RSS, go on, don't be shy

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Sep 2

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 3 Comments

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Alright, here’s the deal, I resisted reading this book. Not only has it been a best seller for a long time now, I also felt (ok, judged) that this book was a “lady book” much in the way that “Eat, Pray, Love” is. Why? Well, honestly I don’t think I’ve ever seen a male reading it, and I assure you I have seen a ton of people reading this book, all women. So… when my mother and father recently visited me here in San Francisco and brought me a copy of it I was more than a little dubious. But, my dad did confide in me that he read it and actually enjoyed it. Not only that but the copy they brought me is an advanced reading copy (ARC) that does not have the tell tale, obnoxiously bright, yellow cover. Instead it has a much more subtle, and better, cover that is white with debossed (the opposite of embossed) text with shadowing (picture below). It was much easier for me to carry this book around as opposed to the latter.

Better cover? I think yes.

I’m going to start by giving you my bottom line: I don’t understand the hype. I’ve read my fair share of murder/love stories and honestly this one was no different from the others. Sure, there were some new twists to this “genre,” the financial angle, but I’ve read better and more enjoyable. As far as I can tell, the whole reason behind the hype and the only reason that this book resonates with women readers is that one of the protagonists is a tough woman who doesn’t take sh*t from anyone and abhors any sort of violence, physical or emotional, afflicted on women. I get that, but, this isn’t the first time we’ve ever seen a heroine like her.

I’m going to do my best to avoid spoiling this book for anyone who hasn’t read it so bear with me. While the book is, for the most part, about the life and times of a one Lisbeth Salander, the heroine aka the girl with dragon tattoo, it is also about a journalist named Mikael Blomkvist who it just so happens is the hero in the story. There are several different story lines told in the book but the most relevant and interesting would be that of the case which Mr. Blomkvist is put upon by a Henrik Vanger, an industrialist. Mr. Vanger has asked Mr. Blomkvist, who has just been found guilty of libel, to investigate the 40 year-old disappearance his great-niece Harriet.

One way or another, a separate story line, the heroine of the story gets roped into helping Blomkvist with the mysterious disappearance. With her introduction to this story line the story quickly picks up and the progression of the case quickly spirals into a much larger web than had been perceived. Lisbeth’s involvement in the case however creates waves and therefore some turmoil for Blomkvist and several other characters. This is as a good place as any to stop with the summary, anymore information runs the risk of ruining the book. That’s not the end of my review though.

More, more, more

Infected by Scott Sigler

Aug 31

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 2 Comments

Infected by Scott Sigler

Blue triangles are a central part of Sigler’s Infected. Blue triangles make me think of magic eight balls. That’s reasonable right? Although I may not have played with one in awhile, since the last question I asked one these “magical” devices was “should I ever ask you a question again?” and the response was “my reply is no.” I can’t help but wonder whether or not the toy, that was invented in 1946, had anything to do with Sigler’s thought process when writing this book. I’d guess that the magic eight-ball would respond with “don’t count on it.”

Now, what we have here is a book that falls nicely into the horror/thriller genre of books. A genre which I usually don’t find myself reading all that often. So, to that affect I must say it was a nice change of pace. Mr. Sigler himself was kind enough to comment on a recent post of mine in which I discussed a signing of his and odds are that, had he not done so, I would not have read this book.

It’s in my nature to compare books I read to others I’ve read. Like I said, this novel falls into a new genre for me and it wasn’t easy for me to think of something to compare it to. In the end though, I think it would be fair to say that there could possibly be some similarities between this work and Scott Smith’s The Ruins. A book which I liked and was unfortunately made into a god awful movie. Suffice it to say, despite the fleeting similarities, Infected is in a class of it’s own when it comes to my personal library.

Gore makes me go “eww,” then I smile…

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/30)

Aug 30

Posted by The Valet in Events | 2 Comments

My whole family, sans moi, was in Los Angeles (or the area) this past weekend for my big brothers first 100-mile race. Yes, 100 miles of running. He’s a nut. That said, he kicked some major ass finishing in 8th place over all and completing the run in less than 24 hours. One hell of a feat if you ask me. I’m pretty bummed that I wasn’t there but I kind of know the drill with these races now. I’ve seen him compete twice and honestly, it’s a lot of waiting around. Regardless, I wish I could have been there to support him and hang out with my family. Next time.

So, where does that leave me. Well, I’m not sure. But I guess what that means is that i’m due for a trip to Los Angeles sooner or later to see him and the rest of my family. One of these days.

Now, on to the point of this delicious post.

