Little (Grrl) Lost - Charles de Lint

Here's another of my favorite authors, which I will undoubtedly do a longer write-up about sometime. De Lint pretty much defines urban fantasy as far as my tastes go, having a great sense of Mystery, Myth, and Magic, strong female heroines, lots of music interwoven (he even lists what he's been listening to in his author's notes!), and great philosophical insights. Throw in some silliness and some Faerie, and its a formula for success.

This is one of his young adult novels, which are a bit more spartan than his adult books, but still carry the same magic, if coming from a slightly different angle/perspective. It will definitely draw readers into his Newford universe...the fictitious Canadian city where this, and many of his other novels, is set.

This is a story of a punky little girl -- no, really, she's 6 inches tall -- who runs away from home, is befriended by a Big, finds out she's not the only "oddity" in the world, hears a story of Littles who can fly, and tries to find herself while swept along in increasingly bizarre events. It is also the story of the aforementioned Big, a bit of a goody-two-shoes, who recently had to move to the suburbs from a farm, leaving behind her horse in the process, and her teenage search for Self in an unfamiliar world that she's finding suddenly contains more than she ever knew.

Using an interesting blend of perspectives and narrative style, de Lint tells the story of two very strange days in these girl's (grrl's?) lives. The other characters in the novel are only in the story when interacting with the two main characters, which works well for the pared down plot in this book. I say pared down only in relation to his adult novels, which have much more intricate and multifaceted stories; you wouldn't think it lessened without that point of reference.

A quick read, with an engrossing and fast paced story...a great intro to de Lint & Newford for new readers, and a delightful little romp in familiar territory for long time fans!

Little (Grrl) Lost by Charles de Lint


(Oh yes...read time update: Finished King Rat and will write it up soon. Now just a few pages into book 2 from the Wolf series I previously reviewed book 1 of.)

Book addiction?!

So...further evidence of my addiction to books! Last night, I finished Wagers of Sin (A Time Scout Novel) by Robert Aspirin & Linda Evans at about 9:20pm. (It was good, more to come on this series later) I looked at my shelf and realized it had been the last of my recent acquisitions. I couldn't remember if Half Price Books was open until 10 or 11, so I threw on my shoes and took a brisk walk, about a mile in 10 minutes or so, to go get more "fuel" for my brain. I made it in plenty of time to make some quick grabs before a 10pm closing, slightly out of breath. They closed at 11. I spent $30 dollars or so, and got some new stuffs...continuation of the Wolf series I just reviewed, another China Miéville novel (King Rat), one or two more, and the book I'm reading now: Little (Grrl) Lost by Charles de Lint, a young adult novel by one of my favorite authors. I'm already 140 pages in, and totally engrossed.

Gotta have my fix!!! ;)

Through Wolf's Eyes - Jane Lindskold

So...I finished this book a few evenings ago, and while I forgot to post exactly when it was, the speed with which I finished these 600+ pages should be a bit of a testament to how gripping this story was for me. It definitely pulled me in and didn't want to let go.

A small bit of storyline; Girl is raised by intelligent wolves, then returned to the human realm after 10+ years, as a possible heir to a contested throne. She takes one of the wolves with her, and tries to make her way in this foreign (to her) world. Kinda sterile when you put it that way, huh?! ;)

One of the most intriguing parts of this story for me was the look at how social systems, and upbringing, differ between the wolves and the humans, and the heroine's adjustment to these differences, as well as her insights into human & wolf cultures through varying perspectives. Being able to communicate with the "Royal" animals (the previously mentioned "intelligent wolves", among others) also gives a similar introspection from the animals' point of view.

Add in to this a good sense of court intrigue and drama,well developed characters, a nation at war, a failing king with no heir, multiple surrounding countries with differing cultures and values, and a small bit of magic to make things interesting, and you get a wonderful tale with depths of emotion and reflection into what makes us human...or not! ;)

I will definitely be picking up the other books in this series, as I can't wait to see what unfolds next. While the ending of this wasn't exactly a cliffhanger--it does end one major conflict/plot point--it definitely was leading on to bigger (and hopefully better) things!

Through Wolf's Eyes - Jane Lindskold

(p.s. Now 280 pages in to Wagers of Sin (A Time Scout Novel) by Robert Aspirin & Linda Evans)

The Wood Wife - Terri Windling

This book holds a special place in my heart, in some part because it was first recommended by a wonderful friend. The larger part is that it is an enchanting exploration of the desert and its character, entwined with a fantastical realm of Faerie that is deep and haunting. Originally intended to be a book based on Brian Froud's artworks/Faerie realms (Brian Froud on Amazon), after spending some time with the story, and in the desert she so lovingly evokes, it veered into a slightly different realm all her own. While still obviously inspired by the mythopoeic world Froud has created, it stands apart; either as an extension of, or an addition to, this world.

