Monday, December 28, 2020
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Monday, December 21, 2020
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Some books I've read 44
Wolves in the Dark by Gunnar Staalesen
I didn't have the patience to wait for the French edition, so I got it in English. Staalesen is mostly solid, but this book wasn't one of his best. Where Roses Never Die is still #1.
If I Was by Midge Ure
A biography about his life and about joining Ultravox, starting a solo career, and then also reaching middle age and selling less records, and then having to hustle a bit. But Midge seems like a genuine nice guy, there's no self pity, so it's all good.
Broken Music by Sting
Mostly about his life, only getting into The Police at the end, releasing their first record. Which is a bit of a shame. Will there be a volume 2? Doesn't seem like it. And since it's Sting, is there some pretentiousness once in a while? Yes.
Life A User's Manual by Georges Perec
Interesting book and a modernist classic, Perec going through all the rooms of an apartment block in Paris, on the same day, but also telling stories about the lives of the people living there. Some chapters are just a list of all the things in that room, and it took me a bit of time to get into the book, but then I did and I was hooked. Really, I should finish Ulysses next.
The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock by Donald Spoto
I already have the Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and Light biography by Patrick McGilligan, but got this one as well. Well written, going through all his movies, and also talking about Tippi Hedren's accusations about Hitchcock. Which all ring true, unfortunately.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clark
Reading this novel for the second time. And it's 1000 pages long!
Cascade by Fabio
A collection of illustrations and one page strips by the always brilliant Fabio, published by l'association.
Monday, December 7, 2020
POP! Spotify
I made a playlist for my book POP back in the days. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2dJLRRQTi7uelLMHhqc1Zb
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Monday, November 2, 2020
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Thursday, October 8, 2020
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Some books I've read 43
Big Sister by Gunnar Staalesen
I'm usually buying the new Staalesen books in French, but they're two years behind the UK edition. I would have to wait a year for this book to be published in French pocketbook version. Great novel, clever twist. Staalesen seldom disappoints.
Wolves at the Door by Gunnar Staalesen
His latest novel, I've finally caught up! A sort of sequel to Wolves in the Dark, the only book I haven't read yet. That one will be out in French pocketbook version as Piège de Loup in November. Something to look forward to... This book, Varg Veum chasing a killer of paedophiles, is unfortunately not one of Staalesens best.
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
Reread this in Norwegian. One of the best SF novels ever. At least the first two thirds of the book. The plot goes a bit haywire after that and loses some credibility. Which is necessary, even in a Science Fiction novel.
The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester
Can't read one without the other. His second classic novel. Also brilliant.
Woody Allen: A Biography by John Baxter
I know, his autobiography is out, I should read that one. I might at some point. I found this in the used book section of the local bookstore. I've been rewatching some of his films lately, up to Radio Days, and it's good to know the history behind the making of the films. And about what happened later... who knows? Either Woody is a monster or Mia is. I'm leaning towards Mia.
Complete Prose by Woody Allen
Still in the middle of this one. Lots of great, funny stuff here, some of which he used later in his films, like the Paris in the 20s story.
And Now, Sir - Is This Your Missing Gonad? by Jim Woodring
Surreal cartoons from the master. Maybe not essential, but good to have.
The Face on the Cuttingroom Floor by Cameron McCabe
Heard good things about this book, but am not too impressed. Nothing rings true, had a hard time finishing the book. And the meta element is not enough.
The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin
Saw some illustrations from this book online and decided to get a copy.
Daredevil Born Again Artisan Edition by David Mazzucchelli
I don't have any Artist Editions, tempting as they may be. Paying 130 - 150 pounds for a book just feels... wrong. But found a used edition of this book for just 14 pounds + shipping. Mazzucchelli is an amazing cartoonist. Back when I drew in a realistic style, his Batman Year One was my bible. How about a Rubber Blanket collection already? Still don't have n° 2, and it costs a small fortune on ebay.
Currently reading:
Virtual Unrealities: The Short Fiction of Alfred Bester
NVK by Temple Drake (pseudonym for Rupert Thomson)
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Friday, September 11, 2020
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Sunday, August 30, 2020
Thursday, August 27, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
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Sunday, August 16, 2020
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Monday, August 10, 2020
Monday, August 3, 2020
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Thursday, July 9, 2020
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