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Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk by Tony DuShane

Mar 9

Posted by The Valet in Fiction, Young Adult | No Comments

Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk by Tony DuShane

Hmmmm. Yeah. Ummmmm. Okay. Really?

I’m kind of ashamed. Ashamed because while reading this book I learned about something that I honestly feel like I should have already known. I mean, I guess its not really fair to be down on myself for being unaware but it’s somewhat prevalent. Alright, get to the point already. So, I’m talking about the Watchtower Society otherwise known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was actually kind of bothered reading about how and what this group of people believe in (I’m not too worried about losing readers over this review, knowing full well that reading my blog would most certainly be forbidden by the elders regardless). On the brighter side of things, I did learn that I quite like Tony DuShane’s writing style and seeing as he’s a local (San Francisco) writer I will be keeping my eye out for more of his work.

While reading the book I began to wonder whether or not Mr. DuShane was at some point himself a Jehova’s Witness and whether or not this story was in fact a look at his younger life. Well, after reading the book I found out that Mr. DuShane was a Witness while growing up but eventually became “inactive.” As for this being a book about him, I’m not quite sure. I do know this, should Armageddon ever come Dushane will not be saved (according the society of course, in my book, he stays).

Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk is funny, intelligent and as I already pointed out rather insightful. A lot of young adult books out there use masturbation and puberty as central ideas in the story which makes sense, the male protagonists are typically always of that age. I wouldn’t exactly say that DuShane uses it as a tool differently but he does make it a rather large point of moral conflict for the main character, Gabe.

For God’s sake, keep reading…

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 3/8)

Mar 8

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

I’ve already mentioned it once, but because my brother, his wife and my parents are vacationing in Mexico right now and my sister and her fiance will be going there tomorrow, I’m going to talk more about the newest member of our family. Even though I have not yet met the feller he looks pretty cute. I’ve stolen a couple of my sister-in-laws pictures from facebook so you can get a better look at him.

What will my name be????

Nameless puppy


































So, while my family is enjoying the sun and beach without me, I will still be reporting on what’s going on in book events. They may like to think the world stops when they leave their respective cities for some R&R but they are wrong. No, I’m not bitter or anything, I loooooove spending all Winter cooped up in San Francisco (actually, I do like it, sarcasm there for added affect).

So… San Francisco definitely wins this week. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you read about the only event I’ve decided to post about this week. Seriously.

Monday, March 8th
@ 8pm
- Alexander “Sandy” Marshall, author, will be reading from his book Beating a Dead Horse The Life and Times of Jay Marshall at the Magic Castle. Now, I know nothing about magic nor Mr. Marshall or his father Jay Marshall. Jay is the dean of American Magicians, yes, there is such a thing and his son has written a book about his “maverick” father.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 3/8)

Mar 8

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Nerves. I’m running out of them. It’s not good, I shouldn’t be.

What, pray tell, would lead me to divulge this to you? Well, it has recently come to my attention that as of March 31st I will no longer have a job. Some would say “that’s great,” others “oh no” (with fake concern) and then there’s the realists that just say “shit.” Right about now I’m one of those people saying “shit.” The last period of time when I didn’t have a job I ended up living with my parents and driving a fork lift. I am confident enough to believe that that will not happen again but it’s always scarred in the back of my mind.

The others reasons my nerves have been at their end recently is because I had found a job I knew I could kick ass at and would be perfect for me. About two weeks ago I had a short, get to know you type, phone interview for that position and have not heard anything since. It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, these things happen all the time. And honestly, I didn’t let myself get too emotionally attached to the position, it’s just at the back of my mind I knew this was the position for me. I’m still crossing my fingers that they’ll actually want to get to know me and not just my nervous voice on the telephone. At the very least, be a decent company and let me know either way. I am a little envious of those people that didn’t pick up the phone when they saw a number they didn’t recognize, listened to the message and had time to prepare themselves prior to returning the call regarding this position. Oh well, not a whole lot I can do.

As it goes in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, “Always look on the bright side of life, (whistle whistle whistle).” I guess as an alternative I can, in due time, book my ticket to do some traveling in April. I think most people would think that’s a better alternative, but honestly, I want to work, I want to have some sense of security. My rent won’t pay itself!

