From Asst. Books Editor Gordon Hauptfleisch:
I didn't think we needed a heavy-handed leftist response to the Left Behind books, but then I didn't think we needed the original Left Behind books either. But how can you resist, as described by Glen Boyd in his inspired review of The Saved - a graphic novel in which survivors-turned-stuporous Stepford shoppers are huddled in a post-apocalyptic Supermall in Kansas waiting for the rapture? Or disregard a story that features, among other delights, namesakes Bowie and Slade — the skate-punk sons of former confetti-king, now military big-wig (!) Rip Taylor?
One of the most striking parts of Mayank Austen Soofi's highly-enjoyable and amusing one-morning-in a-writer's life rumination, Incense and Insensibility (sorry for the title, by the way) was the 3:30 AM wake-up alarm (!) and the 5:30 AM trip to the gym (!!). But all the hardships and inconveniences will all be worth it as Mayank realizes who'll have the last laugh some day with the advent of his writing success and accolades — all of those people who ignore or snub him now will indeed be sorry. "By then," however, "it will be too late for them to be my friends." Hah!
In her compelling review of The Meaning of Night - A Confession, Katie McNeill aptly conveys the shadowy complexity of the lead character and plot, and is highly convincing in her recommendation: "Beautifully written, this is a classic in the making. This novel has it all - a dark character you have to follow to the end." Sounds perfect for my winter-of-discontent reading list.
Meanwhile, since the autumn-of-my-eccentricity is still in full swing, Diane Kristine has me persuaded, in her review of A Spot of Bother, that I might find this book's every-which-way-but-lucid protagonist appealing: "Talking was, in George's opinion, overrated... The secret of contentment, George felt, lay in ignoring many things completely." Say no more.
TV/FILM
From TV Editor Jackie:Murder by the Book, a new CourtTV series, features popular crime novelists delving into real murder cases. TV with MeeVee sat down with author James Ellroy and asked him five questions about his appearance and case in the show - the 1958 murder of his very own mother.
Ryan Eanes' Beakman Blasts Back Into Action was well-written and informative. I had no idea that the show ever existed and this article makes me want to give it a gander to learn more about it.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
To say I wasn't expecting this would be something of an understatement. So thanks for the pick Gordon. And just so you know, "The Saved" is a graphic novel series (in 6 parts) and I do plan on reviewing all of the future installments as well (as they are sent to me).
It's gonna be interesting to watch the twists and turns as Slade and Bowie skate their way through the theocratic apocalypse. So stay tuned.
And Thanks Again!
-Glen
2 - Victor Lana
As always, I appreciate being picked and thank you for the recognition, Suss.
3 - STM
Thanks Christopher old boy ... always good for Americans to be challenged in regard to their own perceptions, don't we think? Particularly given what is happening at the moment.
4 - Raoul Duke
Lord have mercy, is the best writing on this site really regurgiatated press releases? Someone should tell the TV Guy to set the bar a little higher.
5 - DJRadiohead
Thanks, Connie and A.L. Always a treat.
6 - Donnie Marler
Thank you, Lisa. This is a nice surprise.
7 - Chris Beaumont
Thank you so much for choosing my tribute to my grandfather. You have no idea how much it means to me.