'The Killer Inside Me' is a classic. To this day, it remains one of the more convincing, and chilling, stories told from the perspective of a serial k'The Killer Inside Me' is a classic. To this day, it remains one of the more convincing, and chilling, stories told from the perspective of a serial killer; a small-town deputy with a "sickness" he can subdue for a spell, but never cure. Lou Ford is the kind of man who will never be under suspicion. By all accounts he is a relaxed and helpful officer of the law, regarded by his fellow citizens as friendly to a fault. They also regard him as not too intelligent, because Lou never let's on just how devilishly smart he actually is.
When a whore rolls into town and starts stirring up trouble, Ford's badly buried sickness starts to stir as well. With an old vendetta on his mind, and a situation arising that could square away some of his impulses, Ford puts into motion a series of events that leads from one murder to another. It's a riveting story, with unsettling brutality and amorality. But, as with a lot of the "classics", the story feels dated somewhat today. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, as a good tale makes the most of the time capsule it comes in, but some there are parts of this dark ride that come across so old-timey, it's enough to buck you off the horse for a little bit.
If you go into the book knowing that, you'll understand and appreciate it that much more. Highly recommended for people who want a good look into the mind, actions, and attitudes of a psychopath....more
Few would argue over Matterhorn's status as a quintessential war story, and a must-read for anyone who is interested in soldiery, warfare, and the conFew would argue over Matterhorn's status as a quintessential war story, and a must-read for anyone who is interested in soldiery, warfare, and the conflict in Vietnam in particular. It is one of those rare long novels that can keep you glued to its many pages. Even during the downtime between skirmishes and battles, its pace almost makes the page count irrelevant. For such a big book, you'll get through it surprisingly fast. Be prepared for a roller-coaster of emotion, because this story constantly bounces you between horror and humor, excitement and grief.
On the slight downside, it was not quite as brilliant as I'd been led to believe. Karl Marlantes is usually put in the same category as Tim O'Brien and Tobias Wolff. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve to be in that ballpark, but his writing doesn't always compare to the others he's placed among. Although the plot, pacing, and characters were commendable, there were more than a few times in the novel where I felt some better prose (or at least better editing) were in order. As a result Marlantes doesn't quite have the consistency or strength as O'Brien or Wolff, creating occasional speedbumps in the reading experience. Regardless, it doesn't do much to dull the shine of an excellent war novel that should be read by all....more
My God, Stewart O'Nan has to be the most underrated writer in the world. I cannot fathom how his talent is not more widely recognized.
Sure, plenty ofMy God, Stewart O'Nan has to be the most underrated writer in the world. I cannot fathom how his talent is not more widely recognized.
Sure, plenty of people know about him, but nowhere near the number he deserves. He's an absolute beast of a novelist, one who exhibits total control of his craft. A gifted writer, master storyteller, and brilliant imagination all rolled into one; an author who has such an uncanny ability to get under your skin, that he can actually wear you with a book like 'A Prayer For The Dying'.
Told in the rare second person (Trust me, that's a truly incredible feat) this book is one of the best I have ever read. Hell, it made it on to my Top 10 list before I'd even got through a hundred pages. It is just that riveting and well-written. In lesser hands, this could easily be categorized as a horror novel, but in the steady strong grip of O'Nan it transcends labels or genres. Harrowing and heartbreaking, 'Prayer' possesses a tenderness only matched by the bleak reality of the story's circumstances. Your jaw will drop more than once as you read about how an uneasy peace between townsfolk falls to pieces amid a terrible infection that invades homes and heads and hearts. You're drawn in, unable to free yourself from the pages, becoming the man trapped at it's center, impossibly tasked with trying to save the living, while overwhelmingly compelled to take care of the dead.
There is not a word wasted in this short, but brilliant piece of fiction based on historical fact. Put this on your list, make it the next book you buy. I want to punch myself in the teeth for missing out on this novel for as long as I did....more
Hailed as a existential masterpiece by some, or panned as a taxing testament of non-stop drivel by others, VALIS is one of Phillip K. Dick's most renoHailed as a existential masterpiece by some, or panned as a taxing testament of non-stop drivel by others, VALIS is one of Phillip K. Dick's most renowned works, and one that mirrors the author's life experience rather closely. There are many aspects of this book worthy of five stars. Conversely, there are other parts that hover around the one or two star mark. So on average, VALIS is getting three stars; which deserves more explanation.
