Interesting Links for March 13, 2009

Two new Roberto Bolaño novels (as well as a piece believed to be the 6th section of the 5-part “2666″) have been discovered
“2666″ is one of the most anticipated books I have on my “to read” shelf at home. Based on the reviews, I know it’s going to be right up my alley. With that in mind, the news of new books excites me. The quote below shows the level of commitment Bolaño exhibited for his craft.

Bolano died in Spain after spending the last part of his life in the Costa Brava region, where he worked a series of menial jobs including washing dishes, selling jewellery to tourists and as a night watchman at a campsite in order to support himself, a wife and young family while he pursued his literary ambitions.
Exclusive Crank 2 Trailer on io9
I didn’t see the first one but apparently people loved it. As a fan of “Death Race,” I ‘ll probably like it too. It looks nutty.
Tor’s got a nifty post on Ryunosuke Akutugawa and how the visions that formulated stories such as Rashomon may have eventually killed him

Akutagawa committed suicide by poisoning at 35, following a rapid descent into mental illness that in many ways resembled the madness of his mother. I suspect that a lifelong obsession about becoming insane creates a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Yes, 32,000 square feet is a bit excessive, even when it’s as stunning as this Kuala Lumpur residence