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Archive for October, 2009

King Dork by Frank Portman

Oct 29

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

King Dork by Frank Portman

King Dork by Frank Portman

Before I even knew of Frank Portman I had this book on my reading list. If you’ve been following my blog you’ll know that he has been instrumental (ha, play on words) in three of my posts to date. But like I said, wanting to read King Dork since before I started the blog, I had no idea who he was. So… why then was this book on my list? Well, it all goes back to growing up, when my brother or I would proclaim ourselves as “king” when signing off on e-mails or what have you. You know, sibling rivalry, to prove who was more badass. I always won of course but that’s besides the point. Anyways, I kind of thought this book would be fun to read and then I could call my brother “king dork” and actually have a reference.

Alas, I don’t think I can equate the two since I kind of think “king dork” is the man (sorry Josh, you know I’m just playing and don’t worry Lor, you’re day will come). I really enjoyed Frank’s first novel, and I think I actually liked more than I did Andromeda Klein, why, because its an easier story to relate to, for me anyways.

King Dork is an excellent portrayal of the way highschool was for so many of us. We all may not have been the Tom Henderson (aka King Dork) character or his buddy Sam Hellerman but there are plenty of characters in the story whom you can recognize from your days in school, if not yourself.  Tom and Sam’s aspirations are to start a band (for which, through the course of the novel, together they come up with and change the name of the band 25 times), avoid bullies and find a special lady while they are in school.  Frank Portman devises some of the most original means of accomplishing these goals such as having Tom carry around copies of Guns & Ammo Magazine to prevent would be bullies from picking on him. I’m pretty sure had I tried such a maneuver I would have been sent to Mr. Hulsey and had to do manual labor as punishment, but it would have been worth it (although I think I would have picked a more risque magazine, for those of you who were on the “Nagano” trip, you know what I’m talking about) .

Click this link!! (it’s worth it)

Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

Oct 27

Posted by The Valet in Non-Fiction | 4 Comments

Zeitoun by Dave EggersI can admit that Dave Eggers has not been one of my favorite writers. Sure, he’s got a great deal of talent yet somehow I just haven’t fully enjoyed the books of his which I’ve read. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t great.

However, I truly enjoyed Zeitoun. If you weren’t already aware this is another one of Egger’s narrative non-fiction novels much like What is the What. This story though takes place immediately before, during and after hurricane Katrina in late August and September of 2005. When all this turmoil and destruction was taking place in New Orleans I was actually in New Zealand. And similar to the reaction by the people there of the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, for which I was also in New Zealand, the people there were concerned for my well being and that of my family and friends. Quite simply, it’s amazing how a natural disaster, exacerbated by the human infringment on and of nature, can cause such a humanitarian response around the world. This of course was proven to me futher during the 2007 Southern California wild fires (which were fairly close to my home) when friends from around the world contacted me to express their concern for my family and friends once again.

Lets get back to Zeitoun. Basically the story is about a muslim man and his family living in New Orleans. When the storm approaches, the man (who goes by his last name which oddly enough is Zeitoun) decides to remain behind and weather the storm while his wife and four children evacuate. Why does he stay behind? Well, I would guess there is some sense of stubborness (which is not said outright) but also his interest and desire to protect his livelihood.

Yes, in order to keep reading you must click here.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 10/26)

Oct 26

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

After what I must say was a rather interesting weekend mingling with old friends (some of which weren’t really friendly before), old teachers (figuratively and physically, but certainly not mentally) and of course my parents, I am happily back in San Francisco. I can never really stand San Diego for too long but it’s pretty nice to be able to get away from the city that seems to be strangling me at times. Anyways, I’m not going to pretend like I’m going to make it to any of these events. I’ve learned that I really can’t plan on anything or anyone these days so I’ll leave it up in the air. If I make it, I make it.

Monday, October 26th
@ 6pm
- David Sax, Author, will be at Book Passage in San Francisco signing copies of his book Save The Deli. Being a fan of the deli myself I thought I’d give some love to Mr. Sax and support this event and encourage people to go. I mean I’ve got quite a few favorites but I gotta say anything on challa or a reuben are my favorites. But, Sax’s book does something great, something grand, it examines the art that is the authentic Jewish Deli. Apparently his chapter in LA will make some of those in NY a little peeved as he says that LA is now the mecca of the deli. Personally, I kind of doubt SF gets any mention in this book, I mean we have some good deli’s here but they really do not compare to LA, NY or even my hometown of San Diego.

Tuesday, October 27th
@ 7pm
- Michael Chabon, author, will be signing and discussing his latest book Manhood for Amateurs at Diesel Bookstore in Oakland. Being a pretty big fan of Mr. Chabon I would highly recommend you pick up some of his books if you have not read him before. The Yiddish Policmen’s Union and Gentleman of the Road were both very entertaining but The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is by far his greatest work to date and put simply its awesome! The new book is actually a series of essays showing reflections of the way we live. Mr. Chabon will also be at Book Passage in Corte Madera on Wednesday at 7pm.

