This was a great mystery story, set on Matinicus, an island off the coast of Maine. Some nice plot twists, a mixed in ghost story, and more made this fine reading. I was impressed. Picked this up used at a local bookstore.
If Gil’s hoping for some peace and quiet, he’s clearly come to the wrong place. Generations of infighting among loose-knit lobstering clans have left them openly hostile to outsiders. When a beautiful, bed-hopping stranger sails into the harbor, old resentments re-ignite and people begin to die—murders linked, through centuries of violence, to a diary whose secrets threaten to tear the island apart.(US) (UK)
Mongrels — Stephen Graham Jones
Great book. An interesting take on werewolves. A genre that I don’t normally read, but this book kept me turning pages.
He was born an outsider, like the rest of his family. Poor yet resilient, he lives in the shadows with his aunt Libby and uncle Darren, folk who stubbornly make their way in a society that does not understand or want them. They are mongrels, mixed blood, neither this nor that. The boy at the center of Mongrels must decide if he belongs on the road with his aunt and uncle, or if he fits with the people on the other side of the tracks.
For ten years, he and his family have lived a life of late-night exits and narrow escapes—always on the move across the South to stay one step ahead of the law. But the time is drawing near when Darren and Libby will finally know if their nephew is like them or not. And the close calls they’ve been running from for so long are catching up fast now. Everything is about to change.
A compelling and fascinating journey, Mongrels alternates between past and present to create an unforgettable portrait of a boy trying to understand his family and his place in a complex and unforgiving world. A smart and innovative story— funny, bloody, raw, and real—told in a rhythmic voice full of heart, Mongrels is a deeply moving, sometimes grisly, novel that illuminates the challenges and tender joys of a life beyond the ordinary in a bold and imaginative new way. (US) (UK)
Letters To A Young Poet
I was told that this translation (by M. D. Herter Norton) is the best, and I couldn’t tell you different, as I quite liked it, and haven’t read any others. I will say, that I think I got more from the Chronicles section, which explained what Rilke was doing during this period, and a bit on his relationship with Rodin. For instance Rodin’s advice “il faut toujours travailler” (you should always be working), which is good advice for any artist.
Tom Sawyer
Today in history, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was copyrighted by Mark Twain.
I haven’t read this since I was a kid, but a lot of it stuck with me.
This is part of my People Who Made America Great series.
The novel has elements of humor, satire and social criticism; features that later made Mark Twain one of the most important authors of American literature. Mark Twain describes some autobiographical events in the book. The novel is set around Twain’s actual boyhood home of Hannibal, near St. Louis, and many of the places in it are real and today support a tourist industry as a result.
Killing Gravity
Great SF book. Quick read.
On Doing Nothing: Finding Inspiration in Idleness By Roman Muradov
Not just about doing nothing, but about how doing stuff other than your art can help with it. I, also, read his graphic story Jacob Bladders, which is interesting, esp. the art.
Confabulations by John Berger
A nice little book of essays on art and life. I especially liked In Arcadia Et Ego.
Money and Work Unchained by Charles Hugh Smith
Great book. I was a little slow getting into it, but it panned out well. You can read from the blurb below what it’s about, so if you’re into economics, interested in the why nots of Universal Basic Income, want to know how we can change our relationship to money and work, this is a good book for that.
The Testament of James (Case Files of Matthew Hunter and Chantal Stevens)–Vin Suprynowicz
This was a fun book. I read it in one day (mostly because I was super early for doctor/infusion appointment, whoops, so I had time, and stayed up a little late to finish it.) It’s a fast read, great plot, great characters, etc. I’ve got the second one in my wishlist at Amazon already
Jeanne & Modigliani: Paris in the Dark
A story that was quite common in the early 20th century, beautifully illustrated. A graphic novel not to be missed. You can only get it for Kindle or via Comixology right now, but the physical book is (supposedly) on its way.