Monday, August 30th
@ 7PM
- Mr. Marcus, author and porn star, will be at Book Soup discussing and signing copies of his book Porn Star Guide to Great Sex. Hmm, I’m pretty sure that I don’t need to say much about what this book is all about. I’m going to leave it at that.

Wednesday, September 1st
@ 730pm
- Rick Moody, author, will be signing copies of his book The Four Fingers of Death at Skylight Books. I’ve been seeing copies of this book everywhere so there must be something to it right? The cover looks intriguing and although I have yet to pick a copy up and read the sleeve it looks as though it could be a good one. Set in the not too distant future this book is essentially a book about the novelization of a 1963 horror flick. While my little summary here does pretty much no good at all, I would recommend reading the sleeve and taking it from there. At least, that’s what I plan on doing.

It looks as though that since my brother is in recovery mode this week so are the authors for whatever reason they may have. That’s all I got for you this week, let’s all hope that more events pop up next week.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/30)

Aug 30

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Holy crap, these months just keep on flying by, it’s practically September already and I have no clue where they time has gone. I can say though, that no matter where the time has gone, it’s been time well spent.

I’ve been reading quite a bit recently and it’s felt really good. Admittedly most of what I’ve been reading recently have been “best sellers” which always kind of frustrates me but there’s not much I can do there. At least they are quick reads. I was actually pretty shocked to see a recent list of paperback bestsellers and find out that I’ve read quite a few of them. Unfortunately on top of that list is Eat, Pray, Love. I just don’t get it, how could a piece of crap like that still be read by soooo many?? Honestly, I would rather have someone tell me they don’t read books than tell me they are reading that drivel. Oh well, people aren’t always that bright, right? Alright, I’ll stop venting.

Monday, August 30th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at M is for Mystery in San Mateo talking about her latest and greatest book Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Roach, who has written several other books including Stiff, this time tackles space and the strange and interesting methods undertaken to train future astronauts. I was incredibly close to buying this one the other day at the bookshop and undoubtedly will sooner or later. Given her previous work, I am sure this one will be interesting.

Thursday, September 2nd
@ 7pm
- Mike Padilla, author, will be at Books, Inc. at Opera Plaza discussing his book Girls from the Revolutionary Cantina. Because I like Cantina’s, and really no other reason than that, I’ve decided to include this in my post this week. It would be seem that that would really be the only likely reason for the inclusion of this novel seeing as it’s a story about a bunch of women. Not that there’s anything wrong with that but it’s just not something that typically pop up on my radar.

Friday, September 3rd
@ 7pm
- Rick Moody, author, will be signing copies of his book The Four Fingers of Death at Books, Inc. in Berkeley. I’ve been seeing copies of this book everywhere so there must be something to it right? The cover looks intriguing and although I have yet to pick a copy up and read the sleeve it looks as though it could be a good one. Set in the not too distant future this book is essentially a book about the novelization of a 1963 horror flick. While my little summary here does pretty much no good at all, I would recommend reading the sleeve and taking it from there. At least, that’s what I plan on doing.

Alright, clearly the events this week are a little bit underwhelming, I’m sure there are other fascinating things happening this week so get out there and explore for yourselves.

The Lost Cyclist by David V. Herlihy

Aug 26

Posted by The Valet in Non-Fiction | 2 Comments

The Lost Cyclist by David V. Herlihy

My father is a regular cyclist. My brother is a regular cyclist. My friend Jonathan and many other friends are regular cyclist. A huge number of San Franciscans are cyclists. And, I am an occasional cyclist. Did this have anything to do with my reading this book? Not really.

I can’t quite pin what it was that encouraged me to read this book, but I’d have to guess that it was my discovery that Mr. Herlihy was going to be at Book Passage back in July. Looking back at my description of the book I provided I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to read this book. Ok, that may be pushing it.

So before actually reading this book I thought I had a pretty good idea of what it was about. I had thought that someone, maybe Mr. Herlihy himself, would be retracing the adventure and route in which a Mr. Frank Lenz embarked on in 1892 and find out what happened to him. Mr. Lenz’s adventure and mishap? Yeah, he was to ride his bicycle around the world solo, only to be never heard from again after entering Turkey . Honestly, it doesn’t sound like much a feat these days. Of course it is, but I imagine that these days quite a few accomplish this journey yearly.

Keep on rolling…

It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

Aug 24

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 4 Comments

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

“Brain Maps” are rad. That is all I will say about that. Except, to give you a little hint, take a look at the cover art for the book (to your right).

The story behind Ned Vinzzini’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story is one that we have heard before. A young man pushes himself to the brink of self destruction attempting to achieve what he’s been told is the end all be all, a successful career, a life full of money and fame. Although it may sound like a common story, especially these days given the pressure placed on youngsters, Vizzini has done us all a favor and spun it a new and different way.