Wednesday, October 28th
@ 630pm
- Borderlands Books in the Mission will be hosting over 20 fantasy authors and illustrators as part of the World Fantasy Convention Group. Seriously, if fantasy is your thing, you should be here. It doesn’t really float my boat, but maybe just maybe it will do it for you. I suggest you visit the Borderlands site to get a better idea of exactly who will be there (sorry, i’m being lazy).

Thursday, October 29th
@ 7pm
- Allison Bartlett, author of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession will be discussing and signing copies of her book at BookShop West Portal. From what I can tell this book appears to be similar to my very first post except instead of examining the theft of maps, she addresses the theft of rare books. Sounds pretty fascinating. And indeed this book was that and more, feel free to read my review of the book here!

Saturday, October 31st
@ 8pm
- Robert Crumb, author and cartoonist, will be appearing at the JCC in San Francisco. Pretty cool way to spend your Halloween eve don’t ya think? Crumb, if you didn’t know was a big player in the 60′s San Francisco underground movement. He will be signing copies of his latest work The Book of Genesis. You may be more familiar with some of his cartoons like Fritz the Cat and Devil Girl. Throughout his career he has been arrested, sued and in conflict with the IRS. It’s all good though, I swear he’s a standup dude. Oh, and this event will run you $30 and no one under 18 is allowed (sorry youngsters, gotta wait till you can buy smokes to see Mr. Crumb).

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 10/26)

Oct 26

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Well Los Angeles, I was closer to you this weekend then I have been for some time. Not only was I just south of you on the 5 but I also flew right over you (several miles up though). But, this is a new week and I am back at home in SF. Hmm, “home,” don’t know about that. This place certainly hasn’t treated me like it should be my home… tangent, sorry. You may have fewer events this week than SF but frankly, I think yours are all around better. Especially that Halloween author signing at Vromans. Once Chabon is finished here I’m sure he’ll be heading your way, don’t you worry!

Wednesday, October 28th
@ 230pm
- David Sax, Author, will be at Langer’s Deli on S. Alvarado (teamed up with Vromans) eating and signing copies of his book Save The Deli. Being a fan of the deli myself I thought I’d give some love to Mr. Sax and support this event and encourage people to go. I mean I’ve got quite a few favorites but I gotta say anything on challa or a reuben are my favorites. But, Sax’s book does something great, something grand, it examines the art that is the authentic Jewish Deli. Apparently his chapter in LA will make some of those in NY a little peeved as he says that LA is now the mecca of the deli. Ok, one sad note about this event, it costs $55, but with that you get lunch and a copy of the book (signed). So, if you’ve got the time and money, do it!

Thursday, October 29th
@ 8pm
- Robert Crumb, author and cartoonist, will be appearing at Royce Hall at UCLA (in conjunction with Book Soup). Crumb, if you didn’t know was a big player in the 60′s San Francisco underground movement. He will be signing copies of his latest work The Book of Genesis. Throughout his career he has been arrested, sued and in conflict with the IRS. It’s all good though, I swear he’s a standup dude.

Saturday, October 31st
@ 12pm
- Ray Bradbury, author, will be signing copies of his all his works at Vroman’s on the 31st. Yes indeed that is Halloween, what a rad way to kick off a day of costumes and possible debauchery. I’m not a huge fan of Halloween but I think this is a pretty awesome way to get into the spirit of the day. You all know Bradbury right? I mean how could you not, he wrote some of my favorite sci-fi of all time, Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles and Something Wicked this way Comes. Impress that special lady or guy, before anyone dresses up, with some literature and they’ll love you that much more.

Sunday, November 1st
@ 5pm
- John Irving, author, will be signing and talking about his latest book Last Night in Twisted River at The Writer’s Guild Theater in Beverly Hills (put on by Book soup). I remember when I was first introduced to Mr. Irving back in high school or middle school when we read A Prayer for Owen Meany and ever since then I’ve had a profound respect for him. Admittedly the only other book of his I’ve read is Cider House Rules but Owen Meany really did it for me. I don’t know much about this latest but apparently it’s another great story by a great author. Unfortunately the event is $20 which always puts a damper on things but it could be worth your while if you’re a fan.

I gotta apologize, I’m promoting two events in LA this week that will cost you hard earned money. I guess times are tough for authors too when they have to start charging customers to see a favorite author. Regardless, I’m certain both events will be interesting and entertaining.

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Oct 22

Posted by The Valet in Science Fiction | No Comments

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

Sure, I guess I can understand why so many enjoy this book and have suggested I read it. I can also understand why it may be among Stephenson’s most favored books. What I can’t understand is why I didn’t particularly like it.

