Great Regulars: At a period in American literary history

when "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" and "The Bedwetter" are currently among the premier products of our publishing industry, is another reflection on the sinking fortunes of "the book" in order?

Those memoirs, sort of, by comedians Chelsea Handler and Sarah Silverman are without class or taste, largely harmless, quickly forgotten and guaranteed to draw a few laughs--if you're 12.

Harper and Grand Central (formerly Warner Books) published them, both respectable houses, but they need to pay the light bill and those books bring in quick cash.

from Bob Hoover: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Market a good book lately?

~~~~~~~~~~~