Savages by Don Winslow

We got it, Don Winslow. Loud and clear, actually. In the drug trade, there are no good guys - no matter where you moral compass may point. And Oliver Stone? What did you see in this? Potential? We'll have to see how you vamped up the film later. I'm not going to spend more money on Savages, not yet anyway. Let's just hope Netflix picks up when its released for home viewing. Besides, my money is for The Dark Knight Rises. Sorry.

Savages follows the fall of Ben and Chonny - a potent strain of marijuana that blends indica and sativa in perfect harmony (it's stoner science, I suppose). The growers and distributors of the strain are Ben - a pacifist and humanitarian who majored in business and botany - and Chon - formerly John, a SEAL who uses his skills to "negotiate" with people who get in their business. Coupled with the living-in-the-material-world girl, O, the threesome is a sexually charged epitome of what wrong with the world. In a word, they are savages.

Enter the Baja Cartel. After a viral video of a beheading is sent to Chon, he knows the days of running the game solo have come to an end. But will they go down without a fight?

Don Winslow presents to us - poorly, but still - a tragic tale of emotionally (not just sexually, by the way) charged characters. But isn't that the definition of a savage? One who follows emotion rather than logic and ration?

The story itself is great. Winslow's execution of it leaves a sour taste. His character development is unfavorable - there are just things that didn't need to exist (so what if Lado is having an affair?). 

Savages is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and is available for Kindle and Nook. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Glue by Irvine Welsh

I did thing backwards – sorta. Back when Barnes & Noble placed Irvine Welsh's Porno out on the discount table, I bought it not knowing it was a sequel-of-sorts to Trainspotting. Okay, fine. I bought Trainspotting at Hastings back when McAllen, Texas housed a location. After reading that book - this must've been on the old book blog (the one that I never really paid any attention to, so I won't link my review, if I wrote one, that is) - I surfed Amazon to read some customer reviews on the book (don't ask why I did this because it's a bad habit I broke long ago). That's when I realized that some of the characters featured in the sequel had their own book entitled Glue. Great, another book I have to buy. That being said, it took me nearly a decade before I started reading it. And nearly three weeks before I finished it.

From childhood to adulthood, Glue follows the story of four friends coming from the schemes of Edinburgh. There's Carl Ewart, whose passion for music is destined for greatness; "Juice" Terry Lawson, whose only concern in life is getting his hole; Billy Birrell, whose dedication to his sport makes him into a local celebrity; and doomed Andrew Galloway, whose run with bad luck helps steer the course of his friends' lives. Mixing in humor that he used in Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh manages to keep the reader engaged in this slice of life novel told in four separate decades of the characters' lives.

The novel also features some of the beloved characters of Trainspotting, which is why – I guess – that reviewer stated that Porno acted as a sequel-of-sorts for both novels. Renton makes an appearance as does Begbie and Spud. Some of the events of the novel are mentioned in Glue, as well.

Glue is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Also, keep an eye out for the Trainspotting boys in Welsh's upcoming novel, Skagboys. Until next time, happy huntin'.

And Now a Word from Our Sponsor

Stop 'em in their tracks with a heart-fluttering alluring look with these FREE HEARTS OF BEAUTY EARRINGS! Natural meets playful in this sweet earring look. Style it boho-chic by pairing with neutral Earth Goddess looks, or make them your go-to casual earrings for weddings, anniversaries and other romantic occasions. A FREE PAIR OF HEARTS OF BEAUTY EARRINGS ($49) just for checking out sneakpeeq!

Unique jewelry is IN this Summer! Get Snash jewelry at 75% off! You and your friends will love Snash jewelry’s Lucky Pennies (Heads & Tails), Safety Pins, and Horseshoe Earrings. These pieces retail for $52, but your price is only $14! SHIPS FREE!

Kick-Ass 2 by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.

Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl are back and their tooling the f@#k up and taking to the streets to face against Red Mist (now known as The Mother Fucker) and his army of bad-ass villains.

