One of the best books of the year, given one of the worst leads of the year. Maybe I'm just grumpy and exacting, I was surprised to find out those were Eggers' words; I'd have guessed they came from a newsletter compiler who hadn't actually read it. HARRUMPH.

That reminds me that I should be working on the best of the year so far; look for it on Sunday-abouts, and bring your own list so we can fight about it.