I finally did figure it out, it came to me while getting my morning coffee at the Ferry Building. Big surprise, it’s part of my day, in the same way waking up is. I was waiting in line reading and when it was my turn to order the barista noticed what I was reading and mentioned that she had just finished it. She continued by saying she had enjoyed it but there were definitely whole paragraphs that she felt she had to skip over due to the intense theories and conversations between characters (some of them not exactly human). She was right, that’s exactly what was irking me. There was just too much of that crap.

Here you have a book that takes place in the not so future America and in a virtual world (the “metaverse,” kind of like “Second Life” I guess) that is all broken up and frankly, one messed up place. What I wanted was more action, more metaverse and more carnage. I know it’s a little sadistic but that’s pretty much how the book starts off and how I wanted it to continue. You got this badass, Hiro Protagonist, carrying around swords, delivering pizzas and getting in fights and partway through the book he just goes soft. You know, going to the library in the metaverse and just talking to the librarian about history, religion and all kinds of stuff that, frankly, was a bit over my head. Sure it had to do with the storyline but come on. Maybe cyberpunk is just not my thing.

But…

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Oct 20

Posted by The Valet in Fiction, Lady Book | No Comments

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Tucker Crowe is the ying to my yang, umm, not. Remember when you used say things like “not”? Well, I guess that depends on how old you are. But, I kind of do.  Nice tangent, but anyways, my image of Tucker Crowe, who is one of two/three main characters in this story, is probably more like that incredibly obnoxious, ridiculously untalented (although Tucker’s character may have a little) brit, Russell Brand. Hopefully that paints some sort of picture. But I somehow doubt that is how Nick Hornby wants you to see one of his characters

You may choose to never read my blog again after reading this and if that’s the case so be it (I feel like I’ve been saying that too often recently). I have not read any of Hornby’s other books although I think I should have read High Fidelity, Slam and About a Boy before reading this so that I would have a better understanding of Mr. Hornby’s style.

I could be wrong but it certainly seems as though I would classify this book and many of his others as “Lady Books.” Why? Well, it seems as though his books seem to revolve around music, romance and relationships. I may not have read his other books but I have seen some of the movies which validates my thinking. And this book is certainly all about those three things. And any book, in my eyes, that has a heavy dose of romance and relationships gets put in that genre.

Oh, it doesn’t end there…

This Weeks Book Events, LA (10/19)

Oct 19

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Well… my brother took some initiative and went to a book event I didn’t even post about or know about for that matter, so big round of applause to him. You can read his book review here. Hopefully one day, somehow, people in Los Angeles will actually figure out that I’m doing this for them and not me and will flock to the events that I choose to promote.

Tuesday, October 20th
@ 730pm
- The Rza, yes that Rza, of the Wu-Tang Clan and now author, will be signing and talking about his book The Tau of Wuat the Barnes and Noble on Grove Drive. Now, it’s been awhile since I’ve listened to the Wu-Tang but thinking about the music sure brings back some great memories. From what I hear and understand seeing him live is awesome. I don’t know if I’ll read the book but the descriptions I’ve seen actually make it sound pretty good. Unlike books by most major recording artists. This book takes us from the slums to the mansions and covers the Rza’s life and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Friday, October 23rd
@ 730pm
- Jake Adelstein, journalist and author, will be signing copies of his book Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan at Skylight Books. Mr. Adelstein is the only American to ever have been admitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police press club. While covering the underbelly of Tokyo it sounds as though Mr. Adelstein has seen his fair share of the dirt and grime that is organized crime in Japan. In the book he discusses the stories, the crimes and where it took him during the time he was there.

Saturday, October 24th
@ 4pm
- Catherine Cardinal, author, will be signing copies of her book Men to Run From: So You Can Find the Right One to Run To at Book Soup. Yes ladies, this one is for you. Trust me, this not a book that is on my list nor will it ever be (actually, the more I think about it I could probably learn quite a bit from it, but no, I’ll still never read it). There wasn’t much going on in LA this week so I decided to throw this one in there. I mean, there is definitely some irony in me posting this that no one but I will understand right now but that’s ok. Oh yeah, so this book is apparently about how you lovely ladies can find the guys worth keeping (ahem) and the ones you should be passing on.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 10/19)

Oct 19

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Let’s a take a look at the week in review: Number of books read, 1 (weak); Midterms taken, 1 (aced); number of people who left my work to go to another company, 5 maybe 6 could be 7, who knows (weak); Rumors spread about when we will have to close up shop, 2 (ok, at least it’s dwindling); number of reviews written, 0 (very weak); Posts on the blog, 4 (decent); Book events attended, 0 (lame); Odds of getting to one this week, slim (going to SD, maybe there?). Ok, enough of that, here’s your week ahead SF.