When dealing with difficult topics such as teen depression and suicide there is a fine line of what can be said and done when it comes to writing a book about the topic. Whether it is fiction or non-fiction it really doesn’t make a difference. When the title character, Craig, in Vizzini’s book is faced with these problems he does what is most likely the hardest thing to do when troubled by his impending doom, he check’s himself in at the hospital.

When Craig walks into the hospital he has no idea that he will end up in a psych ward full of very interesting characters. But, his actions on the ward serve as a catalyst for himself and many on the ward as he helps them open up their eyes. After only five days there he manages to fall for a girl and inspire those around him. Eventually, he does of course realize what he must do to change his own life but I’ll leave how he does that for you to find out on your own.

Keep going, there’s more, but not much

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/23)

Aug 23

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

In sad bookstore related news I’ve been reading all week about the plight of Modern Times Books in the Mission. The 39 year old Mission institution which focuses on new and used books about “globalization, politics and media, as well as an array of graphic novels, fiction, and criticism” is having a rough time of it. In a recent letter to customers they informed that they need an influx of cash in order to pay their current bills and remain in business. Let’s hope the citizens of San Francisco hear their cry for help and come to the rescue. No one likes to see an independent go under.

In Valet news I’ve had a pretty decent week of reading. I’ve finished two books, which is pretty good for me at the moment, and have had some success with the job hunt yet still have no work. It will work out, I know it!

And now, what you’ve really come here for.

Monday, August 23rd & Tuesday, August 24th
@ 7pm & 7pm
- Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI’s art crime division and author, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera (Monday) and at M is for Mystery (Tuesday) discussing his book Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures. In what may be described as one of the more unusual FBI agent field objectives, Wittman has traveled the world looking for lost and or stolen of some of the most priceless and famous pieces of art in history. Working often times for foreign governments he had to go undercover numerous times to uncover the thieves and mysteries of long forgotten crimes. This book most definitely reminds of a book I reviewed not too long ago, Bartlet’s The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, and I’m sure promises to be an intriguing and interesting read.

Wednesday, August 25th & Thursday, August 26th
@ 7pm
- Loretta Stinson, author, will be at Green Apple Books (Wednesday) & Book Passage in Corte Madera (Thursday) reading from and signing copies of her book Little Green. Perhaps you recall, or perhaps you don’t, but I reviewed this book in May of this year and really enjoyed it. To learn more about the book and the harrowing tale in it’s pages I recommend you start by reading my review. I’m sure this will be an interesting discussion with Ms. Stinson and can’t urge you enough to get there and see what she has to say. W

Thursday, August 26th
@ 7pm
- Teresa Gowan, author will be at Modern Times Books in the Mission reading from her book Hobos, Hustlers, and Backsliders: Homeless in San Francisco. If you’re reading this, odds are you live in San Francisco and are aware of the situation of the homeless in our fair city. Her ethnography discusses homeless men in the city and the wide range of issues associated with them and how it affects the city. Discussing poverty, urban planning, illnesses (drug abuse and otherwise) she systematically and analytically brakes down these issues and speaks of them in a true light.

Thursday, August 26th
@ 730pm
- Nick Burns, author, will be at Books, Inc. in the Castro sharing his book The Bearded Gentleman. While I don’t and would never claim to be a bear expert, I do currently sport one. Burns’ book offers a fun and entertaining look at more than fifty different shaving options for men that are blessed with the ability to grow facial hair (yes, I do have many friends that are just incapable of doing so, poor bastards).

Friday, August 27th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera talking about her latest and greatest book Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Roach, who has written several other books including Stiff, this time tackles space and the strange and interesting methods undertaken to train future astronauts. I was incredibly close to buying this one the other day at the bookshop and undoubtedly will sooner or later. Given her previous work, I am sure this one will be interesting.

Sunday, August 29th
@ 630pm
- Alex Cohen and Jenny Barbee, athletes and authors, will be at Amnesia Bar (presented by Modern Times Books“>Modern Times Books) partying, signing and discussing (discussion starts @ 730) their book Down and Derby. Although I have not yet jumped on the Roller Derby band wagon, I did have the pleasure of watching Whip It with my parents. That was a trip to say the least. Anyways, both Ms. Cohen and Barbee are current members of the L.A. Derby Dolls and have decided to write a book providing us with the history of the sport as well as how-to. So, for those of you intrigued, here’s you’re ticket.

