Read the new Reacher, 'A Wanted Man,' in about 4 days. Hey, it ain't high literature, but Mr. Child has now mastered the art of un-put-downed-ness: interesting protagonist, short chapters, vertical fall of a plot, lots of action. Had four of his books to get signed, and a long line behind me, so I never did have the time to ask Child about casting Tom Cruise as Reacher. I'm guessing Cruise's production company offered Child a 2-foot stack of thousands.
IFOA thoughts:
Micheal Chabon: as nice and as gracious as he's ever been. Class act.
Junot Diaz: Lost some weight; super sharp, mental-wise. Discussed Toronto construction.
Mohammed Hanif: Finally got my books signed. Tiny fella. Pakistan air force must recruit small.
Lee Child: Debonair. Polite. British.
Rachel Joyce: Nice lady.
Kate Mosse: Small lady wearing ridiculous high heels. Channeling Vivienne Westwood?
Karen Thompson Walker: No impressions - too rushed.
Richard Ford: Brusque, verging on impatience. Got a friend to get my second lot of 4 books signed.
Andrew Westoll: A class act, and very forthcoming.
Cory Doctorow: Just like his on-line persona: in your face, friendly and smart/y.
China Mieville: Nice guy. Much softer nature than his dust-jacket pics might suggest.
Paul Auster: More effusive and warmer than his writing might indicate. Liked him a lot.
Jess Walter: As friendly and as nice as the last time I met him.
Chester Brown: Rocking a haircut like no other human, but so nice and quiet. You can see where his work comes from.