Book Review #2

Month 9 approaches, jesus god damn christ. Anywho, here are several more books I have read lately:

The Children of Men by P.D. James
Growing up I saw her books everywhere around the house being that my mother has always been a fan, but I never read anything by James, mostly due to the fact that I didn't really become a Big Reader until I hit my mid-20s. So, after watching the cinematic masterpiece that was the movie version of this work of literature, I figured it would only be fair to read the original source material. While the story was somewhat similar to the movie, and as such was quite good, the striking thing about involving myself upon this book was the absolute perfect descriptive qualities James writes in concerning the Human Condition. Similar to Nabokov, where the writer can remove themselves from their own station in the food chain and empirically examine what lies slightly beneath the flesh that we call existence, I was absolutely blown away the amount of detail revealed within a mere sentence or two. Stunning and beautiful, in an oddly ugly sort of way. I will be reading more of her work.

Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
This one ranks as the second most difficult read I have ever experienced, lying somewhere between The Silmarillion and Gravity's Rainbow (the latter of which I have yet to finish), but it was thoroughly worth the effort and perhaps some day I may recall a mere 10% of the cited names contained within. An absolutely hilarious take on conspiracy theories, and a must read for anyone in need of an utter mindfuck. I can't even begin discussing the multiple twists and turns of the plot(s), so I'll just summarize the entire affair by describing it as The Da Vinci Code, but not shite.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
My first Dick. That's right. Having loved Bladerunner as a visual feast for many years, it was only fair that, once again, I read the god damn book after watching the movie. Hey, so I'm a product of this wrecked world wherein nobody has enough time to read before waiting for the TV version to get released, what else can I say? Anyhow, the science fiction literature I enjoy has nothing to do with lazers and robot titties (though they are certainly welcome), as I read things like this along with various Asimov and Wells works for their political nature rather than said mentioned boobzers. Either way, while I enjoyed the stark contrast of the story compared to the movie, being much deeper and infinitely more important in terms of political/religious/social message, what I liked best was how entirely fallible all the characters were. It was like watching an old Ed Wood movie with people bumping into sets and taking piss breaks, very real and completely non-contrived. FYI: no way in hell is Deckard a replicant/android.

The Tales of the Beedle Bard by J.K. Rowling
I've said it before and I will say it again, Rowling is a genius. Her choice of words and absolute knack to tie everything together into tidy, unexpected packages never fails to disappoint. Really only necessary for established fans of the Harry Potter series, but a quick and fun read for just those types. I truly hope she continues to spread her gift for many years to come.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
I waited in line at midnight the night this was released, with my mom of course, and finished the book within about 26 hours of it reaching my cold, dead hands. I was too afraid that the ending would be ruined for me, so I quickly flew through it as fast as possible, and while I enjoyed this closing, I was a bit disappointed by several things, yet upon reflection hoped that this was only due to the speed in which I travelled through this final journey. Thankfully, after this second reading at a much slower pace, I realized that there is nothing about this installment that falls flat. I still hold Book #6 as my favourite, but this one definitely had a few new things from her writing that were quite striking, once again. Rowling is a genius.

The Silver Key by H.P. Lovecraft
Served as post script to the Dreamquest of Unknown Kadath (which ranks very high in all things Lovecraft), and honestly, was entirely unncessary. Sorry to sound like a snob. Well, no I'm not.

Through the Gates of the Silver Key by H.P. Lovecraft
Basically a piece of fan-fiction by E. Hoffman Price and allegedly re-written by Lovecraft, this tale was enjoyable but certainly not written by the master himself. More stuff attempting to ruin the original Dreamquest tale, really, which is foolish because that one was nearly perfect in terms in practically everything.

The Dreams in the Witch House by H.P. Lovecraft
Very good story, filled with intense imagery that might not have been explained in the end, but will keep me from staying within the walls of any boarding house containing oddly shaped interior cornered rooms for years to come. I'm pretty sure Lovecraft's goal was to warn me about that very thing, and, like always, I shall do as I am told.

The Shadow Out of Time by H.P. Lovecraft
This one reminded me of At the Mountains of Madness, but taking place in the Outback instead of the Antarctic, all while meeting Pnin from Nabokov's realm out by the shore of the closing scene from Planet of the Apes. Sweet.

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore
Because I already love the government so much, it was an excellent idea to read this! Extremely well done as per usual, the message may seem a little dated but that does not mean that it has lost any of its importance over the years. I loved the balance between madness and objectivism inherent to V's persona, hereby ye shall witness a bipolarite with control.

The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien
I was hoping for a good story. I got that. I was not expecting something rivaling the master's best work. I got that as well. Brilliance incarnate.

Factotum by Charles Bukowski
Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, go out and steal a fucking copy if you must, THE book for anyone who has ever been let go from their job. Period.