VALIS (Vast Active Living Intelligence System) is a speculative work from one of science fiction's greatest names and left-field thinkers; an attempt to outline, explore, and ultimately define Phillip's own religious/transcendental/otherworldly experiences that somewhat transformed him in his later years. Using a fictional character named Horselover Fat, PKD recounts an encounter with a beam of super-intelligent 'Pink Light' that unexpectedly struck him in the seventies; imparting vast amounts of information, wisdom, and ongoing hallucinations, much of which Phillip spent years trying to unpack and digest.
PKD stars in his own story, acting as a sane counterbalance to his character of Horselover Fat who is gradually growing insane due to his encounter with the pink beam. Through this mechanism and a supporting cast of characters, PKD tumbles down a rabbit hole in pursuit of the meaning/origins of his paranormal experiences; theorizing the nature of the Universe and how it selectively communicates with lifeforms scattered throughout it. The ideas are constantly evolving throughout the book, concepts that are potentially much larger than the human brain's capacity to decode. To say they are fascinating would be an understatement, and although the depth of them might be further than the average person is willing to plunge into and pursue, Phillip dives down nonetheless. It is obvious the pressure at some of those depths had a consequential effect.
On the flip side, reading the rantings/ravings/introspection of a madman is not quite as engaging as you might think. In fact, many parts of the novel leaves a lot to be desired. The insight of an individual questioning their divine encounter and growing crazed as a result, absorbing as it might be, does not often translate well to the page and sometimes treads dangerously close to coming off incoherent or poorly executed. The "plot", for lack of a better word, moves at an absolute snail's pace and mostly consists of people sitting around discussing/challenging ideas of God or The Divine. Although several concepts in the book bear repeating, the sheer repetition within the pages becomes downright nauseating. If I ever hear the goddamn words "The empire never ended" one more time, I'm apt to punch whoever says them in the face.
Philip K. Dick often reminds me of Stephen King. Both hold high office in the fiction world, both are not the greatest writers, but both are excellent storytellers. Good writing and good storytelling are not the same thing (countless examples exist between popular fiction and literary fiction). Just because someone is a skilled writer doesn't mean they can tell a story worth shit, and vice versa. Like King, the sheer imagination of PKD is something to behold.
But the writing in VALIS is hit and miss, and the ideas are both intriguing and questionable. In no way is the work a "masterpiece" or a "failure", but instead something that resides between the two; a novel that unearths and dissects the big questions with some truly fascinating theories, but in a manner that can be an awful strain on the reader's attention at times. There are definitely diamonds in the dirt here, but you're going to have to dig around for them.
I suspect some people will want to wash their hands of this book, while others will never want to wash their hands again....more
Welcome to this fourth collection of spine-tingling stories, an assortment appalling acts, some truly terrible tales told by the awful occupants of the hideous haunt!
Who remembers their first encounter with The Haunt of Fear? At some point almost everyone has stumbled over these old penny dreadfuls raised to the price of a dime. Despite being created in the 1950s, these creepy comics have skulked around for decades, discovered and rediscovered at garage sales and flea markets, presented in bookstores as reissues, beckoning young readers to experience a darker side of comic books away from costumed superheroes and run-of-the-mill villains.
Three decrepit hosts would lure young readers through an assortment of short stories drawn with skills that set the bar high. The Old Witch, the Vault-Keeper, and the Crypt-Keeper acted as guides for a great many youngsters into a world of maniacs and monsters spilling blood and guts.
The Haunt of Fear earned its rightful place in the pantheon of horror, as recognizable a name as The Twilight Zone and Stephen King. The effect it had on entertainment and culture cannot be overstated. The horror genre was new ground for comics at the time of its inception, and the influence of these stories carries on today. A great many books, films, and TV series were built on the foundations laid by The Haunt of Fear, as well as plenty of spin-offs and imitators on the comic book front. From thrilling short story collections by innumerable authors, to movies like Creepshow and Tales from the Dark Side, to television such as Tales from the Crypt and Black Mirror, almost every short-form design can trace its roots back to the style and substance of this classic horror comic.
Kicking off the book is an introduction by Grant Geissman that is as interesting as it is informative, supplying us with the story of the comic’s creation and subsequent rise to fame. Of equal intrigue is the foreword by Rob Zombie, who recounts his first discovery of The Haunt of Fear as a young boy. He describes the powerful and almost forbidden magnetism of the art and stories, something that greatly influenced him to become the music/filmmaker he is today.
Making up the collection are issues #19–24 of The Haunt of Fear, presented in digitally remastered color. Each issue features five tales told in comic form, plus a short story, and finally a column featuring letters written by fans and answered by The Old Witch.