Yes, another diversion, road block, whatever you want to call it. I came across this article last Friday and found it really interesting. It’s an interview with Michael Chabon, who lives in the bay area, with a journalist from the Wall Street Journal discussing the literary scene in San Francisco. It’s short and pretty entertaining.

Anyways, enough about me and on to talking about books. You know, those things which smell so nice when you turn their page, have little words and sometimes a few pictures in them. Yes, books.

Monday, March 8th
@ 7pm
- The March Monthly Rumpus at The Makeout Room. Ok, before I tell you what this is all about I just want to say that I have been trying to include this in my events posts for the past two months but always find out about it too late. Oh no no, not this time. I wasn’t going to let the Rumpus get away from me again. So, the Rumpus. Rather than spell out for you what the Rumpus is (an online magazine) I’ll direct you here to learn more about it. The Monthly Rumpus though is a gathering of writers, sometimes performers, sometimes musicians and their supporters/fans that takes place at the Makeout Room in the Mission. It’s a chance to meet, listen and talk to like minded people in the bay area. This month’s Rumpus is being put on in conjunction with McSweeney’s and will feature authors Jesse Nathan, Jami Attenberg, Mark Morford, Gerard Jones, performances by Chicken John and comedian Nato Green and the sounds of K. Flay. The Girl From Emapanada will be there with food and there will be a raffle for prizes. Geeesh, that was a lot. Get tickets here in advance or show up at the door. I’ll be there if I can!!

Monday, March 8th
@ 730pm
- Camille Rose Garcia, author, will be talking about and signing copies of her book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Booksmith. With last Friday’s release of the Alice in Wonderland movie it really doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see an author presenting their book that relates to the movie. Ms. Garcia however has reinterpreted the story and has given much darker undertones (from what I understand) than the original which in turn has won her a cultish like following. If you like Alice but always wished she and the story were a little more dark, creepy and perhaps gothic, check out Ms. Garcia and her book.

Wednesday, March 10th
@ 6pm
- Max Watman, author and I’m guessing a purveyor of fine alcohol, will be signing and talking talking about his book Chasing the White Dog at Space Gallery as a part of Slow Food Writers Night. Yeehaw! In his book Watman talks about the history and contemporary tales surrounding hooch (moonshine, for those not in the know). Sounds pretty fascinating, not going to lie.

Thursday, March 11th
@ 8pm
- Dave Eggers, author, will speaking with Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun at the Herbst theater in conjunction with City Arts and Lectures. I think this event pretty much speaks for itself. Unfortunately the event is sold out, trust me, I tried to get tickets. I did see one or two on craigslist so that may be an option. If that doesn’t pan out for you, I recommend reading my review of Zeitoun.

Friday, March 12th
@ 1pm
- Chelsea Handler, author, comedian and talk show personality, will be speaking at Books, Inc. at Opera Plaza. I’m not going to lie, I actually think she’s pretty funny. Would I be willing to read one of her books, probably not, then again I did read that trash by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her latest book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, talks about her life, just as I’m assuming she does in her other books.

Saturday, March 13th & Sunday, March 14th
@ 630pm & 5pm
- Gordon Edgar, author, will be talking about his book Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge at Amnesia in the Mission on Saturday and Book Passage in Corte Madera on Sunday. In case you were wondering TheFreeDicitionary.com defines “Cheesemonger” as “a person dealing in cheese, butter, etc.” More than guide book apparently Mr. Edgar goes in depth into the field of cheese. Mr. Edgar is the “cheesemonger” for San Francisco’s pretty awesome Rainbow Grocery and in his book tells tales of cheese and his interesting industry. If you’re a cheese fan this may be kind of interesting for you.

Look at that, nearly something for every day of the week. Finally some excitement in San Francisco.

The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris

Mar 4

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 1 Comment

The Unnamed by Joshua Ferris

I have been made aware by several people that this book has been getting mixed reviews. It’s very much so my policy to not read other reviews prior to reading a book or writing my review. Unfortunately, as in this case, that is not always possible. In this particular instance, once I finished the book and before writing this review, I decided to read some of the more biting reviews. I did so because I was curious why people were upset with the book, something I will get to later. My review, however, will not be a scathing review, instead it will be review wherein I tell you why I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.

I had to read the first page of this book several times, I didn’t get it. It just did not make sense. But, I moved on and soon enough it did make sense and I didn’t want to stop reading regardless of how late it was getting.

