Reviews – Page 33 – flannel and folklore

Abide With Me by Sabin Willett

A full decade later, I still think back on summer 2003 as one of my best seasons. It was my first (and only) real summer romance, when I look back now, that summer seemed to last forever. Being young and in love in the heat of summer can be surreal. It certainly was for meContinue reading “Abide With Me by Sabin Willett”

The Fun Parts by Sam Lipstye

I sound like the narrator of a mediocre young adult novel from the eighties. Which is, in fact, what I am. There are far too few writers who dedicate themselves to documenting the plight of losers. Would it hurt anyone if the literary world gave the odd characters among us a little more shelf space?Continue reading “The Fun Parts by Sam Lipstye”

Hell at the Breech by Tom Franklin

There is a particularly vein of literature that I find both unsettling and fascinating. Donald Ray Pollock, Daniel Woodrell, Frank Bill, Bonnie Jo Campbell, and Cormac McCarthy are modern writers who successfully mine that vein (impoverished, desperate, violent, and real). I now consider Tom Franklin to be one of them. In his debut novel (yes, debut,Continue reading “Hell at the Breech by Tom Franklin”

Movies That Are Better Than The Book: A Top Ten List

Heresy. Or not. I am not such a literary snob that I can’t admit that, on occasion, a movie adaptation turns out better than the book. It happens more frequently than you might think and not just with awful books. For example, one would hope that the 50 Shades of Grey movie will be betterContinue reading “Movies That Are Better Than The Book: A Top Ten List”

Mixtape | Spring

Mixtape: A homemade music compilation that contains all of your favourite tracks. Often you give such a compilation to the guy or gal of your fancy in hopes that it will help you win their heart. (Urban Dictionary) Regarding the definition above, let’s focus on the first half as it is more accurate. If someoneContinue reading “Mixtape | Spring”

Above All Things by Tanis Rideout

From Goodreads: In 1924 George Mallory departs on his third expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Left behind in Cambridge, George’s young wife, Ruth, along with the rest of a war-ravaged England, anticipates news they hope will reclaim some of the empire’s faded glory. Through alternating narratives, what emerges is a beautifully rendered storyContinue reading “Above All Things by Tanis Rideout”

Bob Dylan: A Love Story

I can’t say that Bob Dylan is the greatest American singer-songwriter of all time – only because I don’t know that there’s an answer to that perennial question. He is certainly one of the most influential. And he’s the one I hold most dear. If you consider lyrics to be literature, then Bob Dylan isContinue reading “Bob Dylan: A Love Story”

A Modern Guide to Disturbing Behavior: A Top Ten List

I was once told spending time with me is like spending time with a cross between the modern Sherlock and Stephen King. I have my doubts as to whether that was intended to be a compliment. Actually, I’m fairly certain it wasn’t. But hey, I like that show (“s/he will outlive God trying to have the last word”Continue reading “A Modern Guide to Disturbing Behavior: A Top Ten List”

Revenge by Yoko Ogawa

So after a disastrous Valentine’s Day (is there any other kind?), I was in the mood for revenge, or at least a haunting collection of short horror stories. Perhaps they’re one in the same – at the very least they’re fulfilling the same purpose. Regardless, in a rather dour emotional state, I picked up theContinue reading “Revenge by Yoko Ogawa”

Valentine’s Day

I have an odd schedule, my work week runs Saturday-Wednesday. This means I typically am a very happy person on Wednesday afternoons, I’m that lone person that hates Friday nights, and that I have today off. It’s as enjoyable as you’d expect – despite the cold and snowy weather (better for reading?). Anyone doing anything fantastic? I’ll beContinue reading “Valentine’s Day”