Earlier this year, I was looking for a new short story collection to read. I’ve been trying to expand outside of the usual speculative fiction arena and read authors from other cultures, ethnicities, and genders. I feel it allows me insight into others that I might not otherwise have. I’ve already read speculative fiction collections…
Category: Books
Reading for a Longer Life [Books]
I recently stumbled upon a study conducted by Yale University’s School of Public Health that found a link between reading and longer life spans. The study, conducted over twenty-plus years, found that, “Compared to non-book readers, book readers had a 23-month survival advantage…” I find that fascinating. This goes to show the importance of reading….
Review – Elric of Melniboné: The Elric Saga Part 1 [Books]
Elric of Melniboné is a difficult character to describe, but I find him fascinating. First appearing in print back in 1961, Elric was immediately described as an anti-hero. I don’t disagree, but author Michael Moorcock created a character far more complex than a simple anti-hero. And he built a multi-verse that is both beautiful and terrifying. …
Choosing a Book to Read [Books]
What are your criteria for choosing the next book to read? The question occurred to me the other day when I discovered a guide to navigating National Public Radio’s (NPR) Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Books. It’s an interesting way to find something that appeals to my tastes. However, keep in mind the chart…
Review – Rabbits [Books]
I was browsing in a local bookstore a few weeks ago when a book cover caught my eye. Or more specifically, it was the technicolor rabbit on the cover that got my attention. I picked up the book and read the inside flap, the back cover, and then flipped to a random page in the…
Fear of the Written Word [Books]
Lately, I’ve felt as if the United States has somehow slipped back in time a hundred years or so. It’s like our society has regressed in so many areas, but at the moment I want to look at the latest fad of banning and burning books. Book burning and banning isn’t new. Ever since humanity…
Review – A Puppet Scorned [Books]
It’s no secret that I love weird fiction. I like stories that go against convention, that are experimental, make me think, and make me look at the world in a different way. So when I was asked if I’d be interested in reviewing Jamie Kort’s short story, “A Puppet Scorned”, I had to say yes….
Review – The Labyrinth [Books]
As I mentioned in a previous post, I really enjoy Simon Stalenhag‘s art and storytelling. The first book of his that I read, The Electric State, was an excellent post-apocalyptic story that he told with both words and images. I found it heartfelt and moving. After having such a great introduction to his work, I…
Review – One Punch Man, Vol. 1 [Books]
Yes, I believe that comic books and graphic novels are legitimate reading materials. It’s fiction, but in another form. There’s a story, there’s art, there are character arcs, plots, beginnings, and endings. About a year ago I discovered an anime titled, One-Punch Man, and was immediately drawn into the story. I’ve always been partial to…
Review – Broken Stars [Books]
Following on the heels of my recent review of a Japanese science-fiction short story collection, I decided to stay in the same part of the world for my next read. That ended up being Broken Stars, a collection of contemporary Chinese science-fiction. I need to admit that I felt Broken Stars was a stronger collection…