Some time ago I read Ferris’ first novel Then We Came To The End, a book which I found to be amusing, light and fun to read and often times associate with the tv show The Office. I’m not going to lie, going into The Unnamed I had expected something very much the same. But boy could I have been any more wrong. Instead of being light, this book struck me as being extremely heavy and dense in content and theme. From where I see it, the book is a dynamic look at family and in particular how the family in this novel deals with a problem which seems insurmountable.

What would you do if your legs started moving without your conscience ability to stop them? I for one would probably a.) scream out for help, b.) tie my feet together, c.) put on roller skates or d.) enjoy the ride. Four very viable solutions if you ask me. Actually, I’d be scared out of my mind. That right there is pretty much the premise of this novel (not the four options bit of course). Tim Farnsworth is afflicted by an unknown disease or psychological illness which causes him one day to start walking, with no power to stop, and continue walking until he crumples in exhaustion wherever he may be. Unfortunately for him and his family this is not a singular occurrence. In some instances it leaves him out in the cold in the dead of night wearing next to nothing close to freezing. In others it puts him in contact with people whom he has no strength to resist and into harms way.

Walk this way…

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Mar 2

Posted by The Valet in Fiction, Young Adult | 2 Comments

Beautiful Creatures by Kami & Garcia Margaret Stohl

Every now and again you come across a book that tells a not so original story in a different sort of way. These are almost inevitably misses. This one, on the other hand, is a bit of a hit. Even though the story was somewhat predictable it was told in an original way that made it much more enjoyable.

It feels like every YA (young adult) book that I’ve read of late has something to do with mysticism, magic, fantasy, vampires and or some other type of other world being. What the hell is up with that? Whatever, I guess it doesn’t really matter. Beautiful Creatures is no different in this regard but somehow Garcia and Stohl manage to serve it up in a different way.

Oddly enough the other day I came across a woman at a coffee shop who said she writes YA. I’m not really sure what that means (she is not published) but I’m guessing she just uses teens as protagonist and uses the themes prevalent in most of this genre when writing. I bring up my chance meeting with this woman because our discussion shifted to why each of us thought YA books, of late, are so inundated with the paranormal. Her belief was much more divine and thought out than mine. Ok, now I may not be remembering her theory very well but I believe it was basically the idea that these themes are demonstrating a return to paganism in society. And by this return to paganism, society is willfully and knowledgeably attempting to breakdown the idea of the social status that we know today. Honestly, I don’t really know what she was talking about. I willfully admit I probably got her theory/ideas wrong considering I wasn’t taking notes during our conversation but I think those were the key thoughts. As for me, I ruled the emergence of the paranormal in YA books to capitalism, pure and simple. Whatever the reason may be, I don’t see it fading anytime soon. Anyways… back to the paranormal in this story.

Magic is real…

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 3/1)

Mar 1

Posted by The Valet in Events | 1 Comment

I got a nice surprise last week. I realized that people actually read my blog and heed my advice. Last week, for the first time, I heard from a couple people that not only do they actually read my book reviews but they actually listen to what I have to say! Of course I loan out a lot of my books to friends but to hear that someone went out and bought a book thanks to what I do here, well, that’s just a wee bit of satisfaction.

In unrelated book news all together, today (Sunday) I indulged myself by having a Maple Glazed Bacon Apple donut from Dynamo Donuts. Oh ho ho, don’t think I stopped there I also had to try their Lemon Pistachio donut (after all I was there) and a cup of Four Barrel Coffee. Where would I be if I didn’t feel a little bit of guilt for having two donuts? Well, it wasn’t actually the fact that I had two, it was more the fact that after I left I was tempted to have a gob from Gobba Gobba Hey, Bacon Potato Chips from Who’s Your Daddy and the big one, Peanut Butter Curry ice cream from Humphrey Slocombe. Although it all sounded good, and despite the absurd amount of cash it all would have set me back it was more the fact that I was full that prevented from indulging. Certainly my health and body are grateful, but I tell ya, my taste buds are pretty bummed.

Ps. I’m at home typing this right now and I am contemplating throwing my dishes in the trash rather than cleaning them right now.