You get 24 scary stories with some additional content, not a bad deal for a trip down memory lane! As nostalgic as it all is, however, the collection also proves how bad the material could be too at times (occasionally laughably so). The three old crones’ groan-worthy puns, atrocious alliteration, and cheesy jokes littering the intros and outros are one thing, but the stories themselves sometimes leave a lot to be desired.
Readers are led by the hand all too often, characters’ dialogue leaving little to the imagination. Most endings can be guessed long before anyone reaches the halfway point. In contrast, sometimes plot developments or revelations come out of nowhere with no setup or logic, leaving readers with a raised eyebrow or creased forehead.
A good number of stories rely heavily (often directly) on the standard-setting predecessors of long ago. Attempts to put new spins on old stories are frequent; Jekyll & Hyde, Bluebeard, Grimm’s fairy tales, the works of Edgar Allen Poe, as well an assortment of vampire and werewolf lore. There is no question how outdated it all is, and many of these tales don’t hold up today. It’s something nobody probably noticed when they were young and impressionable, but we become painfully aware of it now as adults looking back.
But The Haunt of Fear had its place and time, making a hell of an impact when it was fresh and unsettling. Best to remember it that way and enjoy these old offerings as a time capsule filled with the stuff of 1950s nightmares, the kind of comics that kept the nightlights on and made children check under their beds....more
Want to read a real spy novel? Say goodbye to James Bond, bury Jason Bourne, and remove Jack Ryan from your reading. Le Carre's magnificent writing deWant to read a real spy novel? Say goodbye to James Bond, bury Jason Bourne, and remove Jack Ryan from your reading. Le Carre's magnificent writing delivers the stark and bleak realities of cold war espionage through clandestine characters living in service to state secrecy and political ideals. 'The Spy Who Came In From The Cold' is a classic, one that delves into the psychological warfare and chilling calculations involved in the chess game between communism and capitalism. Win or lose, there are high prices to be paid.
This novel by Le Carre was groundbreaking when it first came out, and it still packs a punch today. Highly recommended for everyone....more
Michael Herr's account from the front during the Vietnam War is regarded as one of the most important books to come out of that war, or any war for thMichael Herr's account from the front during the Vietnam War is regarded as one of the most important books to come out of that war, or any war for that matter. It's a revelatory read, not only because of the raw true stories, but also because of the unique perspective offered by a journalist embedded in the fray. Most war stories are told by soldiers or officers who have been there. Sometimes they're told by the civilians being invaded or finding themselves in the crossfire. But a journalist is neither a true participant or victim of war. They're willing observers, often caught in a tug-of-war between how they view things and how others see them. In some respects they stay on the sidelines, but as Herr demonstrates, that can be more of a figure of speech when photographers and journalists are assigned to actual patrols or bases and end up on the wrong end of an ambush or invasion force. The content of 'Dispatches' covers a wide range of emotions and excitement. Like other fine war novels, it reveals some uncomfortable truths that our Western peacetime narrative largely wishes to ignore, for better or worse.
My only gripe with the book was the writing style, which could swing from a more settled and smoother reading experience to muddled and disjointed one. A switching style like that isn't necessarily bad, but when the rambling man took over the narrative it was hard to stay invested or attentive. I understand that the style was a product of the 60s and 70s nosedive into a mix of war/drug/hippie/confusion culture, but it didn't change the fact it turned the reading experience into a grind at points. There's a certain liberal creativity going on in these areas, but that doesn't mean it always hits the mark. These sections with odd run-on sentences, questionable punctuation, and debatable word choices often left you feeling like you'd read a first draft that slipped by the editor before going to print. And from a career journalist, you would expect better.
That being said, 'Dispatches' is an essential read if you have any fondness for war stories or modern history. At the time Vietnam was a new kind of complicated battlefront, an ugly mix of 20th century political showdowns and punishing jungle warfare. Herr's book gives you more than a glimpse into just how entangled it all became to the people and places involved....more
Adaptations of classics can be tricky things. Television and film often come up against the usual suspects: problems with length, translation, or the fact that some novels don’t lend themselves well to other art forms. Whether a reinterpretation or a stickler for source material, updated versions of literature’s great works have their work cut out for them. Christophe Chaboute’s graphic novel of Herman Melville’s masterpiece Moby Dick is no different, though it makes a valiant effort and harpoons a good deal of the targets set before it.
