Just received my copies of Brad Vice’s The Bear Bryant Funeral Train from editor Jim Gilbert at River City Publishing. Interesting new cover featuring a film reel gives nod to the subject of the title story. This version of the book that caused such a stir (read my essay about it here in Oxford American) contains new essays by Jake York, John Dufresne, Don Noble, and yours truly. The new version was released on March 27.

Plus, Eric Martin’s third novel, The Virgin’s Guide to Mexico, is out tomorrow. Hear him at his only San Francisco reading Saturday night (cinco de mayo!) at Books Inc. Opera Plaza, 7 p.m. I’d think Eric was lying about this being the only reading, except he does have a swank newish baby, Lucia ( note to soon-to-be-parents: no name-stealing allowed), so it is probably kinda hard to get out.

Continuing the Mexico theme, Pete & Kevin at Green Apple Books announced today the store’s book of the month, The Savage Detectives by Robert Bolano. From the Green Apple Newsletter:

Fresh and exciting, The Savage Detectives follows the paths of two surrealist poets from Mexico City on their 10-year odyssey around the globe in search of a long-lost poet who is crucially influential to their craft. Plot aside, Bolano’s refreshingly readable style belies the true depth of this novel, where frank sexuality mingles with a blazing passion for the written word. Think Y tu Mama Tambien as written by Thomas Pynchon.

Speaking of Pynchon, Green Apple’s author pick of the month is Against the Day, selected by Michael Chabon–click here to listen to Terri Gross’ interview with Chabon, talking about The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.