It doesn’t appear that there is much going on this week. And of the few events happening, two of them are at bars. So few people realize that books and bars go well together, honestly, this should be a recurring thing. Sure it happens from time to time but authors would be able to reach out to a whole different demographic (I Imagine) if they promoted at a bar.

Monday, March 1st
@ 645pm
- D.W. Lichtenberg, author & student, will be at the Elbo Room signing and discussing his book The Ancient Book of Hip. His book is a bunch of poems he wrote while living in New York. Think of something that’s “hip” and he probably wrote about it. What’s most interesting to me is that this man is actually a young man, being only 24. I gotta admit, his age kind of makes me want to question his street cred. Has he really been around long enough to know what’s “hip?” I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but I thought it important that you not go to the Elbo Room expecting an aged gentleman.

Friday, March 5th & Saturday 6th
@ 730pm & 3pm
- Max Watman, author and I’m guessing a purveyor of fine alcohol, will be signing and talking talking about his book Chasing the White Dog at Elixir on Friday and Omnivore Books on Saturday. Yeehaw! In his book Watman talks about the history and contemporary tales surrounding hooch (moonshine, for those not in the know). Sounds pretty fascinating, not going to lie.

PPs. Michael Pollan will be speaking on Tuesday as part of City Arts & Lectures. I’m tired of writing about this guy so he only get’s a “PPs.” Sorry!

Ok, I’m off to continue thinking about the gob, chips and ice cream I missed out on today, and probably shed a few tears about it too.

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 3/1)

Mar 1

Posted by The Valet in Events | 3 Comments

Son of a gun! I had all these things I was going to talk about in this post but I had to go and forget what I was going to say. Perhaps I was distracted by my brother and the puppy he and his wife picked up today. I mean he’s pretty distracting right?

Charlie (front), stealin' the limelight from unnamed pup (that little guy in the back)

As I booked a ticket yesterday to go home at the end of March to watch my brother compete in a half Ironman (weak sauce), visit my grandfather and spend the first seder with him and my family and hopefully meet the new puppy (who doesn’t have a name yet) I realized that I have spent more nights in Southern California in 2010 than I probably did in all of 2009. Now, I don’t want to say that this trend will continue but I’m guessing this trip at the end of March won’t be the last (actually, I know it won’t since Lor is getting married in October). Moral of the story… I’m kind of tired of traveling 450 miles by plane and vow to travel a lot further by plane before the year is out. Oh, and by further I’m not talking New York or Hawaii (that’s child’s play) I’m talking South America, Asia who knows. Ok, this information really has nothing to do with nothing. But seeing as I forgot what I was going to write about, this is going to have to suffice.

Tuesday, March 2nd
@ 7pm
- Seth Grahame-Smith, author, will be at Book Soup talking about and signing copies of his book Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. This event will actually be the book release party for it seeing as it is being released on the 2nd. You know may know Mr. Grahame-Smith as he’s actually the author of the highly popular Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Rather than try and tell you what this book is about I thought it would be a lot more fun to entertain you by showing you the book trailer for the book (yes, book trailers actually exist). Seriously, it’s fun and funny and worth watching

Friday, March 5th
@ 6pm
- Cathleen Falsani, author, will be talking about her book The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers at Laguna Beach Books. If your unfamiliar with the Coen Brothers, I don’t know what to tell you. I guess I would suggest that you immediately stop reading this and go rent The Big Lebowski and Fargo. The book itself checks out the existential elements that are present in the movies created by the brothers. Umm, don’t really know what to say about this one, I suppose if you’re into white Russians and bowling, I think you’d like this book.

Saturday, March 6th
@ 7pm
- Ed Ruscha, artisit, will be at Book Soup where he’ll be signing a book titled Fifty Years of Painting. Ruscha is a pretty big name in the world of art and more specifically pop art. The book’s about the guy and his work, what more need be said? If you’re into his work check him out, if you’re unfamiliar with who he is, check him out. Just a suggestion.

Naked Airport by Alastair Gordon

Feb 25

Posted by The Valet in Non-Fiction | 1 Comment

Naked Airport by Alastair Gordon

I like airports. I like airplanes. Do you like airports? Do you like airplanes? (Don’t worry this is not a Dr. Seuss themed post, but come to think of it, you may see something like that in the future.)

