Born to Be Posthumous: The Eccentric Life and Mysterious Genius of Edward Gorey

　　I use Edward Gorey as a sort of friend litmus test. If you’re a fan of author/artist Gorey’s dark, Victorian humor—expressed best, in my opinion, in The Doubtful Guest—then we will probably get along swimmingly. If you’re ignorant of his work, that’s a wonderful opportunity for me to lend you some of my Gorey books and my beloved Fantod pack, which you had better return. I was thrilled to learn of a new Gorey biography, Born To Be Posthumous, the first published since his death in 2000. But having read The New Yorker’s Joan Acocella dismiss of many of the author’s interpretations and assumptions of Gorey, my enthusiasm has cooled. Is it worth reading a biography of him, even if it’s flawed? [Kate Bernot]

Hey, I might like whisky now

　　As is so often with cool things like craft beers and artisanal whiskeys and whathave you, I am way behind the curve. Actually my most common reaction to whisky is, “It burns!” That was before I went to a recent Maker’s Mark tasting event where I was introduced to the brand’s sublime Maker’s 46 bourbon. There was no burning, just a smooth caramel and vanilla goodness, because the 46 is aged longer than regular Maker’s Mark, which helps mellow out the bitterness. It was like, “Whisky, were have you been all my life?” Except I’m such a lightweight, I would be on the floor likely after more than a sip or two. But as a post-fancy-dinner 1/2-finger drink, or the next time I feel like I’m coming down with something, you’d better believe I am going to shell out for this lovely gateway whisky. [Gwen Ihnat]