January
8 The lost novella of Jack Torrance

A stroke of genius, this: The sole work of tragic genius and former hotel overseer Jack Torrance, best known for his portrayal by Jack Nicholson in "The Shining," has come to light. It's a slim work -- just 80 pages -- but it reflects a clarity of vision and single-minded concentration that's all but disappeared in today's Twitter-centric world.

The title? "All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy," of course.

"AWANPMJADB" is the brainchild of New York artist Phil Buehler, who tells Alison Flood, "If you're not a (Stanley) Kubrick or (Stephen) King fan, you might not even get it." Apparently, such people do exist and Buehler is engaged to one of them: "I finally showed her the movie, and she realized I wasn't really losing it," he said.

The book is available in both paperback ($8.95) and hardcover ($22.95) through publish-yourself outlet blurb.com, which also offers a free 15-page preview and, best, of all, this author bio on the back flap:

"John Daniel 'Jack' Torrance was formerly a prep school teacher before returning to writing. He died before his debut work, 'All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy,' was published." [Guardian -- thanks, Erin!]