McCracken News Tidbits

Just when you thought there were no words to mark the passing of mime performer Lorene Yarnell, here's Elizabeth McCracken with a whole bunch of them in this year's contribution to The New York Times' annual necrology feature.

And while we're talking McCracken, congrats to my pal of 20 years, Harry McCracken, on his marriage today to the lovely Marie Domingo.

The Lives They Lived: 2009 Edition

Due to our St. John trip, we neglected to check the annual New York Times Magazine necrological feature and in particular the annual subject of one of my favorite writers, Elizabeth McCracken. Here is her write up of two people buried in their own way - one an underground explorer, the other a woman who spent 61 years in an iron lung.

Elizabeth McCracken's 2008 Memorial Tribute

Last year it was Joybubbles. Three years ago, it was Thurl Ravenscroft. See who Elizabeth McCracken's 2008 New York Times Magazine tribute article honored.

Requiem for A Phone Phreak

The always-worth-reading Elizabeth McCracken details the life of Joybubbles, said to be one of the very first phone phreaks, in today's New York Times.

He Was Gr-r-r-r-eat!

In the wake of Kellogg's news that Frosted Flakes (or, as it's called, "Frosted Flakes (Of Corn)") will be served to our Winter Olympians in Torino this February, comes this appreciation of the man who gave Tony The Tiger his unique voice, the late Thurl Ravenscroft. It's written by novelist, essayist, and all around good person Elizabeth McCracken. It's also illustrated with a pic of Tony that looks like early 60's production art.

Buy Elizabeth McCracken Books

We now have the books of Elizabeth McCracken in our General Store. While not a personal acquaintance, I have known of Ms. McCracken's work for quite some time through a longtime friendship with her brother, PC World Editor Harry McCracken. Both McCrackens are outstanding writers, but Elizabeth's work is quite thought provoking.

Dave's Booc Klub

When Oprah comes off her high horse and decides to have a Book Club again - or when The Today Show starts theirs - they would be remiss in not at least considering Niagara Falls All Over Again. The second novel from Elizabeth McCracken has been out for some time, and Ms. McCracken has been sweeping up awards left and right for her work. I champion Ms. McCracken's work not because her brother (Harry, just named Managing Editor of PC World magazine) was in my wedding party. It's because she is one of the best new authors worth reading.

Dave's Booc Klub

Time now for Dave's Booc Klub.

Today in the Booc Klub, just arrived in a nice cardboard sheath is Niagara Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCracken. Five years ago Ms. McCracken put out her first novel, The Giant's House, which won her the Discover New Writers Award. She was also a National Book Award finalist.

The book (from what little I have read so far) is the memoir of a veteran Vaudeville performer, straight man of a two-man comedy act.

I must disclaim that I began seeking out Ms. McCracken's work because I have been friends with her brother for over a decade now, but she could be related to Rasputin and I'd still read her work because it's that good. I started "The Giant's House" one morning before work and almost didn't make it to my desk on time, I was that caught up in it. Run, don't walk, to the book store and pick this one up.