Chaboute’s version follows Melville’s book closely, particularly in spirit. This is no small feat as narrative is almost nonexistent and dialogue dominates the pages. He effectively says more with less, letting his pictures paint thousands of words. Drawn in a stark pen and ink pared-down style, the work has a throwback vibe that works well in the context of a classic. It’s got a sharp edge and bleak tone to it, helping to render characters as the hard seafaring men they are, as well as showing the relentless pursuit of Moby Dick as the cold, calculated, vengeful act it is.
The panels are often tilted, giving a superb off-balance sense of life aboard an old sailing ship on the open ocean. Chaboute often speaks only in silhouettes to great effect. The black and white also recalls a time and era when people thought much more in terms of such. Captain Ahab’s madness and single-mindedness of purpose are reflected commendably, as well as the alternating loyalty and increasing worry of his men aboard the Pequod. The tale of the great white whale moves at a good pace in this form, granting a fair amount of valuable insight to a sailor’s lonely life as well as the savagery, courage, and often misguided heroism of whaling in its early days.
This graphic novel was not without a few faults, however. Right off the bat, the introduction written by John Arcudi is a bit presumptuous. The heaps of praise and endorsement are to be expected, but there are some substantial claims made before a reader has even got to the first official page. Arcudi takes great pains to insinuate (if not downright tell us) what we should think of the book before judging for ourselves. By the finale of this version of Moby Dick it seems obvious he was off the mark on a couple things. As the introduction is the first thing read, it proves to be a slight turn off going in, while also setting the bar a little higher than appropriate. The expectations set are not entirely met.
The minimalist artistic style of Chaboute has its merits, but at times one can’t help but think that Moby Dick deserved more, maybe even simply some needed shades of grey. The sheer black and white lacks depth after a while, something that Melville’s original book had plenty of.
Also, someone needs to educate Chaboute in a more nuanced use of the exclamation point. Practically every sentence of dialogue (and it’s almost all dialogue) ends in an exclamation point, giving the impression that all characters are constantly raising their voices, even when they’re clearly not. It seems a trifling complaint at first, but becomes increasingly annoying as the pages wear on, soon establishing a monotonous feeling of forced volume throughout the novel. This overuse feels a bit childish, akin to a cheap comic book, a detraction that could have been easily rectified before publication.
Despite these setbacks, Chaboute’s adaptation is well worth the time of any fan of Herman Melville’s definitive classic. In the hands of this artist, the graphic novel proves a compelling vehicle for a retelling of one of the world’s greatest stories. In fact, it is one we can all get on board....more
I must confess... my TBR pile has become more of a hill in recent years. Buried in that mound was ‘The Things They Carried’; a highly recommended bookI must confess... my TBR pile has become more of a hill in recent years. Buried in that mound was ‘The Things They Carried’; a highly recommended book that always seemed to get sidetracked whenever I planned to pull it out and give it a read. Trust me, I’m kicking myself for not getting to this sooner. It was a rare treat, one where storytelling, substance, and craft come together in some very fine writing indeed.
This book is a collection of short stories about the unpopular Vietnam War, loosely (or maybe actually more specifically) written from the author’s own experience as an infantry grunt. Tim O’Brien has captured what few writers could about war: the uncomfortable, if not uncanny, truth. Yes, war is hell. War is also exciting, funny, boring, patriotic, confusing, enjoyable, numbing, negative, positive, and a frighteningly natural condition of humanity as well as a popular vehicle for the unreliable narrator. His short stories cover every inch of it, from the long mundane marches through the jungle, to the sudden and brief firefights that can turn men into martyrs or monsters, to the moments of almost inaccessible introspection from young men carrying the weight of their actions or inaction during wartime.
Soldiers tell tales; to one another especially, sometimes to friends, family, or strangers. They exaggerate and understate, polish and muddy, spin and sell these stories to each other. ‘The Things They Carried’ recounts this with an unflinching eye and holds it to the highest standard. It’s brilliant, somber, hilarious, horrific, and hard-hitting. O’Brien’s writing is top notch with an incredible pace and flow that wastes no reader’s time. In short, it’s a soldier’s storytelling written with a master’s hand. This author is one of THE guys to be reading; the real deal, no charlatan or knock-off here.
So, what stopped this from receiving a full five stars? Well, these short stories occasionally give way to sections from the author written in a style that comes off more like essays, afterthoughts, and articles of insight. Personally, I thought these were unnecessary more often than not. O’Brien’s storytelling does not need a soapbox on the side. They speak for themselves in volumes. I felt these seemingly additional (and somewhat out of place) pieces scattered through the book detracted somewhat from the rest of it.
