Author of the day- Jonathan Lethem

I have decided to make Jonathan Lethem my author of the day. He should be thrilled by such publicity (knowing all ten of you are reading this, five really if you don't count those poor saps nodding off from their latest Methadone fix).

I first discovered Jonathan when his most recent book at the time just went into paperback. The title of the book Fortress Of Solitude (I'm such a superman nerd, it's sad) grabbed my eye and I was in a rush to get to work.  I then spent the rest of that day completely blowing off customers and shirking responsibilities just to read that book. I was sucked in from page one.

Two days later after killing that book and dying to read some more of his work, I went back to the book store ready to pick up his entire work (or however much $40 would get me). Sadly, they only had one other book by him Gun, With Occasional Music. I was blown away at how different the writing styles were between the two books. So much so in fact, I immediately went to the library and picked up his collection.
The most interesting thing about this author is not that can he imagine a story that will hook you without the lazy use of deus ex machina, not the fact that his characters could actually have a life of their own were they to become real (I'm looking at you Bella). The most interesting thing is that EVERY SINGLE book of his has a different feel, a different flow, and a different writing style (unlike Dean Koontz who has written 75 gazillion books that are all the same).

If you are looking for a good read, please go to his website and pick up a book. you will not be disappointed.



side note: looking through his website, I found his fathers paintings (holy crap! I need to get a few prints) also, his brothers blog (NSFW) which has now become one of my favorites (gotta love graffiti!)

The Dresden Files-Patiently waiting

Reciepe for a Harry Dresden book:

2 parts Hard-boiled detective gumshoe novel
2 parts Low fantasy
1 parts Star-Wars references

 fill shaker with ice, add all ingredients, shake vigorously until you hear cussing.

I am a big fan of the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. He writes these books as a easy read, but not so easy that you would see the books in the YA section of a Library.

synopsis of Dresdens world taken from the great wiki:

In the world of The Dresden Files, magic is real, along with ghouls, vampires, demons, spirits, faeries, werewolves, and other mythical monsters.Harry Dresden works to protect the general public, who are ignorant of magic and the dark forces conspiring against them. This makes it difficult for Harry to get by as a working wizard and private eye. The Chicago PD's Special Investigation unit, when led by Karrin Murphy, regularly employs Dresden as a consultant to help solve cases of a supernatural nature.

The White Council, the recognized governing body of Wizards, has decreed the Seven Laws of Magic, which all magic users are expected to follow. Breaking any of the laws carries a death sentence except under very rare and special circumstances.

In The Dresden Files universe, each species (humans, faeries, vampires, etc.) has its own political and societal rules and organizations. The human wizards depend on the White Council, while faeries may belong to either the Summer or Winter courts, or they may belong to neither court, in which case they are known as Wyldfae. Vampires may belong to any of three vampire Courts, be it the White, Red, or Black Court. There are rumours of a Jade court based in the far east.

Jim Butcher has created a world where I not only hope Harry wins, I have a sick curiosity about just much abuse Harry can take before he reaches through the computer and beats his author on the head with his own keyboard.

So far there have been 13 novels written about Harry and 1 book of short stories. the next book set for release is November 27. I have been waiting a while for this one and can guarantee that you will be getting a full write up on this book.

The Casual Vacancy

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (yes THAT J.K. Rowling)

The novel covers the death of a local Councillor, Barry Fairbrother, who croaks in the parking lot of a local golf course. As news spreads throughout town, chaos ensues. The problem arises in deciding whether the estate "The Fields" (which includes a methadone clinic, Bellchapel) should remain as part of Town.

After the election date is announced, the children of those who are standing for election decide to make damaging posts on the Councils online forum. Andrew, is the first person to do so, operating under the name "The_Ghost_Of_Barry_Fairbrother" and informing everyone on the forum that his father had bought a stolen computer. Sukhvinder follows, posting that her mother, Dr. Parminder Jawanda, was in love with Barry. Thirdly, Fats Wall posts, claiming his dad Cubby, diddled a kid.

This book also follows Krystal Weedon. Krystal lives in The Fields with her mother Terri who is a hooker and dope fiend, and brother Robbie. Kay, ( the obligitory Social worker) is determined for Terri to stop her druggie ways and take responsibility for the care of Robbie, however, Terri relapses (of course) and her drug-dealer ends up raping Krystal. Obviously fucked up from yet another traumatic experience in her life. Krystal has hooks up with Fats in an attempt to become preggers. It is during one of these hook-ups that Robbie runs away from the pair in a park, eventually falling and drowning in a river, despite Sukhvinder's attempt to save him. Krystal is so distraught she kills herself via heroin overdose, the novel culminating with her funeral.

The novels major themes were Politics, Class, and Social Issues (such as drugs).
All of which Ms. Rowling, should be able to write about properly, as she was living in the lowest caste of society without being homeless prior to her HP being published.

I feel this book is more CRASS than CLASS. I don't think I went two pages without being assaulted by more "fucks" and "arse" than was even close to necessary for the point of the narrative. I really hope J.K. doesn't stop writing, but I do hope this book comes off the top sellers charts. I feel this book has stayed up there due to her previous achievements.

This is J.K.'s first attempt at an adult book, and it kinda shows. Now please don't get me wrong. I loved her HP series. So much in fact, that when I was last in Orlando I spent a large part of my time at Universal Studios IN the new Hogwarts section.

I was hoping to make my first "official" book review to be something awesome. I guess I was disappointed twice.

I will now leave you with some photos of Hogwarts in Universal Studios.