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 Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2000 10:43 am Post subject: |
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When I go on a shopping spree I go on a killing spree...as in killing my economy spree. Nineteen new books I bought in a frenzy that cost the shirt of my back. Now I really DO have to live on air and love 'til next payment. The latter would be a lot easier with Deena or Rachaela close at hand I'll venture, but since Deena refuse to marry me and Rachaela always eludes my spanking sessions so be it.
Braze yourselves, people, this is going to be a long post so if you are averse, stop reading NOW!
Commemorating our Laymon days here at The Cabinet I made it my priority one to pick up more of this writer. To advertise I'll say that you should all go to The Horror Literature Spotlight and read Brad Gullickson's (which is, of course, our own and able moderator in these here parts) interview and essay on this writer, who should be discussed and read to at least the same extent as Steve King and other bestsellers. I read "Savage" on the basis of [Mr Self Afflliction's] review and it is one of the best novels I've lived to see. The title sort of screams out at ya, but this book is so much more than horror. It's a book with the sort of basis that should appeal to everyone. The work a writer will be known for, in other words. The book's most powerful horror is in the early and last stages of the story, with an exhilarating adventure in-between. But why am I going on. Go read the review, that's right, go read it, and then come back here and tell me you don't want to read "Savage." See if you can. I dare you.
When I went to the stores to pick up more of Richard Laymon I noticed something that I think is great as well as a bit of a bummer as far as myself is concerned, and I'm not even kidding you here. They've always had a great selection of Laymon books but when I came today there were only three left! Maybe lots of Norwegians have read Brad Gullickson's review and made a beeline for the stores to pick up what they can or else Richard Laymon is very popular over here, suddenly so, I must say. I like to think both options are the case. The issue is that I only got three books bought by Laymon. They are "Beware!", which I loved the sound of from Brad's essay although the author himself considers this book somewhat of an embarrasment. The other two are "Funland" and "Night Show". All these books looks straight forward, entertaining and readable. I love authors who cut the bulldung and goes straigth for the jugular. I know I'm gonna have a good time with these books.
I finally managed to complete my Michael Marshall Smith collection by finally picking up "One of Us" which looks just as great and set in the same type of universe as his previous two outstanding novels "Spares" and "Only Forward," combining elements of horror, science fiction, fantasy and crime noir in an inventive blend.
I have satisfied my military inclination by picking up Robert A. Heinlein's "Starship Troopers" and John Steakley's "Armor." Thanks to the Wolf and Layback for alluring comments on the former. I think I'll make "Starship Troopers" my next read. I'm curious as to the discrepancies between movie and book.
My Peter Straub collection is nearing completion with the addition of these long unavailable books, "Julia" and "If You Could See Me Now."
F. Paul Wilson and Matthew J. Costello have teamed up once before to write a promising sounding book titled "Mirage" that I've got. When I saw this new collaboration titled "Masque" I had to add it to my cart although this one looks soundly steeped in science fiction. But even though my main passion is horror I do read Sci-Fi too.
On the topic of masks I found a book by Bill Pronzini titled "Masques" that I hit upon. I've heard som many great things about this experienced and long standing mystery and suspense writer that I'll give it a go. It is set in my favourite American city, New Orleans.
On a more enligthening note I have picked up "The Cleft and Other Odd Tales" by Gahan Wilson, a book that looks great with plenty of illustrations to add to the uneasy laughs.
Also in this vein I bought "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman is synonymous with enchanting and beautiful fiction so I'm sure this was a well worth purchase.
I have not heard or read any of Michael Swanwick's fiction before but "Jack Faust" (with the alluring undertitle "The Devil Has All the Best Tricks") has long been in my sights. Looks like a clever take on the Faust myth and a very intelligent book with lots of things to say on the industrial era and the like.
One of my favourite short stories from the "Best New Horror" annual anthology of '92 is "Mothmusic" by Sarah Ash. A strange baroque tale of creeping metamorphosis, "reminiscent of the best work of Clark Ashton Smith" according to the editors.
Sarah Ash's first novel is titled "Moths to A Flame" (released in '95) and it develops some of the themes first started in "Mothmusic." I've been looking for this novel since I first read the short story in '94 so it is with a much glad heart that I can announce I've finally got it.
I've also bought my first ever Australian horror writer. Stephen Dedman has a book with the intiguing title "The Art of Arrow Cutting" which is dubbed a novel of magic-noir suspense at the cover. I've read a review of this one a while ago and it tickled my fancy enough to finally get it.
"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski made the grade this time round. I said I would pick him up sooner or later, and this sounds like a book that is hip and trendy to have sitting in your shelf. Don't know If I'll ever get around to reading it - kiddin'.
I've decided to try Donald E. Westlake for the first time so I picked up the attractive looking "The Ax". Anyone got a word on this one? Sounds very good.
Now for the type of story I really enjoy - the post apocalyptic scenario. In Yvonne Navarro's "Red Shadows" the world have apparently stopped evolving, leaving realms in perpetual daylight, eternal twilight, and endless night. This stage is obviously set for all manner of terrors and destinies. I'm looking forward to starting this one.