But that rest of it is almost unparalleled. When O’Brien is telling a war story there is no doubt he is in his element and in total control of his craft. ‘The Things They Carried’ comes in a damn close second to my favorite novel about Vietnam (if not in general), ‘The Names Of The Dead’ by Stewart O’Nan. If this book is at all on your radar, don't do what I did and put it off. Make it a priority. You'll be glad you did. ...more
Stephen King's IT holds a special place in my heart. I can safely say that this novel was my undeniable gateway into personal reading. King was the caStephen King's IT holds a special place in my heart. I can safely say that this novel was my undeniable gateway into personal reading. King was the catalyst, and this novel was the chemical reaction that detonated a huge desire to get my hands on books other than what I was having to read at school for classes.
When I was thirteen, IT was the first book I ever bought for myself with my own money. I took my allowance to a local church sale and found a dogeared copy in a pile of used paperbacks. Something about it called to me. Much to my surprise, my mother let me buy it. Looking back, I can see the book’s magnetism was an invitation to start down the path I’m on now as an author of thrillers. The novel was so adult, so scary, so beyond what I was used to reading. I’m a slow reader, and was even slower at that age. IT took me over six months to read, and all the while I felt like I was slipping into a long relationship with the characters and story. When it finally ended, I felt empty inside and was upset to see it all go. I quickly began filling the hollow with more books.
That was a long time ago, but I'll never forget this particular reading experience. I'm a lot older now and not a personal fan of King's style anymore. He has a large problem with overwriting and his prose is too tedious at times. I've never considered him a master "writer" per se, but there is little doubt that he is a true master storyteller. His work has the ability to genuinely scare you, and his ideas were often groundbreaking. His knack for getting inside the heads of kid characters is commendable, as is his gift for being able to tie your guts in knots and snake dread down your spine.
IT is an epic of a book, and one that will keep you turning its many, many pages. Of all King's big novels, this is the one I recommend the most. Pennywise The Clown is a high-ranking nightmare in the horror hall-of-fame, and for good reason. He's one of the most chilling supernatural monsters ever dreamed up. And we have Mr. King to thank for that.
Cormac McCarthy holds a unique position in the literary community: Practically untouchable. He has both the guts and the gumption to wade into drowninCormac McCarthy holds a unique position in the literary community: Practically untouchable. He has both the guts and the gumption to wade into drowning pools that other authors can't dip a toe in. McCarthy is well known for his acute sense of southern darkness, often writing about the depths of depravity people have sunk to, putting a magnifying glass to the appalling violence humans engage in on the fringes of civilization. He does so with a wisdom and unflinching eye rarely found in literature.
'All The Pretty Horses' shows a slightly softer side of Cormac. At it's core, this is a love story. John Grady Cole comes from a long line of ranchers facing extinction in the late 1940s. At sixteen he leaves Texas and rides south with his best friend to Mexico, where his skills with taming and training horses can be put to good use on a rich man's ranch. They meet and befriend a third boy on the way who proves troublesome for the trio. And once settled south of the border, John Grady falls in love with the ranch owner's daughter which leads to a whole new set of problems.
Don't let "love story" fool you though, and don't get too comfortable. The story still has Cormac's signature bleakness and magnificence of life in the open country. Set in the middle of the last century, life takes on a toughness and simplicity rarely seen today. There is violence and despair, the harsh realities of innocence coming into contact with a world infected by moral corruption. It was a time where boys became men at a far younger age, where people were forced grow up and face hardships early in their lives. It was a time where everything from traveling, encountering strangers, and sometimes merely existing tempted a much higher mortality rate.
'All The Pretty Horses' is yet another short brilliant novel from the man whose ability to immerse us in the horrors and hope of the human condition is legendary; one of the undisputed masters of the written word....more
Confession time: I was a scared kid growing up. And I mean fucking terrified. My imagination was fertile, and it tended to grow dark twisted things wiConfession time: I was a scared kid growing up. And I mean fucking terrified. My imagination was fertile, and it tended to grow dark twisted things with thorns that were poisonous to my thoughts, vines of blackened fish-hooks that would creep over me like ivy and ensnare my mind, body, and soul.
My early encounters with anything of the 'horror' variety would take on a life of it's own, finding a nest in my kid brain where it could grow into something much more monstrous. Thinking back to my childhood, there were several experiences that left a deep and dark impression on me. For instance, I watched 'Jaws' at far too young an age (and my parents had to cancel my swimming lessons because I refused to get into the pool after that). I accidentally switched channels on the TV one night and came across the famous eye-gouging scene from 'Blade Runner'. Didn't sleep for days as a result, wouldn't let anyone (even my trusted family) touch my face for a month.