As to the story itself...let's throw some words out there and see what sticks: A murder mystery woven through the realms of urban (and rural/desert) fantasy; Native American folklore and myths enmeshed within the Faerielands; a look within an artist's life and self, shining a dusty sunset light onto her muse. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? ;)

With beautiful descriptions of, and an obvious familiarity with, the desert and its occupants, I felt like I could smell the sage in the air, feel the dust against my skin, water being sucked away from my body and the land by an always thirsty presence, enfolding me in its delicate systems and realities. The characters are an interesting blend; from the female protagonist, Maggie, a sensitive and bohemian author intent on writing the biography of her poet mentor, and uncovering the odd circumstances surrounding his death -- to the always quixotic Trickster, this time with a definite desert feel in his mischievous ways. The story is engaging after a slightly slow start (if I remember right...the start, that is), with powerful symbolism and a sometimes meditative feel.

Pick up this book and let it carry you away in its saguaro arms...but mind the thorns! ;)

The Wood Wife - Terri Windling

Hermann Hesse: Poet of the Interior Journey

I just want to get a quick post out here about Hesse, whom I never would have read if it wasn't for the write up below (and whose title I stole), featured in the 2nd issue of the "Psychedelic Review" in 1963, and written by Timothy Leary & Ralph Metzner. Hopefully it will inspire you to read this amazingly lucid author, or reread him in a new light.

Hermann Hesse: Poet of the Interior Journey (PDF file)

I really do recommend you read the insightful analysis of Hesse's work provided by these two great thinkers, but here's a passage that kinda summarizes the piece (and my thoughts, as I agree after having read all these, in this order):

Few writers have chronicled with such dispassionate lucidity and fearless honesty the progress of the soul through the stages of life. Peter Camenzind (1904), Demian (1919), Siddhartha (1922), Steppenwolf (1927), Narziss und Goldmund (1930), Journey to the East (1932), Magister Ludi (1943) -- different versions of spiritual autobiography, different maps of the interior path. Each new step revises the picture of all the previous steps, each experience opens up new worlds of discovery in a constant effort to communicate the vision.

You can see a definite progression (depending on your take, I suppose) as you move through the novels, deeper levels of insight and learning, and deeper reflections and critiques of the journey as a whole.

His final novel, Magister Ludi (aka The Glass Bead Game) won Hesse the Nobel Prize in 1946, and for good reason. It is a book of grandeur, an honest look at the path behind him and some of the disillusionments he feels with where he is and where he is going. Written as a "future biography" of a distinguished member of an intellectual/spritual order that is core to the book, it can be a bit dry at times, but always lifts itself above the scholarly restrictions of this style.

I have (or have had) all of his books on my shelf, and recommend them highly. Read the piece above, read Hesse....read... =)

(FYI - I've found most of his novels are regularly available at used book stores!)

The Glass Bead Game: (Magister Ludi) A Novel - Herman Hesse


(p.s. - 150 pages into another book now, Through Wolf's Eyes by Jane Lindskold)

Fool - Christopher Moore

Ok...what to say about this book. Let me preface this with something I said when I started reading the book, but which bears repeating in regards to this post. I LOVE Christopher Moore! His sense of playfulness and absurdity, combined with a well-honed wit, are a winning combination for my brain.

That being said, Fool was a great book by many other standards..its definitely not my favorite Moore novel though. Similar to
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal in that it is based in a mostly-fictional history, the story of King Lear's fool seemed almost burdened by its era, whereas Lamb felt bolstered by it. As Moore explains in the Author's Note, its a conglomeration of various myths, tales, & fractured histories, from 500BC to 500AD, thrown into a blender and poured into a mythical Middle Ages (my wording, his explanation). Add in bits & pieces from a multitude of the Bard's plays, Moore's comic sensibilities, and quite a bit of vulgarity, and it IS a rousing good time. My wife said she couldn't wait to read it, seeing as how often I was laughing out loud while reading it.

One of the things I really enjoyed in this novel was his footnotes. Sometimes they were flat, academic sounding descriptions/definitions of Olde English terminology. Yet, mixed in with these, were some awesomely silly little tidbits. In fact, they kinda remind me of his tweets (here: TheAuthorGuy )!!

I think, for now, I'm just going to leave it at that. Reading back, it doesn't quite sound like I'm recommending it, and that's far from true. If you like comic fiction, you owe it to yourself to read Moore. And if you like Moore, you should read Fool. My only caveat is that you don't decide you don't like Moore just because of Fool...got it?!?! ;)

Fool: A Novel - Christopher Moore

I'll do an author post about Christopher Moore soon, and spew what I can about his other books for ya! =)

(p.s. 235 pages into Phule's Errand by Robert Aspirin with Peter. J. Heck...I'll probably do a post about this fun & funny sci-fi series at some point!)

Finished Fool!

I don't have time to write about it right now, but will soon, while its still fresh.

