Ink hard: October 2021

Friday, October 22, 2021

Some books I've read 48

Men in My Situation by Per Petterson

Not one of his best. A bit too maudlin, and written in a selfconsciously arty style, with long sentences going in all sorts of directions.

Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen

Another great novel from Franzen, even if there are some parts that drag. A lot of talk about Christianity that I feel no connection to. This is supposed to be book one in a triology. Bring it on.

The Arrest by Jonathan Lethem

It drags a bit, this book. I never quite got into the story, and it takes its time. But if you first start to read Lethem novels...

L'Oisiveraie by David Prudhomme

Some cartoonists, it's just obvious that they like to draw. Christophe Blain is one. David Prudhomme is another. And this being a black and white book, you can really enjoy his pen and ink drawings.

One Train Later by Andy Summers

A well written autobiography from Summers, reaching The Police period around page 200. There's more about the band than in Sting's book, going through every record and also the concerts. I guess I should read Stewart Copeland's book as well, to really get the full picture.

Jack Kirby's Fantastic Four: Artisan Edition

I'm not paying over 100 pounds (or 200-300 on ebay) for the Artist's Edition books, but 20 pounds + shipping for the Artisan Editions is okay, even if they are half the size. I've never been a Kirby guy, I didn't read his comics as a kid, but I can enjoy his artwork here and Joe Sinnott's inking.

Steranko: Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Artisan Edition

A bit disappointing collection of Steranko's work, since the early parts are not his best. It's only the last 30 pages or so, that it really takes off, and then will truely shine in book 2. That was supposed to be published 7 years ago. But they're still waiting for Steranko to do the graphic design. Which is a shame. Come on, Jim! Those three Cap America issues he did were the bee's knees.

Currently reading:

A Drink with Shane McGowan by Victoria Mary Clarke and S.M.

A conversation between Shane and his girlfriend / partner,Victoria. Possibly a better way to get to know the gent than a traditional biography.