Monday Links

*Liao Yiwu, a Chinese poet has exiled himself and retreated to Germany, where his books are best-sellers. His new found freedom has meant he can publish his memoir, which reveals all the torrid details of the abuse and turture he suffered at the hands of the Chinese justice system. This article is a sneak peak into his story and the forthcoming book, I highly recommend giving it a read.

*The Huffington Post listed 11 famous books and the best drinks to drink with them. It's a little silly but there are a couple I'll be trying out.

*Author Jesmyn Ward has won the National Book Award for fiction with her novel Salvage the Bones. Salvage the Bones is a story about a poor family in Mississippi struggling to survive as Hurricane Katrina is close to hitting the Gulf Coast. The press surrounding the book makes it sound like it'd be a wonderful (and perhaps heartbreaking) read, so I'll be keeping my eyes out for it!

*I thought I'd set out what challenges I'd be taking part in next year but then Gabe postedhis list of bits and pieces that he'll be hosting through next year and well, yeah, I'm going to be rather busy.

*Make sure you sign up for your chance to win one of two prize packs in my Christmas give-away. All you have to do is fill out a simple form and you're in with a shot!

*Tom and I started a horror blog that'll feature reviews and deconstructions of the best and worst of horror in books, films, games and music. I'd be oh-so very happy if you'd come over for a visit!