I recall 'Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark' as the first book to ever visit this type of sheer dread on my little being. It had such a notable effect, giving me nightmares for weeks. It turned out that horror movies were pale in comparison to the terror my own mind could conjure up after listening to creepy stories matched with with hideous artwork. Alvin Schwartz undoubtedly helped set me on the path I'm on now as an author of thriller/horror fiction.
My grade two teacher read it to us in class, showing us the illustrations in between stories (the unbelievably arresting art of Stephen Gammell). Never in my young life had I been read anything like it. At home my parents read Roald Dahl to me, far different I must say. But during story time at school I could feel fear eating at me, the discomfort welling up from my gut to my heart as I tried to digest horrors I’d never been presented before. This was the first time I’d ever experienced a book that made me sweat and squirm and hold my breath.
I'm sure the publishers didn't know the kind of effect this book would have on impressionable children when they brought it out. But let me assure you, it had the power to shape the future of some. And I owe a debt of gratitude to such a fine work that didn't hold back, despite the young audience it was created for.
Some books are required reading for good reason. I like to think a book like 'Lord of the Flies' qualifies more as 'demanded reading'.
There are a hanSome books are required reading for good reason. I like to think a book like 'Lord of the Flies' qualifies more as 'demanded reading'.
There are a handful of works in the world that absolutely need to be read by all, and you can't call yourself an avid reader if you've missed out on them. William Golding's masterpiece is one such book.
'Lord of the Flies' is not so much a classic as it is a pillar in the literary Parthenon. It ain't just for high school curriculum, it's for every literate person to experience, absorb, and ponder....more
I finally got around to a book that is considered a modern classic by many. Trust me, my 3-star rating was a surprise to even myself.
The Wasp FactoryI finally got around to a book that is considered a modern classic by many. Trust me, my 3-star rating was a surprise to even myself.
The Wasp Factory had been on my radar for quite some time, a highly recommended novel from a celebrated writer that I just never seemed to get started on, always jockeying for position in my mile-high TBR pile. I'm often told it's a sure horse to bet on, so I finally made a point of reading it, and my expectations were high. By the end of the book those expectations weren't entirely met. Not by a long shot.
The Wasp Factory is the story of a mostly calm, collected, and vicious little teenager living on a small rural island outside a Scottish town. He lives with only his eccentric father (with which he has an odd relationship indeed) and has a older brother locked away in the nuthouse. When he's not killing/mutilating small animals or engaging in strange sadistic rituals he's conceived of, the lead character recounts his unconventional/tragic childhood and the three murders he committed in the past. Basically it boils down to the early life of a serial killer, although there is much more to it than that. The Wasp Factory deals with themes of isolation, intelligence, nature vs. nurture, insanity, violence, and the damaged minds that can result from broken homes.
For the most part I enjoyed The Wasp Factory. It's a good little story that takes you inside the alienation and thought processes of a young sociopath who does not view the world the way the rest of us do. However, I found huge potholes in the pacing that sidelined my reading of the book far too many times. Despite being an acclaimed writer, Ian Banks has a habit of writing these frequent long-winded passages overly describing some of the most painfully mundane shit (building dams, exploring the island, tinkering with all kinds of things) that prove to seriously hobble the story. There really is no need for them, like they were written merely to increase the final word-count. It's a chore to get through these pages with little to show for it, and any writing that feels like work without reward is something I take issue with. A few times the narrative felt tantamount to torture, so much fat on the prose that it barely lumbered along. As I result, I found myself putting the book down for long periods, disinterested in returning to it.
But I did return and finish it, because at its core this novel is a little gem, though I stress it is rough around the edges (and in need of a polishing). Although I thought it was good, by the time I closed it I was quite happy to be done with The Wasp Factory. At the beginning I was sure I would love this book, but in the end I only ended up somewhat liking it. The novels I enjoy the most are those which I can't put down, and this was one I dropped more than a few times....more
The writers I enjoy most are men of few words. So much can be said with so little when done right and it's a testament to the mastery of the written wThe writers I enjoy most are men of few words. So much can be said with so little when done right and it's a testament to the mastery of the written word when an author achieves this. Like Cormac McCarthy, Pete Dexter's prose has just as much to do with what is left unsaid, as with what has been spoken. Both men have an acute sense of southern darkness and weave worlds out of flesh, bone, and bleak realities. Never a word wasted, this novel is a lean and fast read.
