I’ve been reading more than average lately and doing quite a bit less writing. Actually, I have been sweating over the release of Null_Pointer for the past month or so. Lots of edits and tweaks to both the cover and the interior. Do it yourself publishing is not for the weak of heart.
In no particular order, here are the books I’ve read lately.
Norse Code, by Greg van Eekhout. This was my very first Urban Fantasy and my very first Nordic myth themed book and it was Greg’s first published novel. All good reasons for me to dive in. I followed Greg’s blog while he wrote this book and it was a thrill to finally have the finished book in my hands and read it. I really have nothing to compare it to in the genre, but I can say this; even if you are not a big fantasy reader, you will like this book. I zipped right through it and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I especially liked the Iowan farmer zombies; as I am the son of a son of an Iowa farmer. I also liked the soup reference thrown in by an author who makes his own soups and blogs about them. See, I really was paying attention to those posts and not just looking at the coffee shop pictures.
The Two Minute Rule, by Robert Crais. I saw Robert in person at one of the Murder in the Grove conferences here in Boise a few years ago and was charmed by his very fascinating speech. I finally got around to reading one of his books and found that I liked it a lot. He has a knack for creating believable characters that you can get behind, even when they have questionable pasts. I will have to read more of his books as this one merely whetted my appetite for his work.
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I haven’t read this book since I was in High School. Don’t ask how long ago that was. I even dimly recall having seen the Robert Redford film version, also many moons ago. I recently read The Artful Edit by Susan Bell and she practically holds this up as the Holy Grail of perfect novels, so naturally I had to revisit the book after reading hers. BTW, if you are a writer, go read Susan’s book. Anyway, back to Gatsby. I’m not sure what I really got out of this book as a teenager, but I see so much more in it now as a man of middle age. Nobody writes like Fitzgerald these days, at least nobody in the genres I hang out in. So it was fun reading the book in that respect. But taking into account the things that Susan says about it in her editing book, really illustrates how good this book is and how well it holds up over time.
On tap for the next few weeks are the following titles.
Hostile Takeover, by Matt Mitchell. This is a modern mythical tale by an indie author who is publishing with me using the GB Press imprint. One of my friends read the book recently and said it was very funny and quite good. I’m just getting into it and so far it’s got me hooked.
Green, by Jay Lake. I have never read a Jay Lake novel before. I know, what the hell was I thinking? Anyway, with that confession out of the way, I am really looking forward to reading his latest book, Green.
Jack Wakes Up, by Seth Harwood. I started listening to Seth’s rocking audio book at work last week and I intend to finish it soon. That will be made easier by ordering the paperback along with Green. Jack Wakes Up is a debut crime novel and another self-published/self-podiocast book that has been picked up by a traditional press.
No problem Seth. Maybe someday you will give my book a shot.
Ken,
Thanks for buying JACK WAKES UP! Hope you dig it! (I appreciate you spreading the word.)
Seth
Hi Chris,
Not really into dark fiction, per say. But perhaps other readers here are.
Ken, hi,
If you’re into dark fiction, try my novel, “A Diary of Wasted Years,” by Eloquent Books. It’s just released and any potential reader is welcome. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks.
Chris