Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Although he would go on to become an amazing author, Tóibín was a late-bloomer—he wasn't able to read until he was nine. (Source)
Tóibín has some rather interesting writing habits. Our favorite is that he intentionally sits in an uncomfortable chair when he writes, which allows him to focus better on his work. (Source)
At Tóibín's 50th birthday party, a legendary fight broke out between two Irish intellectuals—Tom Murphy and Michael Colgan—that ended with a plate of curry being smashed on Colgan's head. These guys know how to party. (Source)