a week before the official release: The Brookline Booksmith has named The Book of Life their book of the week! Here’s what they had to say: “In his debut collection of short stories, Stuart Nadler steps boldly onto the scene. I mean, just look at the title folks. Seven stories plunge into the complex, often strained, stretched and twisted bonds between parents, children, lovers and cheaters. This collection is as exciting a debut to hit our shelves as any in a long time. Nadler’s sister is renowned local songwriter Marissa Nadler. I call unfair concentration of talent.” 

Some things have been happening

As of today, we’re less than two weeks away from September 1, when The Book of Life finally hits the shelves. Yesterday, some finished copies arrived at my door, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the result. It’s be a long haul with this book, and I’m glad to finally be able to hold it in my hands. I feel obliged to mention and thank Matt Tanner, who designed the bold, beautiful cover, and whose name I learned too late to include in my acknowledgements.

Already some terrific early reviews have been coming in. Sara Ivry at the Tablet calls The Book of Life “a searing heartbreaker.” Kirkus claims I’m a writer’s writer. And Daniel Goldin at the great Boswell Books in Milwaukee has a terrific smart piece about the collection up on their blog. I’ve got some exciting readings scheduled for the next few months, the first of which is the release party on September 1 at New York’s best bookstore, Book Court. Come!

More soon.

Just back from the 75th Anniversary celebration at the Writers’ Workshop. Not surprisingly, it was terrific to be back there, and terribly sad to leave. Reams will be written, I’m sure, so I’ll abstain from any cataloging of awkward encounters, delightful reunions, or moving speeches, except to say that Eleanor Catton may have stolen the entire weekend on Saturday evening. So, in place of all that, here are some pictures.