The New York Times discusses the continued influence that Edward Gorey (above) has on culture.

• “I don’t think it would be possible to write this story and have a 42-year-old stockbroker on a glade skiff going to the Underworld.” – Karen Russell, interviewed at The Portland Mercury.

• At Slate, Dave Weigel watches the film adaptation of Atlas Shrugged: “Anyone who’s seen a faithful Christian adaptation of a Bible story will be comfortable with the style of adaptation—as much original text on-screen as the screen can hold. The actors and scenes are there to present Rand’s philosophy to theTwilight and Nicholas Sparks set.”

• Also at the Mercury: a look at new books from Mike Young and Jamie Iredell.

• There are so many good dead people to follow on Twitter.

• All of the lost roles that John Belushi was cast for.