Only a few months have passed since the first book's ending. While Dave Lizewski trains to better himself as a superhero, Mindy Macready struggles with a normal life. Inspired by the events in Kick-Ass, several citizens are inspired to don the mask and fight alongside the hero. But a world of superheroes is nothing without a challenging nemesis. Embittered by the slaying of his father, Red Mist organizes his own team by gathering people from all over the world to take down Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl, and their superhero brethren. How far will each side go to live up their comic book fantasies? Who stands in the way? And will Mindy have to break a promise she made in order to save the city?

Maybe it's the fact that Kick Ass 2: The Movie hasn't even begun pre-production - I'm only assuming here - but this book is way better than the first one. Way better than anything I ever read by Mark Millar. If I could, I'd marry this book. That is, if I didn't know there was a third book on its way. A go-between that occurs after Kick-Ass but occurs before Kick-Ass 2 entitled Hit-Girl. That's right. Our favorite preteen slaughtering superhero is getting her own book!

I'm await it eagerly. I might not even want to wait for the hardcover.

You can pick up your copy of Kick-Ass 2 at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Until next time, happy huntin'.

Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr.

So I purchased Kick-Ass on BluRay the other day. It was at discount. Included digital download and the DVD. Awesome, right? Right. As I watched it for the seventeenth time, I came to a shocking realization. I've never read the comic book. Egads! What sort of fan boy am I? A terrible one, that's what! I hopped on Amazon and saw that Kick-Ass 2 was available for pre-order (it's on sale now, by the way) so I picked up that, too. I don't know where this money is coming from because I have a two-month-old and I'm not supposed to do this impromptu shopping anymore. Damnit! I still managed to hit checkout.

Remember when I read Wanted after being convinced to after watching the movie? Remember how I said that when it came down to it, you're better off watching the movie? Remember how much I hated myself for saying that? Well, get ready for take two of that. Yes. With Kick-Ass, you're probably better off watching the movie instead. That is, unless, you like the gritty realism the book contains.

Mark Millar's not about the Hollywood ending. Not about the whole Hollywood beginning, either. In Kick-Ass he presents something in-your-face, and is not afraid to hold the sugarcoating. Sure, there are times when I felt the story just dragged - which is a feat as it only contains seven chapters - but it has something the movie doesn't have - realism. Wait, I said that already.

And if Millar's realistic take of a bored teenager turned superhero doesn't appeal to you, then the blood and grit of John Romita, Jr. is - for lack of a better phrase - to die for.

So okay, it might not be the best graphic novel you'll ever read. But goddamn, is it one worth reading.

Kick-Ass is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. While you're at it, pick up a copy of Kick-Ass 2.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

The Breast by Philip Roth

I first met David Kepesh a few years back - way back when I was still in college. My creative writing professor, Rene Saldana, Jr. turned on to reading a John Gardner collection of essays on writers and writing. He discusses Philip Roth's novel, in which David Kepesh wakes up one day to learn he has become a giant breast. I jumped onto the internet and bought the first copy I found that was inexpensive. Hardback. Good price. Moving on.

I read it then continued on to reading The Professor of Desire and The Dying Animal. Both equally wonderful reads.Nothing, however, compares my first experience reading The Breast.

Last week, I reread the novella for the second time. And like Kepesh states, when you read a favorite novel later in life, you find things you didn't see before. I never questioned Kepesh's transformation. I read the novel rather literal. Here was a man who followed his lustful instincts in life who gets transformed into a breast. No big deal. 

The question I find myself asking, was Kepesh just crazy?

I won't go into too much detail because it's such a short book, but it's a must read for fans of The Metamorphosis.

The Breast is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Two Children's Books

Taken during peace time

For those of you not following the blog, I work in the Children's Department of the local library. Because I'm also the father of a two-month-old, colicky son, I don't have much time to read big boy books anymore. This blog has suffered greatly because of my job and my new role in life. It's worth it, believe you me.  When I do get a sliver of chance to read, it's usually when I'm shelving books at work. So if this morphs into a children's book blog, well, so be it.

