We are seldom the orchestrators of our own destiny; a statement never more evident than in James Sallis' new novel Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane Pullman has lWe are seldom the orchestrators of our own destiny; a statement never more evident than in James Sallis' new novel Sarah Jane. Sarah Jane Pullman has led a complicated life with multiple highs and lows, mostly lows. filled with wrong decisions and decisions made for her. The apex of her journey leads her to become the sheriff of a small rural town with it's own complexities, mysteries, and coupled with day-to-day life.
This slim little novel is populated with richly drawn characters that are at once all too familiar and profoundly human. It is a noir thriller that is somehow painfully tender at its core. All the while, Sallis' prose sparkles with wit, humor and philosophical depth.
One of my favorite lines in the book, and there are many, is this wonderful description of the town's librarian.
"The town library was there in the person of Miss Bly, a twentyish woman who seemed composed entirely of freckles and excitement."
Another favorite: "What you see and feel in others, ultimately, is what you're able to reach down and find in yourself."
Sarah Jane is a powerful novel that will stay with you long after you've finished. Do experience the words of this noir master....more
NVK is amazing. I can best describe it as a literary noir thriller steeped in Finnish culture with a supernatural core. It sounds like an ambitious maNVK is amazing. I can best describe it as a literary noir thriller steeped in Finnish culture with a supernatural core. It sounds like an ambitious mash-up but Temple Drake not only makes it work but makes it believable as well. Whoa! Reading a book in one sitting these days is challenging with SO many distractions in our fast paced world. (It always was fast paced but technology seems to have accelerated the speed if that is at all possible). With Drake's vivid, complex characters, finely crafted narrative and masterful pacing the author fairly demands this kind of immersive experience, which is exactly what happened with me. It was impossible to stop reading it until I turned the very last page and believe me it was rewarding. I came to know the characters intimately and fear for them. AND, had trouble sleeping the night after.
Read NVK for it's uniqueness, the global setting, and superb storytelling.
"The Boy in the Earth was the fifth book I wrote. I have truly been saved by literature. If I hadn't met with stories that dive deep into the nature o"The Boy in the Earth was the fifth book I wrote. I have truly been saved by literature. If I hadn't met with stories that dive deep into the nature of society and humanity, stories that press on and attempt to reveal our true nature. I'm sure my life would have turned out differently. Literature is still precious to me. It provides me with the sustenance I need to go on living. Even now, having come to write books myself, that hasn't changed in the slightest. I want to thank everyone who helped me publish this book, and all the people who will read it." -Fuminori Nakamura
Writing is clearly cathartic for Nakamura. He is able to access those deep dark emotions that we are often afraid to confront. His writing is spare but cogent and meant to be read in one sitting. It is the best way to digest his books that are uncomfortable but no less important. I encourage you all to experience Nakamura. He is a writer of today....more
Re-reading this for book group and enjoying even more the second time through. Ben Winters is a terribly underrated writer. Underground Airlines is briRe-reading this for book group and enjoying even more the second time through. Ben Winters is a terribly underrated writer. Underground Airlines is brilliant on so many levels!...more
In his first detective novel, Ray Chandler introduces us to Phillip Marlowe, a private investigator in 1930's Los Angeles. Marlowe takes on a case forIn his first detective novel, Ray Chandler introduces us to Phillip Marlowe, a private investigator in 1930's Los Angeles. Marlowe takes on a case for a wealthy oilman that involves blackmail, murder and his two troublesome daughters. Chandler's prose is sharp, witty and sardonic as he carries us through the mysterious underworld of Los Angeles....more
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