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/23)

Aug 23

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Los Angeles, you’ve got some pretty stiff competition this week, San Francisco, to put it bluntly, is stacked this week with great author events. I have a little bit of faith in you that you’ll admirably compete but I really don’t think you can outshine the city by the bay. With any luck though these same authors, will, in due time make it to your neck of the woods.

Wednesday, August 25th
@ 7pm
- Eric Volz, author, can be heard talking about his book Gringo Nightmare: A Young American Framed for Murder in Nicaragua at Vroman’s. Here we have a book which a few months ago seemed all too real for me at the moment as I prepared for my trip to Central America. Although I haven’t read the book, the title pretty says it all, we all need to be more careful than we thought when traveling. Or maybe it’s just me that needs to be more careful because most of you probably already I. I mean getting picked up for something like drugs is pretty bad but getting framed for murder would be horrendous. I don’t know much about jails in Nicaragua but I have heard that some of the worst prisons in the world are in South America and I don’t imagine that some of those in Central America are very much different. Here’s hoping I nor you ever find out.

Thursday, August 26th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at Diesel, a Book Store in Brentwood talking about her latest and greatest book Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void. Roach, who has written several other books including Stiff, this time tackles space and the strange and interesting methods undertaken to train future astronauts. I was incredibly close to buying this one the other day at the bookshop and undoubtedly will sooner or later. Given her previous work, I am sure this one will be interesting.

Yep, I was right, San Francisco has once again proven it’s dominance as a city over Los Angeles. You may have us beat in terms of warmth and sunshine but we sure as hell have you beat in author events, for this week at least. It’s hard to compare the two and I sure could use some sun right about now but I think I’ll stay in San Francisco and take my chances.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Aug 18

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 4 Comments

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Wow. Holy sh*t. Incredible. All words which would aptly describe my feelings after having finished Cronin’s The Passage.

The first time I heard about this book was when I was doing research for my 7/19 SF book events post. On a whim, I decided to include in the post that Mr. Cronin would be signing copies of his book here in the bay area. Honestly, I was incredibly close to leaving him out. Why? Well, from what I could tell from my brief research of his book I anticipated this novel to be among one of the many silly vampire books that are being published these days. I know, I shouldn’t judge, but these days with all the vampire drivel being published it’s awfully hard not to.

As it turns out I was at a local new & used bookshop, Bibliohead, in Hayes Valley the other day on my way to pick up a cup of coffee at Blue Bottle (quite possibly the best coffee in the world) and there The Passage was. It was shiny and looking so ready to be grabbed by me that I couldn’t resist, it also didn’t hurt that it was miraculously used. It was still a bit pricey but finding it for $10 less than it would be elsewhere sure as hell swayed my decision. On a side note, I also managed to pick up a used copy of Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Licks. A lucky day for me, I know.

At the time of purchase I was reading a truly awful book, which I previously reviewed but prefer not to ever mention again, and was grateful to find such a gem of a used book. Alright, I suppose that’s enough back story and it’s time for me to get to the meat.

The story begins in the not so distant future, 2018, at time where the United States or what is left of it is engrossed in a war on terrorism and is looking for an advantage. The military goes to science to catch that edge and in an attempt to develop a super soldier develops further terror rather than a solution. These super soldiers or “virals” as they will be called will not help the ailing country, instead they will facilitate it’s destruction.

Sure, you could stop reading now, but the only excuse I’d accept is that you’re going out to buy this book…

Go, Mutants! by Larry Doyle

Aug 17

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 1 Comment

Go, Mutants! by Larry Doyle

Ack, what have I done? Oh, that’s right, just wasted my precious (depending on who you ask) time reading this. While “waste” and “reading” really should never be used in the same sentence (as I believe “reading” is never a “waste”) it’s hard for me not say such things when discussing Doyle’s latest piece (I can’t even call it a “work” or a “novel”). Right now, I feel the same sensation as I do when I step in a pile of dog sh*t on the street (yes, some people still don’t clean up after their dogs), basically I want to scream “god dammit, why?”

This book first came up on my radar while I was researching my events post and I saw that Doyle was going to be at one of my favorite local bookshops, The Booksmith. The premise sounded interesting enough and although I noted that I had not read his previous book I Love You, Beth Cooper I decided to give this one a shot. I think I’ve already mentioned that was a mistake.

Where to begin? The story was bad and was somewhat confusing. The writing was nothing spectacular and frankly, I thought the characters were dumb. The progression from beginning to end bored me and when I finished with the book, more than anything, I was relieved. All of those add up to a pretty crappy book in my mind. I guess what can be taken away from this though is that, what it appears Mr. Doyle was trying to accomplish, which was writing a b-movie style book, was indeed accomplished but it utterly failed.

You could stop now, but it’d probably be a mistake

212