I've read a few books already, come to think of it. None of them seemed worth mentioning outside of I Want My Hat Back, but I still haven't figured out a way to review that book and give it justice without giving away too much. Because I've never reviewed children's books before, I sought advice from Cover to Cover. The irony, of course, is that I have not time to read that book.

Well, here goes nothing.

The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer

Alex Latimer delivers a comical spin to the classic "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," all the while keeping its intended moral. In it, Time has a problem. He's telling the truth but his his parents still punish him for all the things going wrong. Is it his fault the truth is so fantastical? Why is it so hard for them to accept that a ninja finished the last of the cake? Or that a sunburned crocodile broke the TV antenna?

Let's be honest, the title drove me to the book. I couldn't help it. If a children's book contains the "ninja" or "zombie" in the title, I'm picking it up. 99.9% (thus far) I put it right down. But Latimer offers us something great. Something that parents would have fun reading to their little ones and readers as old as third-grade (possibly older, but I'm winging the age recommendation here) can relate to. On the plus side, children will adhere to the message of telling the truth no matter what. I think that's something we can all relate to, no?

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll

Think Monsters, Inc. Got that image? Well, this is better than that. The fact that it's a book sends it over the wall.

When Ethan checks under his bed, he learns that Gabe - his monster - has gone fishing. Ethan grows worried. How will ever fall asleep knowing a monster - his monster - isn't hiding underneath the bed?

Amanda Noll shows us a camaraderie between a boy and his monster that charms the  heart. It's funny and an enjoyable read. And it just might be the proper medicine for the boogieman blues for the little one. Let's not forget the message of excepting no substitutes when it comes to one's best friend (or in this case, best monster).

You can purchase both books at Amazon and Barnes and Noble using their respective links below:

• The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer (Amazon) (Barnes)
• I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll (Amazon) (Barnes)

Until next time, happy huntin'.

Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson

I first read Jesus' Son in college, during my first class with Jose Skinner (Flight and Other Stories). And of all the books I read in that class, and all of my college career, the words of Denis Johnson stuck with me the longest. Why? Because his ability to mix poetry with prose. Never before had I read a story where a character "knew every raindrop by its name," or whose heart broke for the person he would never find, the person who loved him.

The collection of stories follows a character whose name is never mentioned, though the moniker fuckhead follows him like a proverbial rain cloud. A junky, Fuckhead, walks through life having several misadventures, none without reason. He is lucky, but he's a failure. He tries, but rarely succeeds at anything. His friends are there one moment, and buried the next. 

There is no chronological order to the stories found within the covers of this book, but, nevertheless, the reader leaves with something he didn't have before - an experience only someone strung out on heroin could have felt. Because that's what Denis Johnson presents to us with his collection - literary heroin. And we'll keep going back for more.

Jesus' Son is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, for Kindle and Nook respectively. Until next time, happy huntin'.

Dumpster Diving

Don't worry, I didn't dive into an actual dumpster. These babies were fished out of the pile. If I haven't mentioned the pile before, it's just that. A pile of discarded books and magazines that are no longer fit for readers. Their spines are broken, pages are missing or falling out. 

Books acquired were:

• Anathem by Neal Stephenson
• The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
• Devil May Care by Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
• The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam translated by Edward Fitzgerald (not photographed)

Along with these used freebies, I also received the latest by Rachel Kramer Bussel, Going Down. I purchased her 2008 anthology, Rubber Sex on eBay which arrived in the mail after work (or during work, as it was waiting for me at the house after work).

Funny story, when my coworkers convinced me to read Fifty Shades of Grey (which I don't recommend, as I found it completely unreadable), I bragged about how I'm not embarrassed by what I read. Today, after receiving Rubber Sex, my first thought was to create book covers for it and Going Down. Why the sudden shame? Well, first off, it's not shame. 

