Llew's Reviews

You know South Carolina isn’t showing any of this gay lovin so I figured I’d have to read the story if I ever wanted to know anything about it. Except for the detailed scene of using spit for lube, I really liked it. Of course, the correct quote is along the lines of, “I wish I could quit you, you sonofawhoreson bitch!”

I think I might take to correcting people when they use that line. You know me, always the life of the party.

Oh, stop looking at me like that.

Have you not seen what he can do to a woman’s body on extreme makeover?

Hook me up with some of that please, but not
<—— that. He looks something like a stone chimpanzee.

I picked up a copy of “My Friend Leonard” in eager hopes that it would be very reminiscent of the wonder that is Frey’s first novel, “A Million Little Pieces.” It was so endearing in its unorthdox style with its raw characters. Sure, it was fouler than the bathroom at the 40 watt but, overall, it was lovely.

I was a little disappointed in Frey’s follow-up novel which continues his story of after he leaves rehab and deepens his relationship with, Leonard, a mobster who has also kicked his drug habit while at the center. It just isn’t anywhere near as gripping, or as emotional. It is still told in the same manner, and I did have trouble putting it down. However, if I had never read his first work, I doubt I would have really felt any need to finish the second. Yet, when I think about it in conjuction with the first dynamic and enthralling tale, I definitely see it as worth the read, especially if you like detailed and lengthy epilogues.

So, I’ve had four speeding tickets and the only thing I’ve learned is that the police don’t appreciate poetry which rhymes “ticket” with exactly where they can “stick it.”

This book wasn’t exactly helpful, but that might be because I didn’t need it very much. I was able to get things where I wanted them without having to go on trial. Whew.

On June 14th, Elizabeth Kostova’s book “The Historian” will go on sale, and you (yes, you) should read it. Even if you’re too poor to shell out the $25.95 that it takes to support your local independent bookstore who cultivates literacy while strengthening your community, you should go harass one of those do-gooder librarians for a copy to borrow.

It is one of the most well written captivating books I have read ever with a rich detailing of the history and culture of eastern eurpoe. Sure, when someone asks you what the book is about you’ll have to lower your voice and kind of slur your words so they don’t understand you’re saying “Vampires” but really the novel is a lot more than just that. Plus, it overshadows and completely diverges from any modern vampire tales. Trust me – it’s good.

Also, I hope that I’m the only one who hypes it up because I would be a little crushed if people began to see it as overrated or overdone.

“There was a time when I liked a good riot. Put on some heavy old street clothes that could stand a bit of sidewalk-scraping, infect myself with something good and contagious, then go out and stamp on some cops. … It was GREAT being nine years old.” — Transmetropolitan: Back On The Street by Warren Ellis

Do graphic novels count? I haven’t made up my mind yet so I think I will say that these three I read count as one book. This was a good read so close after the death of Hunter S. Thompson since the main character, Spider Jerusalem, is so reminescent of him.

Breaking for a funny Thompson story: Hunter was running for the sheriff of where he lived, and his opponent had a crew cut. Thus, Thompson cute his hair even shorter than that and started referring to the other guy as his “long-haired opponent.” Tehehe. Man, I loved Hunter S. Thompson.

I also really like Spider Jerusalem who has gone out of his five years of hiding from other people up in the wilderness because he has a book deal that he hasn’t completed. In order to write, he must live in the city. In order to live in the city, he must find a job to support him there. Thus, he finds an old contact and starts writing a column entitled “I Hate It Here” for The Word. In the process of writing the news, he starts to create and affect it. It’s very graphic and violent, but also very good.

Shouts out to Jayward who lent them to me YEARS ago, and I promise I’ll return all the books you loaned me. Really.