Norman Mailer Hospitalized

Legendary writer Norman Mailer has been hospitalized for the second time in as many months for severe respiratory problems, and his children are now holding daily vigils at his bedside in the critical-care unit at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.

"He's not in very good shape. It's breaking my heart," ex-wife Carol Mailer said yesterday.

"He went in this time because his lung collapsed. . . . They got the scar tissue out, and the surgery was successful.

"But I just don't think he's doing well. My heart is heavy," she said.

Get well soon, Norman.