in which the author discusses five books he'd read, if time permitted.

1. Into the Forbidden Zone: A Trip Through Hell and High Water in Post-Earthquake Japan, by William T. Vollmann.
I corresponded with literary genius William Vollmann (two "n's") once about an essay I wanted him to contribute to a publication at which I worked. He [...]

Hey y'all, welcome to the San Francisco Panorama Arts Desk roundup. Jingles, $20 newspapers, copyright treaties, comic books, singing gynecologists, Fotoweek drama, and Chuck Klosterman, after the jump.