Just wanted to mark down when I was finished...304 pages devoured in every bit of spare time I had. Considering I had friends over Thursday evening, and went and watched opera in the park then had drinks last night...I think it gives a sense of my aforementioned book devouring! =)

Adieu!

Just started reading: Fool - Christopher Moore

I absolutely LOVE Christopher Moore, and always look forward to a new book of his. When it starts out with the paragraph below, how can I resist?! ;)

Fool: A Novel - Christopher Moore



Now lets's see how long it really takes me to finish this. Moore to come! (*ducks*)

======================================================

WARNING

This is a bawdy tale. Herein you will find gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity, as well as non-traditional grammar, spit infinitives, and the odd wank. If that sort of thing bothers you, then gentle reader pass by, for we only endeavor to entertain, not to offend. That said, if that’s the sort of thing you think you might enjoy, then you have happened onto the perfect story!

Nine Kinds of Naked - Tony Vigorito

Wow...I don't know where to start with this book. If I could get a case or two, I would hand it out to all my friends, and, preferably, to randoms! I must admit, if you hadn't already figured it out, that I'm a lit geek. Not in the "classical" sense though...the more broken, fractured, & twisted a story is, the more I tend to like it...as long as it goes somewhere. This book tickled my deepest lit geek bones, using amazing alliteration to accentuate abstract allusions and lift the literature loftily into liminal realms. (Yes, a bit of a stretch, but I think you get the point!)

Synchronicity...when it all boils down to it, that's the core of this book. To me, it struck a very Taoist chord, taking life, and all the oddities within it, as it comes. A tornado-birthed-stripper, the man who "created" said tornado with a flick of his wrist, lascivious hurricanes, & day-glo frisbees...all wrapped up into an absurdist miasma of interwoven realities, sociology, consciousness, "bubblegum spirtuality", chaos theory, and a deep sense of curiousity and reflection. A mind-expanding book, with delicious wit, spiraling trains of thought, and enough esoterica to have you saying, "Hmmmmm..."! Don't be surprised if you need to crack the dictionary a few times, either. =)

Wow...can you tell this book inspired me to start doing book "reviews" in the first place? It just isn't often that you find a book that can jump from humor to philosophy without a second glance, and still have you in awe of his linguistic trickery. That's all for now...my brain is swirling just remembering this book. I may add some more after i let it re-percolate in my gray matter for a bit!

Nine Kinds of Naked - Tony Vigorito @ Amazon

For the slightly more academic side of Tony Vigorito, here's an article he wrote for Reality Sandwich, a wonderful site with Daniel Pinchbeck (another fave, though in a different realm) as one of the main editors:

Chaos, Collapse, and Synchronicity

Perdido Street Station - China Miéville

First post, and, get this, I'm gonna post about what I'm reading RIGHT NOW! ;) I have about 100 pages to go yet, so I can't give a final feeling about it, but its still an awesome book, even if the ending turns out to be terrible.

I picked this book up after reading another of his books (before which I'd had him recommended multiple times) which I really enjoyed, Un Lun Dun (I'll write about it later hopefully). That one was a great Young Adult book, but it also let me know that I'd like to see what he could do when he wasn't worried about his audience's level.

Let me start by saying one thing...this book is dark. From squalor & slums to mafioso's & necromancy, Miéville definitely pulls us into the quagmires of this world, and of the human (or otherwise) spirit. In that way, it reminds me of some of Clive Barker's fantasy books, like Weaveworld & Imajica. Having said that, the book also soars into the high spirits and hopes of its peoples; love, caring, friendship, community. Interweaving all aspects of reality, from the heights to the depths, is something that, for me, makes a read that much more fulfilling.

I suppose I should tell you a bit about the book. I'm sure you can find story synopses all over the place, so I'll touch more on the elements contained within...I think. Firstly, the world in the novel is very steampunk-y...with magic thrown in for good measure. Clockwork calculating engines and constructs interact with thaumaturgic and oneiric energies and devices. There's also a lot of discourse on consciousness from various perspectives, which you'll find always makes me love a book more! Deep (and not-so-deep) discourses on philosophy, aesthetics, "humanity", culture, & art blend with detailed characterizations, gritty storytelling, & twisted, liminal plots & sub-plots. A glorious melange of cacophonous concepts, that'll twist your mind as it pulls you deeper and deeper into its dark shadows.

Hmmmm...maybe I'm not so good at writing about books...maybe I'll get better! ;) Either way, I hope I can turn you on to some good books, even if you just click the links and look for yourself! =)

Perdido Street Station @ Amazon

Update: Ok, so I finished the book now, and the rest of it was awesome, even if I'm having a love/hate relationship with the ending. It is fitting...yet somehow still left me wanting a bit. On the other hand, there was even more consciousness exploration in the last bit. Or, possibly, I was paying more attention to it after having written earlier. Who's to tell, eh? =) Happy reading, everyone!