This was alright. While I dig Graham's narratives normally and the art from Churchland was beautiful, the story fell flat to me. It never came togetheThis was alright. While I dig Graham's narratives normally and the art from Churchland was beautiful, the story fell flat to me. It never came together by the end and the things left off-page shouldn't have been. I did enjoy the blend of science-fantasy, but again I wanted a bit "more" here....more
A foundational work in understanding how modern news and propaganda works as well as marketing and advertising, but feels more dated because of the laA foundational work in understanding how modern news and propaganda works as well as marketing and advertising, but feels more dated because of the lack of anticipation for the Internet - not that Bernays could have known. If anything the real value is in Stuart Ewen's introduction that does a fantastic job summarizing and presenting Bernays' work and value. The heartfelt appreciation for the work that was done decades ago is felt here as is Ewen's own sharp perception of how this book applies to us in contemporary settings....more
There are few books that capture "epic" fantasy like Malazan can, but man--Erikson **cooks**. Never did I believe that dark fantasy could be quite so There are few books that capture "epic" fantasy like Malazan can, but man--Erikson **cooks**. Never did I believe that dark fantasy could be quite so dark, yet so "light" thanks to the banter the Erikson also employs in the best moments. ...more
Erikson keeps weaving a more complex tale that I've just come to love. The cast of characters is wonderful and despite the book's hard/open endings, IErikson keeps weaving a more complex tale that I've just come to love. The cast of characters is wonderful and despite the book's hard/open endings, I'm here ready to queue up for the next read! The magic is powerful, but none of it feels out of place and Erikson's penchant for consequences continues to satisfy each plot pivot. ...more
This is a great introduction to publishing and the work of editors. As a freelance editor for several years, I wish I had read this years ago when it This is a great introduction to publishing and the work of editors. As a freelance editor for several years, I wish I had read this years ago when it was more relevant (publishing & tech & trends move too fast). I still took away a lot and it gave me a lot to think about, thanks to the sheer volume of contributors to this volume....more
An incredibly tight and thrilling book. Deconstructs suburbia, class, families, and the concept of local community to such a degree, that I believe LaAn incredibly tight and thrilling book. Deconstructs suburbia, class, families, and the concept of local community to such a degree, that I believe Langan's book should be studied in all MFA programs. Just a true-biting book that doesn't pull it's punches and remains true to itself until the bitter end. Not for the faint of heart, but certainly for those willing to look at the "dark side" of your neighbors. ...more
Read this in one day. I really couldn't put it down, since I've just come to truly enjoy Tidhar's prose, which is both descriptive and heartfelt. I alRead this in one day. I really couldn't put it down, since I've just come to truly enjoy Tidhar's prose, which is both descriptive and heartfelt. I also love the world of Central Station and could read a dozen more stories/books set in that universe. Loved the wry humor in this as well as the fun cultural easter eggs thrown throughout. ...more
It's a kind of wild ride of a book and an amazing debut from McGhee. Lots of stuff is being parsed in this text from the working class/wage slave/debtIt's a kind of wild ride of a book and an amazing debut from McGhee. Lots of stuff is being parsed in this text from the working class/wage slave/debt servicing, which is the reality of most people's lives. This along with some gender commentary on the main character sails through life, while the women in the story continually fight every minute....more
I love this series from Graywolf and Davies packs a masterclass in revision in under 200 pages. Some really lovely thoughts and reflections using sectI love this series from Graywolf and Davies packs a masterclass in revision in under 200 pages. Some really lovely thoughts and reflections using sections from Carver and other writers, while slipping in and out of memoir and essay-adjacent writing. ...more
While the premise is insane - I found the writing more dated than I would have liked. There were certainly moments and I enjoyed the "spin" on elves hWhile the premise is insane - I found the writing more dated than I would have liked. There were certainly moments and I enjoyed the "spin" on elves here, ultimately, St. Clair's present moment weighs this pulp adventure down....more
Richard reminds us why he remains a pillar of bleak grief fiction. I loved each story here and all I can say is that I immediately need a longer work Richard reminds us why he remains a pillar of bleak grief fiction. I loved each story here and all I can say is that I immediately need a longer work of [REDACTED]....more
Found some of these stories somewhat middling, but of the ones that really stood out to me; 'The Concentration City', 'The Overloaded Man', 'BillenniuFound some of these stories somewhat middling, but of the ones that really stood out to me; 'The Concentration City', 'The Overloaded Man', 'Billennium', 'Thirteen for Centaurus', 'End Game', and 'The Subliminal Man', were truly great. Ballard sits at this middle ground of having wonderful parable-like stories, a la le Guin or Butler, but also contains some insightful reflection quality, all their own. ...more
Looking forward to reading more of Brown in the future and given this is the first work of hers I've read. It was definitely good. Lots to chew on andLooking forward to reading more of Brown in the future and given this is the first work of hers I've read. It was definitely good. Lots to chew on and I think I'll need to purchase my own copy down the line, but lots of great things to think about in my own life in regards to shame and vulnerability. ...more
Wanted to like this omnibus more than I actually did. For me *The Pastel City* was such a high point that everything after could not rise to the occasWanted to like this omnibus more than I actually did. For me *The Pastel City* was such a high point that everything after could not rise to the occasion. I'll more than likely return to these stories, because Harrison's prose is both so beautiful, but opaque. ...more
Solid reader that serves as a great intro to understanding prison reform and abolition. Covering all roles in the justice system (police, judges, prosSolid reader that serves as a great intro to understanding prison reform and abolition. Covering all roles in the justice system (police, judges, prosecutors, and public defenders) - the editors drew out why the answers are not as cut and dry as you would want them to be....more
It is an interesting reported work that was thoroughly done and surprisingly balanced, despite the perspectives interviewed and offered. People are meIt is an interesting reported work that was thoroughly done and surprisingly balanced, despite the perspectives interviewed and offered. People are messy and this work does little to turn away from that fact. The four central figures, the four pastors of the now defunct "Circle of Hope" church provide the lens and story of how a church struggled through COVID and dealt with its baggage. ...more
Another amazing book from Goldsmith and while I maybe shouldn't take as much joy as I do from his experiences and insight, I am only happy that someonAnother amazing book from Goldsmith and while I maybe shouldn't take as much joy as I do from his experiences and insight, I am only happy that someone out there is writing about these issues of illness and disability in such blunt and clear language. If nothing else a sobering collection and I hope that Goldsmith continues to write. ...more
A triumph in every sense of the word and certainly not the last book I will read of Abdurraquib's. Intimate, lyrical, and honest - every essay while, A triumph in every sense of the word and certainly not the last book I will read of Abdurraquib's. Intimate, lyrical, and honest - every essay while, framed at times by music criticism or cultural criticism, hammers in on Abdurraquib's inner life.
Few writers have made me feel more "myself" despite writing about things that are not "myself." I didn't grow up in the Midwest. I didn't grow up a rough neighborhood and I am, obviously, not black.
Yet, while feeling empathy towards Abdurraqib's words - I felt a certain kinship with him and that might be a little weird and strange. I could not suppress the feeling. I'll have to find more words to put here, but for now I think it would be best to leave it at that. ...more
The Willows has to be one of the best horror/weird stories I've read. Blackwood deserves every reader's attention. Loved it.The Willows has to be one of the best horror/weird stories I've read. Blackwood deserves every reader's attention. Loved it....more
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