Bob Dylan – flannel and folklore

{Like This, Read That} Shelter from the Storm by Bob Dylan

This particular feature is still being figured out, but as I’ve done TV shows (Gilmore Girls, Twin Peaks) and books (‘Salem’s Lot), I thought I might try a song. When I’m not feeling particularly great, I listen to Bob Dylan – and there’s been a lot of Bob Dylan listening lately. Anyway, ‘Shelter from theContinue reading “{Like This, Read That} Shelter from the Storm by Bob Dylan”

Bleecker Street Records

Despite how all consuming BEA 2014 was, I managed to do quite a bit of sightseeing. On the top of my list? 4th Street*, and Greenwich Village in general (I can’t imagine why…). Anyway, my favorite stop: Bleecker Street Records. I was happy to visit, and even happier that they were open until 11pm (which madeContinue reading “Bleecker Street Records”

The Dylanologists by David Kinney

Should you read The Dylanologists? (The obvious answer is YES.) For those who are on the fence, you should seriously consider picking up David Kinney’s new book if the following opening paragraph rings true: “It starts with the voice. One day we hear its strange, broken glory, and before long everyone else in our livesContinue reading “The Dylanologists by David Kinney”

Literary Mixtape | The Bonfire of the Vanities

Do you ever want a modern soundtrack to literary fiction? Yes? Me too. That’s the point of this feature. Whereas some people imagine cinematic montages in their head, I create a soundtrack. Okay, so I actually do both, but I prefer to share my soundtrack. I read The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe forContinue reading “Literary Mixtape | The Bonfire of the Vanities”

The Land of Steady Habits by Ted Thompson

I was trying to find a suitable way to review a book that made me want to find the bottom of the nearest bottle of wine while simultaneously quoting Bob Dylan (as I’m wont to do when feeling maudlin), I came up with two approaches. I’ll let you be the judge. Approach one, short andContinue reading “The Land of Steady Habits by Ted Thompson”

Wanted: A Top Ten List

My birthday is in July. In case you needed to know… (This week’s list: bookish things I want – aside from books. Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.) 10. The Perversions of Quiet Girls. This book is fake, but I want it to be real. 09. Fox Pillow Cover. For my library. I’m not sureContinue reading “Wanted: A Top Ten List”

Literary Mixtape | The Stand

Do you ever want a modern soundtrack to literary fiction? Yes? Me too. That’s the point of this feature. Whereas some people imagine cinematic montages in their head, I create a soundtrack. Okay, so I actually do both, but I prefer to share my soundtrack. If you curious to see my cast list for StephenContinue reading “Literary Mixtape | The Stand”

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler

I imagine the enormity of Bob Dylan’s success casts quite a shadow on the town of Hibbing, Minnesota, much like the success of Leland Sutton on fictional Little Wing, Wisconsin – the setting of Nickolas Butler’s debut novel Shotgun Lovesongs. While reading Lee’s story in the novel, I couldn’t help picturing a young Dylan. ThisContinue reading “Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler”

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). Or it could simply be the generic name given to any compilation of songs recorded onto any audioContinue reading “Mixtape | Spring”

LITERARY MIXTAPE | TESS OF THE D’UBERVILLES

Do you ever want a modern soundtrack to literary fiction? Yes? Me too. That’s the point of this feature. Whereas some people imagine cinematic montages in their head, I create a soundtrack. Okay, so I actually do both, but I prefer to share my soundtrack. Today’s mixtape features one of my favorite controversial English literatureContinue reading “LITERARY MIXTAPE | TESS OF THE D’UBERVILLES”