'Paris Trout' is a story from more than a half century ago, and takes place in a part of the world that was dragged into the future kicking and screaming. Georgia in the middle of the 20th century was particularly cruel outside of white male dominion. The kind of inhumane trespasses and general treatment of black people was shocking and upsetting, and more importantly, it wasn't actually that long ago either...
Paris Trout, the main character, is a man from another time too, a time where overt racism was commonplace, celebrated, and often deadly. He cannot adapt with the changing times, does not abide by updated laws that now protect people equally regardless of skin color. He meets this new world with righteous indignation and increasing hostility. Soon, Paris is lashing out at anyone he perceives as weaker, and is shocked when he discovers he can't kill a minority as freely as he once thought.
'Paris Trout' is the story of one person's slow descent into madness, an insolent and hateful man being told he can no longer conduct business in the manner he has known his whole life. His defense lawyer and wife are the two people who bare witness to his increasing insanity as he fights a changing world that won't tolerate the likes of him much longer.
This is a disturbing tale told by a master storyteller. It will get under your skin, regardless of color. By the end it will leave you feeling like you've chewed long and hard on a particularly rotten piece of America's history.
It's very hard to swallow. And very necessary to digest....more
This is a novel that broke the mold. It's a story about the early days of covert operations, as ill-defined as the people and organizations that carriThis is a novel that broke the mold. It's a story about the early days of covert operations, as ill-defined as the people and organizations that carried them out. Disgraced Captain Jacinth Crewe is discharged from the British Army burdened with gambling debts and a lost sense of self. He is soon brought into the fold of an 'institute' that recognizes his skill set and flexible morals. By all appearances he is a promising candidate for their staff, so they make him an offer and begin putting him through their trials.
Simon Raven is one of those great writers who sadly got lost in the shuffle for the most part. What he wrote, and the time he wrote it, resulted in him and his works getting banned or labelled with an X-certificate. If you read 'Brother Cain' now, you'll say to yourself "What was all the fuss about? I've read far more racy stuff, and I've encountered this type of story a dozen times."
What you have to remember is that Simon Raven was one of the originators of all the dangerous-themed stuff you enjoy today. Brother Cain was written in 1959, and at the time Raven wasn't just pushing the envelope, he was tearing it at all four corners. This novel marches through territory where other authors feared to tread. It tackles corruption, espionage, morality (and lack thereof), bisexuality, murder, incest, and the stone cold heart at the center of covert affairs.
The writing is fantastic, with one drawback; it feels considerably dated. It's done in an older style, more robust (sometimes far too much) with long outdated language. A few parts even seem antiquated and clash with the pace and mood, softening the impact of a story that otherwise has a lot of punch. Occasionally it hammers points home with it's repetitive and heavy-handed nature, but again, this has to do with the times and the fact that the material was fresh and censor-worthy back then. It's also apparent that this author was miles ahead of the rest.
If you're into classic fiction, Simon Raven is a must read. 'Brother Cain' is a fine place to start.
Donald Barthelme is one of the most inventive, surrealist, post-modernist writers out there, and that's saying something. Whether you actually enjoy hDonald Barthelme is one of the most inventive, surrealist, post-modernist writers out there, and that's saying something. Whether you actually enjoy his work or not is another matter entirely. Personally, I found 'City Life' quite touch and go. I wanted to love it, but more often than not I was steered toward the opposite.
First published in 1970, this collection of short stories is very much a product of its time, but I didn't feel that it stood up to the test of time as a result. The works are an extension of 60s culture, a 'Beatnik-ish Book' if you're looking for a label. Barthelme's use of language is to be applauded, but it didn't stop a good deal of it from falling flat on its face. One short story, aptly called 'Sentence', which is comprised of a six-page run-on sentence, is a prime example of just how exhausting this stuff can be at times. Nothing says you can't be super-intelligent and super-annoying (or boring) while you're at it.
There were stories I liked, and stories I didn't care for. At no point did I find myself loving or hating any of them in particular. To be honest, much of this material started to blur together after awhile. Surrealism can go too far, and 'City Life' is a good demonstration of that. A few tales were quite memorable in a broad sense, yet for the life of me I can't recount much about them. That's how erratic and nonsensical the writing was more often than not.
