By Sam on September 28th, 2011
Posted In: 52 Books/52 Weeks
I wouldn’t normally pair books, but I read these on consecutive days and was struck by their similarities (not just “Mr.” in the titles). Both are surprisingly sweet stories about unhappy, struggling protagonists who find unexpected love. Both stories seem like they may end up depressing but redeem our faith with happiness.
Books: 42-3/52
Buy Life With Mr. Dangerous at Powell’s
Buy Mister Wonderful at Powell’s
52/52: An ongoing project to read one book a week and document those books with reviews of 52 words each.
By Sam on September 21st, 2011
Posted In: 52 Books/52 Weeks
The first installment of a lifelong project from one of the leading horror comics creators working today. Simmons creates 1 page per month; it’ll take 40 years to complete. It’s a bit harrowing, with the sweet, surreal moments apparently a fantasy life conjured as a means of survival by the abused Jessica.
Book: 41/52
Buy Jessica Farm vol. 1 at Powell’s
52/52: An ongoing project to read one book a week and document those books with reviews of 52 words each.
By Sam on September 14th, 2011
Posted In: 52 Books/52 Weeks
Another in the generally excellent 33 1/3 series of books on classic records. Poet/American mythos scholar Tony Tost surveys the deep resonances and spiritual/political/moral dimensions of Cash’s comeback quest through America, American Recordings. As with the best works of criticism, Tost’s insights elevate the album to heights it might not achieve alone.
Book: 40/52
Buy American Recordings by Tony Tost at Powell’s
52/52: An ongoing project to read one book a week and document those books with reviews of 52 words each.
By Sam on September 7th, 2011
Posted In: 52 Books/52 Weeks
Disclosure: the author has been my friend since college, a decade-plus ago. Still: this is a terrific book. I’m not really interested in skateboarding, but I found this compelling and couldn’t wait to get back to it every night. It’s an engaging combination of history, biography, cultural analysis and PR-lady-labia. Read it.
Book: 39/52
Buy The Impossible at Powell’s
52/52: An ongoing project to read one book a week and document those books with reviews of 52 words each.