As you may or may not have known already, I live with my in-laws now. Not that my in-laws are prudes, but I recall one discussion where my sister-in-law stated something about not allowing her husband to watch movies with nudity. Because, apparently, seeing another woman naked is sorta, kinda like cheating. I might have elaborated a bit, but that's how I felt. I can only imagine the stink they'd create when they see me reading something called Going Down.

Oh well, I think I'm done. Wait. Lemme show you Rachel Kramer Bussel's signature. Again, maybe.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

(Note: I apologize for the crappiness of these posts of late. Being a father is a tough job. Being a husband is even tougher. Finding time to write or a place to write where I'm left alone is down right impossible.)

Batman: Long Shadows by Judd Winick

It's no secret: I am a fan of the Dark Knight, but I'm on the fence with Long Shadows. Don't get me wrong, Dick Grayson is an awesome Robin, a better Nightwing, but a second rate Batman. No one can replace the original, but maybe that's the point of the graphic novel. He's not replacing Bruce Wayne, he's making Batman his own persona.

Major plot hole, however. If Dick Grayson replaced Wayne as Batman so the public doesn't realize the Dark Knight has died, how does one explain the sudden disappearance of Nightwing? Couple with the new, happier, media-friendly Batman, I'd imagine more eyebrows were raised and not just Two Face's.

Judd Winick does present us with a great tale, but I'm not about to go suggest it to Batman fans. Maybe Grayson fans. And the artwork adds to the story, but then again, I always say this. SPOILER ALERT: I'm in love with the Two Face Batman hallucination. Perhaps Judd Winick can play with that in another tale - hint hint, wink wink.

Batman: Long Shadows is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Until next time, keep on huntin'.

G.I. Joe: Hearts & Minds by Max Brooks

As a child, I loved G.I. Joe. I had the toys; I watched the cartoon show. The movie wasn't up to par, but I didn't hate it. It's goofy. It's fun. It's not to be taken seriously. Not even by a G.I. Joe fan - okay, maybe if that fan is under ten. Sad to say, I grew up.

It's nice to see that the team grew up with me. Especially with writer, Max Brooks taking the experience to another level with his graphic novel, Hearts & Minds. I can't give a summary of the book because there is no plot. The stories found within the covers aren't intertwining - not by much, anyway - but a collection of stand-alones that create an origin tale for G.I. Joe and Cobra characters. 

My favorites include "Tripwire," "Dr. Mindbender," and "Recruits." However, the entire books is worth the read. Max Brooks has a way with words as his father has a way with comedy. And the illustrations by Howard Chaykin and Antonio Fuso breath to life the monsters and heroes of our childhood. 

Yes, Hearts & Minds is a must read for any and all G.I. Joe fans - mostly like those above the age of ten.

You can pick up Hearts & Minds at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is also available for Nook.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.

Adam Canfield of the Slash by Michael Winerip

Adam Canfield is something of a legend. He's a four-pluser and an all-star reporter for The Slash - the Harris Elementary/Middle School student newspaper. After being convinced by his friend, Jennifer, he finds himself as co-editor of the newspaper. Things start off rocky for Adam, but when third-grade reporter Phoebe accidentally reveals a scandal that will shake the Tremble community...things get interesting.

I've never read a book with so many subplots that tie up perfectly in the end. Not even in an adult novel. Michael Winerip managed to keep me glued - somewhat, actually, as it is rather hard to read anything with a newborn around. I wanted to devour this book after things started picking up for Adam. Those of you without newborns rest assured that this book is definitely a page turner.

The characters are beautifully crafted, and Winerip leaves the ending open for a sequel - which there is; two, actually. And while he possibly didn't intend to - but I'm an English major, so I'll draw my conclusions - I love how he carefully placed in the caricature of Fox News (Bolandvision!!!) in there. 

Adam Canfield of the Slash is available in hard copy on Amazon and Barnes and Noble; e-readers rejoice! - you can read Adam and company's tale on your Kindles and Nooks, as well.

Until next time, keep on huntin'.