By no means is there a lack of talent in this book. To be clear, Barthelme is the complete opposite of a mediocre writer, but this collection was too lukewarm too often for my taste to be singing its praises. ...more
Thick, dense, and sprawling... not my usual fare, I must say, but I simply could not put this book down. 'Any Human Heart' is one of those rare long nThick, dense, and sprawling... not my usual fare, I must say, but I simply could not put this book down. 'Any Human Heart' is one of those rare long novels that pulls you in and holds you tight throughout its many pages. Exceptionally well written, William Boyd has a rare gift for effective and robust prose. 'Any Human Heart' has it all: love, laughter, pain, torment, tears, successes and failures. It's a masterpiece in every sense of the word.
The novel is the life story of an Englishman named Logan Mountstuart who was born at the turn of the 20th century and died close to the end of it. Told through journal entries from his early childhood all the way to his dying days, the book is deeply personal and heartfelt. Eighty-five years on this earth, and Logan experienced enough for several lifetimes. He was well-educated, well-traveled, and by the end of it well-versed in human emotion, conflict, and fallibility. His paths in life take him all over the world, to places both wondrous and dangerous. Along the way he has many relationships of many different kinds with an array of people. During his travels he comes into contact and rubs shoulders with some of the most famous and notorious names of the century, although he never becomes one himself.
'Any Human Heart' certainly turned out to be something unexpectedly special. Regardless of what type of genres you typically enjoy, I highly recommend this tale of one man's life lived to the fullest. ...more
As I've said before, I have a short list of guys I admire and want to emulate when it comes to writing. Thom Jones is undoubtedly one of them.
My feeliAs I've said before, I have a short list of guys I admire and want to emulate when it comes to writing. Thom Jones is undoubtedly one of them.
My feelings on 'The Pugilist at Rest' are pretty much the same as how I felt about Thom's other short story collection 'Sonny Liston Was a Friend of Mine'. Jones is a craftsman, his words are hard and unflinching, yet refined. His prose is unusually powerful. In short, they are the writings of a master. This collection reads like an act of desperation sometimes, drawing readers into a world where the stakes are high and the payoffs low, stories about people who fight because they live to fight, or because it is all they know. I loved the raw masculinity of this work, the blunt and sometimes sensitive tales of men weathered on the rough edges of a tough world.
Most of the stories boil down to boxing, war, insanity, and the various people immersed in those worlds. While effective and engaging, I found myself wanting more variation instead of the redundancy I felt I was getting toward the end of the book. I guess there are only so many stories about boxers I can take in one collection.
Also, there were some philosophical moments in these pages that felt out of place or forced, characters who recollected the wisdom of some of the world's greatest thinkers almost on a whim. These moments felt like speed bumps to me, sometimes unrealistic when compared to the characters and content of the stories.
Regardless, Thom Jones is a must-read author and 'The Pugilist at Rest' is a must-read book, particularly if you have any stake in the writing craft....more
*I'm heartbroken to hear of Denis Johnson's recent passing. The man was a personal hero and great literary influence of mine. I'm floating this review*I'm heartbroken to hear of Denis Johnson's recent passing. The man was a personal hero and great literary influence of mine. I'm floating this review of his quintessential masterpiece as a tip of the hat to an exceptional author who brought us some of the finest prose.
Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite works of all time. Denis Johnson is a major influence of mine, and Jesus' Son had a profound effect on me.
This was the book that showed me how far you could stretch your prose and still have it sound dynamite. A drug-addled mix of loosely interconnected stories, reading it is like navigating a string of dreams, both blissful and bad. The spectrum of themes is considerably wide, and the narrative draws you into worlds where you can feel as uncomfortable and out of place as the characters themselves. This is a book that actually makes you feel 'high' in some spots. The shifting line between chemical-fueled fantasy and uneasy reality isn't just blurred, it's burned down to almost nothing.
Jesus' Son features everyday kind of people who have slipped down notch or two into the gutter and lost their grip on normality. Much of the time they have nothing to do, nothing to be, and little to live for. It's bleak and beautiful at the same time, a trip through the entangled emotions of folks living simple lives complicated by poor choices.
Everything from love and loss to happiness and sheer horror is covered in this book. One moment the writing is slick as oil, the next it is jagged as broken glass. It’s downright chaotic in places where the mental states of the storytellers are in question. You know the main characters in this book are all unreliable narrators, but you still believe every word they say, because the stories Johnson tells are just that convincing. He's a master writer, balancing poetic passages with crisp, visual prose. This book is nothing short of a masterpiece.
If you haven't read it yet, read is ASAP.
*This book was one of my selections for my '5 Books That Made Me A Better Writer' piece. See which others I picked:
On a side note.... if you have a chance to get the audiobook version, definitely do so. Actor Will Patton narrates the stories, and does an incredible job of bringing Johnson's prose to perfection....more
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