Finally, book nineteen that is, I bought "Shards" by Tom Piccirilli. This was a book Rachaela pronounced that she loved, I believe, and as the observant reader my have noticed I have not picked up any Tanith Lee, mainly because the titles I was looking for were not available and her other fantasy novels were of a more fantasy-fantastic nature than actual dark, and therefore not that appealing. I will have to read "Shards" and see what has made a lover of that naughty girl.
Submitted By: Fenny |
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| Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2000 11:37 am Post subject: |
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"I've decided to try Donald E. Westlake for the first time so I picked up the attractive looking "The Ax". Anyone got a word on this one? Sounds very good."
Oh, it is. I posted a short review of this novel here on the board last year. I found the idea of a man who will go to any length to maintain the suburban lifestyle that being in middle management has brought him to be very chilling. I find Westlake to be an intriguing writer. I know him mostly for his caper novels of the '70s, many that were filmed; "The Hot Rock", "Cops and Robbers" and "The Bank Shot". Westlake can be extremely funny when he wants to be. OTOH, he also wrote the screenplays for 'The Stepfather' and 'The Grifters' so he can have a hard edge when he wants to. A couple other novels of his that I'll recommend are "Help! I Am Being Held Prisoner' about a practical joker who ends up in prison after one joke backfires; and 'Angels' about, umm... angels, sent by God to Earth to determine if mankind deserves to continue. These last 2 aren't horror but are enjoyable light reading.
Submitted By: Layback76 |
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| Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2000 9:33 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for that info on Westlake and those intriguing words on those other novels. "The Ax" sure looks fastpaced and unputdownable. I'm starting "Starship Troopers" now, though.
Submitted By: Fenny |
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| Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2000 6:24 am Post subject: |
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GEEZ! What a wonderful (if not ecnomically suicidal) spending spree you had. I can't wait to hear what you think of BEWARE!, it's definitely one of Laymon's most fun books. The other two Laymon books I have yet to read so I'll be awaiting your reviews on those two.
I've still yet to read Smith's novels but giving the fact that I find his short stories to be utterly brilliant I'll be cracking into SPARES farely soon.
BTW Fenny, I recieved your package over the weekend and I am forever in your debt. The Morris book looks extremely promising and what a wonderful cover.
Submitted By: Mr Self Affliction |
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| Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2000 4:48 am Post subject: |
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I too got a special fondness for BEWARE! How you made it sound, I mean. Sounds like a book where you pop the corn, get yourself a big coke and just enjoy the ride.
As for the reviews I can only say: Will do, sarge!
You can look forward to SPARES. It's just as good as his short story work, which says a lot, since he's one of the best practitioners out there. His strenght is that he can twist the plot into totally farfetched ways yet still remain eminently readable.
SPARES is even set in Virginia 
Bless the postal service. Hope you enjoy the books.
Submitted By: Fenny |
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| Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2000 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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Bless the postal service indeed.
BEWARE! is definitely a popcorn book. You'll love it.
SPARES is set in Virginia! Well then I'll have to read it.
Submitted By: Mr Self Affliction |
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2000 12:48 am Post subject: |
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Fenny-
Ahh... isn't it great to spend every last penny in the bookstore? For such an extensive list of new reading material, I am surprised I have only read one of them, "If you could see me now" by Straub. I really liked the idea behind that one, but I am not a big fan of Straub's writing style, so it was a little hard to read. I would say it was too long, since I like short stories, but I had no problem with "Carrion Comfort" by Dan Simmons, and that's 884 pages. Let me know if you like "If...now." I'm curious.
As a side note, I have a question. I keep reading about you guys needing books or sending each other books, and I was wondering... are these new or used? I've seen lots of books people are looking for in the used book store, but I wonder if anyone would be interested in a copy since they're used? There are two huge used stores that I frequent, as well as a SciFi store where someone donated his entire collection of horror and magazines (lots of rare signed limited editions, almost every issue of "Weird Tales," etc...). I could probably find lots of things. So, what's the story?
Oh, and Fenny, if you were willing to spank me as much as Rachaela, perhaps I'd consider marrying you!
Submitted By: Deena |
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| Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2000 1:09 am Post subject: |
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We don't care if they're used or new. What's important about a book is what's inside not the actual physical condition. I have about ten used bookstores that I frequent often as well. I'm a huge fan of those places, without them I don't know how I could go on.
That store you mentioned sounds great. I have a favor to ask of you if you don't mind. The next time you're there, could you check for THE MAGIC WAGON by Joe R Lansdale or TEXAS NIGHTRIDERS by Joe R Lansdale. I've been hunting for those books for almost my entire reading life.
Submitted By: Mr Self Affliction |
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| Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2000 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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Them used bookshopes sounds like a real treasure trove. I miss having something like that around here...with a good solid selection, I mean. Nice to know I can squeeze Deena, the Wolf and Mr Self Affliction for books. Of course I'd like to help you out with books in return. And to answer the question, I agree with MSA. A book is a book and it's dead until it's read. The great thing about them is that whether it's dusty and dogeared ole paperback or a signed and limited deluxe edition it's as the old saying goes: It's what inside that counts.
Carrion Comfort is, I admit, my all time fave novel. I reacted towards how fast I seemed to read it even though it's a really fat book. Casey, mentioned this among his top books as well. Hope y'all will take to your senses and go read.
Oh, and Deena. You sweet-talker. That last sounds like a proposition I can't refuse! I still don't know the story behind Tarleton_Fiske, though...
Submitted By: Fenny |
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