John Self interviews Simon Crump, author of, among other things, a recent book of fiction about Michael Jackson. (“Neverland is, and always was intended to be, a sympathetic portrayal of a talented, vulnerable boy called Michael who lived in a big house and was slowly losing his marbles.”) . . . The movie (and book) junkies at Pajiba are kicking off their second annual “Cannonball Read.” This time, they’re challenging people to read 52 books in a year and blog about each one. For everyone who completes the task, the site is donating to a charity in memory of one of its readers/contributors. . . . John Ortved, the author of a new, unauthorized history of The Simpsons (Second Pass review to be posted in the next day or two) is interviewed by the New York Times. . . . The joys of reading Updike backward. . . . I have a good friend who has frequently wondered if we’re reaching a point where more people write than read. This piece about “universal authorship” joins him in wondering. . . . In promoting his new book, Jose Saramago has decided to slam the Bible and religious people generally. . . . If you’re in New York City tomorrow night and care at all about book design and have $35 to spare, I imagine this event will be worth your time.