palmer eldritch

Another hallucinatory SF story by Dick. In this one, the heads of two companies compete to dominate the illegal drug trade on Earth and its colonies. The competition results in reality becoming unstable, an alien (or maybe God) infiltrating and threatening humanity, and Mars colonists sinking into despair. Needless to say: awesome.

Books:
44/52

Buy The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch at Powell’s

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


jessica farm vol. 1

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


american recordings

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