Monday, October 19th
@ 7pm
- Allison Bartlett, author of The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession will be discussing and signing copies of her book at M is for Mystery in San Mateo. From what I can tell this book appears to be similar to my very first post except instead of examining the theft of maps, she addresses the theft of rare books. Sounds pretty fascinating. And indeed this book was that and more, feel free to read my review of the book here!

Tuesday, October 20th
@ 6pm
- Alicia Silverstone, actress and author will be signing her book at Book Passage in San Francisco. Seriously, I am not writing down the name of her book. I can’t bring myself to. The only reason I would go is to see her not the book. I mean, she’s no Natalie Portman is she? If Natalie were to put her name on this book I would be ranting and raving (I think). Yes, it’s biased, but that’s what you get.

Thursday, October 22nd
@ 12pm
- Michael Connelly, author, will be at M is for Mystery in San Mateo where he will be signing and discussing his latest book Nine Dragons. I’ve read a few Connelly books in my day and have marginally enjoyed them for what they are, detective/mystery novels. It looks like in this one Connelly’s LAPD detective Harry Bosch gets mixed up in more antics. I’m sure this book will bring more of Bosch’s personal and professional conflicts into the light, in other words more of the same.

Friday, October 23rd
@ 7pm
- Barbara Ehrenreich, author, will be at Dominican University in San Rafael (I believe this event is being put on by Book Passage). She’ll be there to promote and certainly discuss her new book Bright-Sided. If you’re not familiar with Ms. Ehrenreich, you should be. I had read Nickle and Dimed while studying economics and more recently read Bait and Switch and Ms. Ehrenreich has certainly proven to me to write with honesty and vision. This latest book of her’s attempts to challenge the American way of positive thinking and urges for a commitment to realism. Not entirely certain of where she is going with this one but I’m sure it will be an interesting and thought provoking read. She will also be appearing at the CommonWealth Club in San Francisco on Saturday, October 24th at 2pm.

In that sharing mood…

Oct 16

Posted by The Valet in Other | No Comments

Due to the fact that I’ve been overly busy with work recently I haven’t had nearly as much time to read as I usually like. Hence, you may have noticed that I neglected to post anything on Wednesday and really had no intention of posting anything today. But…

I got into work this morning and as usual the first thing I do is go through my google reader and look at the posts from the blogs I follow, seriously i’m addicted to reader. The most exciting of which was my brother’s post on his blog J-Tris , he wrote a book review! Looks like he really just wants to give me a run for my money, but he’s family. He’s a big fitness fanatic and loves running, cycling, swimming and all that jazz. So, after recently finishing Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and then having the chance to see him in Los Angeles he took it upon himself to write a review. Check out his review here!

I’m always willing to share the limelight (yes I know, there is no limelight, but don’t tell him that).

Affliction by Russell Banks

Oct 15

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 1 Comment

Affliction by Russell Banks

Affliction by Russell Banks

I sure could go for an inch of Canadian Club after this one…

If you know me well you may know that my memory is not so good. Actually, no one really knows that, at least not that I can recall. When I got about 50 pages into this book, I felt as though I had read this story or seen it somewhere before. My memory was playing tricks with me again. Well, I did learn from a barista at Blue Bottle that in fact this book had been turned into a movie, although I don’t think I’ve seen it. I did go to Blockbuster and try to rent it after finishing the book, but, they didn’t have it (once I do see it though, expect an updated review).

Wade Whitehouse is one messed up dude. Understandably enough given the life that Banks has provided him. This is a dark dark book. I cringed several times and was never once envious of any of the characters in this story. Usually there’s that one character, the one that gets the girls, the jet setter or the intellectual that I end up relating to (fine, not relating to but am envious of). But not here, no way. Russell Banks writes a masterful book with a compelling story that does nothing but bring you down yet pushes the reader to keep on going. Not to mention encourages me to stay out of rural New Hampshire.

I don’t know much about literary tools but I’m sure Banks used a lot of them. Throughout the story Wade’s tooth ache is a constant problem and at the climax of the story the pain that the tooth inflicts parallels the pain and conflict in Wade’s life. Tool or not I found it a really interesting correlation. I don’t want to give too much away, but if I were to do what he did to his tooth I imagine that my frame of mind would not be too far off from his. Thankfully my Russian dentist decided that the root canal I was scheduled for was unnecessary.

Banks won me over with his descriptive prose early on. There was one paragraph in particular where Rolfe, Wade’s younger brother, describes Wade’s trailer home as Wade himself would like to see it. “There could have been two or three moderate adults just out of sight in the living room having a quiet reasonable conversation about money, and in the near bedroom, his own, there could have been another such adult, reading in bed….” For some reason this description struck me, don’t ask why, it just did. And no, my subconscious has nothing to do with it.

So… Once you’ve read I Know This Much Is True and feel like you need another downer, yet well written book, go get yourself some Banks.

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