I’ve had this book on my list to read ever since I visited William Stout Architecture Books a while back. It’s a bizarre choice, I know. I guess it was something in the title that encouraged me to pick it up, you know two things I like “naked” and “airport” (if you didn’t know I like the word or the implications of the word “naked” now you do).

Ok, this book is actually not about airports at all. Ha, got ya. Of course it is! Not only is it about airports it also dives into a bit of the history of flight, airlines, routes and pretty much everything related to aviation. Personally, I was kind of hoping the book really would just stick to airports, even though that wasn’t the case I did still find it incredibly interesting.

I really do like airports. I know some people dread them but honestly, I know of no other place for better people watching. You get all types of people in one place. The wayward traveler, the businessman, the family (with mother dragging small child), the geriatric, the cute brunette (my favorite), the lovers and of course the distressed. Take for example my most recent trip the airport this past Sunday. While waiting in the security line at Lindbergh Field (San Diego) I nearly saw a fight break out when a woman tried to cut in line. Whether or not she really did try to cut I don’t know but the verbal battle was pretty entertaining. It was really just a lot of huffing and puffing but I couldn’t help but chuckle a little as I observed this going on. Airports are truly one place where you can see it all.

Book stuff, this way…

You Can’t Win by Jack Black

Feb 23

Posted by The Valet in Non-Fiction | No Comments

You Can't Win by Jack Black

“You Can’t Win,” possible theme for 2010, could very well be. That very first week of the year, I thought, no one can beat me. I almost thought about screaming “I’m on top of the world” while standing on the bow of a ship, but I didn’t. And damn, am I glad I didn’t. Right about now “you can’t win” pretty much sums things up. I’m not gonna wallow and look for pity and sympathy, it’s not my style instead I’ll just start kicking some ass, taking names and stay out of jail, kind of the same way Mr. Jack Black did. Oh, and before I delve too far into this review I should mention that this is not the big boned Jack Black from Nacho Libre, this is Jack Black the professional hobo, born in 1881. (visual comparison below)

If you didn’t know it you could almost mistake this book for fiction. Yet, it is not. It is a true account of this remarkable professional hobo/outlaw written by the man himself. Originally written in order to help dissuade criminals from continuing on their downward spiral this book has never faded (after all the book has been reprinted).

His lifestyle and the adventures therein as displayed in the book are very representative of the times. Here is a guy who grew up stealing, freight hopping, doing stints in jail, escaping from jail and for a time getting hooked on opium. Of course it’s only representative of the “yegg” community (criminal brotherhood) of the time but at the same time displays the futility of the justice system and the prisons in early America.

Can you win?

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 2/22)

Feb 22

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

I’m going to stop frowning. Sure it was a rough week but I’ve still got things to look forward to. For one, I hope that in the coming months I will most likely be seeing my family a lot more often. It really bothers me knowing that my grandfather is all alone so I really want to do everything I can to get to see him as often as possible. And as my job winds down I’ve started to think about what’s next a bit more. Of course I’ve been coaxed into thinking about in part due to the fact that I was asked what I’m going to do next a kajillion times. I guess that’s what happens when my family and all of my parents friends get in one place at the same time. At the least, I know I have a new job somewhere in the future and maybe some exotic travel squeezed in there. Anyways, Im going to stop writing for the night, I think I’ve written enough.

Oh, but not before I give LA a little something to do this coming week.

Friday, February 26th
@ 7pm
- Matthew Flaming, author, will be at Vroman’s signing and talking about his book The Kingdom of Ohio. It has the word “Ohio” in the title, what’s not to like. There may be some time travel involved or it could just be pure genius, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Friday, February 26th
@ 730pm
- Melissa Rivers, apparent author and celebrity by association, will be signing copies of her book Red Carpet Ready: Secrets for Making the Most of Any Moment You’re in the Spotlight at Village Books in Pacific Palisades. I don’t really care what the book is about, I’m not going to lie, I just know people out there always like seeing some sort of celebrity, even if they are a D lister. So… here’s your chance.

Special note: Apparently at a book signing Lauren Conrad was proud of herself noting on twitter “Here’s a first… A pregnant woman in line at my book signing started having contractions… And stayed in line!!” Gotta tell you, I am seriously concerned for that child. There is now way that baby will come out to be healthy. What’s next a gunshot victim stays in line and she’s proud of herself again. Grrr, this girl is not an author.

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