A soul is given 10,000 attempts to achieve perfection, but no one tells Milo this until after attempt 9,995. Milo revisits some of his former lives, both historical and futuristic, and falls in love with Death along the way. I found this book to be enjoyable, humorous, and philosophical all at once. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for Michael Poore's next work.
This beautifully illustrated tale is from the future, where people have become consumed by their technology. A boy and his robot travel through the dangerous terrain of the west. A cautionary tale about the addictive nature of social media and gaming, but honestly, the drawings alone make it worth the read, from ruinous landscapes to tormented robots and everything in between.
Part Agatha Christie, part Groundhogs Day, we witness the same murder from eight different pairs of eyes and try to figure out who pulls the trigger before it actually happens. There were a few twists and turns in here that kept me reading through the night, trying to figure out the clues for myself.
I loved this book for reasons that I find hard to explain. Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Beuys and Basho and Wittgenstein (and many others) are all detailed, their lives all interconnected. In between Sagasti talks about fireflies, asteroids, haikus, and the art of story. This is the best book I've found from Charco Press so far, a small publisher with which I have become enamored.
A woman is murdered and a tape is sent to local news stations. People unconnected with the victim start saying it was a false flag operation designed to make people fear their neighbors. Mostly, this book is about how these rumors effect those closest to the victim and the tragedy itself. One of the more important graphic novels I've read in a long time, especially for his day and age.
I loved Knausgaard's My Struggle series, but this is, in a way, more intimate. In the first two volumes of the quartet, he explains the world in incredible detail, from apples and wasps, to the sun and plastic bags. The third and fourth books are more about the family life around the time of his daughter's birth. Both are wonderful; I've never been more captivated by descriptions of things I already know all about.
A spirit is telling the story of Chinonso to a council and trying to save his soul. Thus unfurls the heartbreaking story of Chinonso, who will do anything to become good enough for Ndali, and specifically for her family. But when he heads overseas to try and further his education, he is taken for all of his money and stranded far from anyone he has ever known. One of the best twist endings I've read in a long time.
Is there anything better than jumping into a new fantasy series? The story revolves around the ruler of a world where magicians can make light into solid. Each color has its own unique qualities, but use too much of your power and you can go insane. Brent Weeks is one of the best fantasy writers around, and this series is one of his greatest. With Book 5 being released in November, there is no waiting for the next book.
Paul can transform his body at will, turning from a man to a woman, and alter his body in each state. He uses this power to have every type of sex imaginable. Part love story, part erotica, part fantasy, this book doesn't let you slowly step into the storyline but rather drags you in on page one. Original, fast paced, and well written, I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would.
At 76 years old, Theroux drives to the border with Mexico and after crisscrossing along the entire length heads deep into the interior. In his classic fashion, he meets locals, gathers stories, dines with other writers, and meets a revolutionary hero. My favorite travel writer once again makes me want to go out on the open road.
I rarely reread books, yet every few years I feel myself drawn back to Titus Groan and it's sequel, Gormenghast. The heir to the house of Groan is born into a political and fantastical kingdom. At the same time, a young man working in the kitchens does everything in his power to destroy this ancient family. A marvel, an epic, and an incredible feat of storytelling. Peake's character building is rivaled by none.
One of my favorite fantasy authors returns with a new trilogy. A society at the beginning of industrialization faces threats from the wild North and from within its borders as workers rebel for steady work and safe workplaces. Can four young heirs save the kingdom and prove themselves worthy of lofty titles? Gritty, but written with style and beautiful wordplay, Abercrombie proves himself a master of the craft.
So far, my favorite of the Booker Prize shortlist. A housewife in Ohio is baking pies and delivering them, and you are privy to her every thought. A rolling, manic tale told through inner monologue. The block of text looks intimidating at first, but once you start getting into her flow of consciousness the book becomes almost impossible to put down. Not like anything I have ever read.
I've recently started rereading Murakami in chronological order. I forgot how good he started. This edition is his first two novels in one book. While neither of these will be listed as his best works, it is interesting to see the groundwork for what would become his own style: the incredible settings, the depth of character, and the slight mystery behind everything. Great for anyone who loves Murakami's later works.
