One day in 1963, I stopped in a drugstore on my way home from high school (at that point in time, spinner racks full of mass market paperbacks in drugstores were one of the few places in our town where books were available; there was no actual bookstore), and spotted on the rack an anthology called The Unknown, edited by D.R. Bensen.
From the Introduction by Gardner Dozois
#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl
pickYet another strong collection of poetry. This selection was excellent. This is my last one of these anthologies that I‘ve checked out from the library. The next one I read will be one of the stack of eight that I purchased online. I highly recommend this series if you love poetry. I‘ve discovered so many new to me poets in this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!! #poetry
pickAn engaging collection of short stories edited by Joyce Carol Oates. The common thread is the genre of horror known as body horror. Any collection that has work by both Margaret Atwood and Joyce Carol Oates is automatically five stars.
I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!
#ABookADay2024
so-soAn anthology of science fiction stories by queer voices and with queer representation.
Anthologies are pretty hit & miss for me, & this one didn‘t really hit. The stories were mostly fine, the narrators were great, but I want sci fi that I‘m still thinking about.
Although I will be searching out E Saxey, because the story Amelioration has me thinking about language & hateful rhetoric. I listened to that story twice before moving on. 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
Having now read several selections from the tagged book this morning, I would say my favorites were Jeff Strand's “Rotten Eggs“ (about an elderly sibling who torments her younger siblings during an egg hunt), Killer Jelly Beans etc (a poem about Killer Jelly Beans. What's not to like?!) & It's Not All About Bunnies & Chocolate (a mother buys her daughter a popular toy for Easter. Child's Play/Gremlins vibes, not the best writing but a (CONT)
If, like me, you woke up today with a strong urge to read some religious horror or easter horror stores I have a recommendation! After a brief search I found the tagged book (available on KU) which includes a poem about killer jelly beans from outer space:
...An Easter not forgotten when
A threat appeared in place
Beware the Killer Jelly Beans
That hailed from outer space...
(Image taken from the interwebs)
pickI've been craving essays, just reading one a day for a tiny hit of insight. I started with Solnit's year because I love her and am looking forward to popping in and out with this series for the rest of forever.
Like all anthology there are pieces that resonated with me along with those that did not. I've not stopped thinking about Alexander Chee's essay and will be reading more from him soon!
