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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

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/16)

Aug 16

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

One of these days soon I’ll make a visit to Los Angeles. That is all.

Monday, August 16th
@ 7pm
- David Lynch, film maker and visual artist, will be at Book Soup presenting his latest work David Lynch: Dark Splendor. It must be nice to live in LA if you’re one of those people that is easily starstuck. It seems like every week you would have a plethora of free opportunities to meet the people that have been deemed “stars” by the public. Of course, Lynch is no ordinary “star” but he is one none the less. His book David Lynch: Dark Splendor is a collection of Mr. Lynch’s art that is sure to give the purchaser/reader a real glimpse into the man’s head. I’m not really interested in getting in there but I imagine some people are. The book has ink drawings Lynch did on matchbook covers, lithographs, photos and I’m sure a whole lot more.

Tuesday, August 17th
@ 7pm
- Damon Lindelof, badass and creator of my favorite tv show of all time, LOST will be in conversation with Tim Kring, the creator of Heroes and author of Shift at the Renberg Theatre in Los Angeles as presented by Book Soup. The name Damon Lindelof speaks for itself as far as I’m concerned. As for Tim Kring, I’m not familiar with him but if Lindelof is willing to sit down and have a chat with him I imagine he’s an interesting character as well. From what I can gather Kring’s book is about the 60′s, LSD, the CIA and mind control. Not so sure it’s up my alley but I’ll certainly have a browse the next time I’m at a bookstore.

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/16)

Aug 16

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

After another fantastic weekend here in San Francisco that did not involve Outside Lands or any of the Padres games I guess I am ready for a new week to start. I mean, I’d rather it remain the weekend but being unemployed the week isn’t all that much different. Actually, that’s not true, it’s a whole lot different but that’s more or less irrelevant.

And with the week comes… book events, sometimes. It looks like there really isn’t a whole lot going on in San Francisco this week. What gives?

Tuesday, August 17th & Wednesday, August 18th
@ 7pm & 12pm
- M.G. Martin, poetry master and local San Franciscan (although he’s really from Hawaii and purportedly eats spam), will be at the Space Gallery on Polk signing copies, reading and most likely performing to help release his One For None, his first published collection of poetry. Helping him out at the event with be a collection of local musicians, writers, poets and comedians including Charlie Getter, Alia Volz, Janine Brito, Jess Silva & Andrew Paul Nelson otherwise. At this point you’ve probably noticed that I’m not exactly a big poetry reader but that’s not to say that I don’t respect and admire collections of poetry. Hell, I gave graphic novels a chance and love them now so whose to say that M.G. Martin’s work won’t make me a lover of poetry. That said, it must mean something important when I do promote poetry right? M.G. seems like the kind of dude you’d want to hang out with, just check out the video below, not only does he write but he’s a performer too! Oh, and how could I forget, it doesn’t end there. Mr. Martin is also the co-producer and co-host of SF’s Literary Death Match. This guy does it all, get there, see him and meet him before he blow ups on the scene.

The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

Aug 12

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The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vasquez

“Superb…Remarkable…Immensely entertaining” are not the words that I would choose to describe this novel. Although some, including Jonathan Yardley of the The Washington Post would. He’s entitled to his review and me, mine.

At the bookstore the other day (Books, Inc., Opera Plaza) I was perusing a table full of paperbacks and stumbled across Vasquez’s Informers. I read the blurb on the back, read a few lines from various pages and decided that it would be coming home with me. One of my main motivations for physically taking it home with me is the fact that Vasquez is a Colombian, a Colombian who now lives in Spain but a Colombian still the same. Prior to my recent trip to Colombia I had contemplated bringing some contemporary Colombian works with me but in the end decided that Márquez, Restrepo and Gamboa weren’t quite what I was looking for. Naturally I’d come across this book once I was back in San Francisco and not before my trip.

This book’s only problem, despite reading the blurb, etc., was that it was not what I was expecting. For whatever reason, I had anticipated a fast paced, mystery/thriller type of novel. Instead what I got was a well written piece of contemporary literature. Now, I’m not saying that “face paced, mystery/thriller” novels are not literature but, typically they are not as well written and evocative as this book is.

Keep on rollin’…

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (Vol. 1-6) by Byran Lee O’Malley

Aug 10

Posted by The Valet in Fiction, Graphic Novel | 1 Comment

Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1-6 by Bryan Lee O'Malley

Perhaps if you’ve been living under a rock you would be unaware that Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comes to the big screen in this weekend. Alright, that’s not entirely fair, had my loving sister not told me about the movie I would probably be oblivious too. Actually, before her mention I had no idea who Bryan Lee O’Malley was, but now, now I’m a fan. Here’s your wake-up call, jump on the band wagon and get ready, I have faith that this one is going to be good. Not good in the, “I’m going to wait in line like a rabid Twilight fan for 12 hours” kind of way, but good in the more sensible, “Gee, that looks like it’d be a really fun, entertaining movie that I’ll be sure to catch at some point during it’s run in the theaters.”

Before I spoil my review by providing you with the trailer to the movie I’ll give you a brief rundown and a little review of the books, comics, graphic novels, whatever you wish to call them.

Scott Pilgrim and I have a lot in common. Well actually, I don’t nor have I ever played in a rock band, never dated a 17 year old when I was 23, have never lived in Canada (but I have visited), never dated a woman named Ramona with 7 evil ex-boyfriends, never lived in a studio with a gay best friend or had a sister that was more mature than I (ok, that last one may actually be something that Scott and I have in common). Regardless of these, let me say unimportant differences, Scott and I are still a lot a like. I’m not so sure how but take my word for it we are.

In short, O’Malley has created a comic based upon a naive 23/4 year old who plays bass in a rock band and has no idea how to handle love. He is surrounded by friends who are gay, more naive, snotty, annoying and often times, ex-girlfriends. When Scott meets a girl named Ramona Flowers he is instantly smitten and must have her. There’s only one catch, in order to have her he must defeat her 7 evil ex-boyfriends.

Yes, yes and yes…

This Weeks Book Events, LA (week of 8/9)

Aug 9

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

Sometimes my priorities get mixed up and for that reason I’ve neglected you Los Angelinos until now. My apologies.

Monday, August 9th and Tuesday, August 10th
@ 7pm & 730pm
- Gary Shteyngart, author, will be at Vromans on Monday and at Book Soup on Tuesday discussing and signing copies of his book Super Sad True Love Story. I knew I recognized Shteyngart’s name from somewhere and only until I did a search from him did I discover that he is also the author of Absurdistan. Although I haven’t read it yet, I’ve been meaning to. As for Super Sad True Love Story I saw it at a bookstore the other day I must say it does look to be pretty entertaining.

Wednesday, August 11th
@ 7pm
- Mary Roach, author, will be at Vromans 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.

Alright, unfortunately I’m not in the mood to write more right now and it looks, as far as I can tell, that this is all that’s going on this week. If anything more pops up on my radar, I’ll be sure to fill you in!

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/9)

Aug 9

Posted by The Valet in Events | 2 Comments

Well, well, well… I actually delivered, imagine that. Last week I re-introduced book reviews to my blog and I’m quite proud of myself. After several months of traveling, unemployment and new ventures and adventures I actually reclaimed what I had vowed to. It’s not that I ever doubted my ability to get back into reviewing books but as you may be able to imagine after a long hiatus it can be difficult to get back into a groove. As with my job search, determination, perseverance and acknowledging my own capabilities has given me the ability to jump back into the reviewing with gusto.

This past week I reviewed Sebastian Junger’s War and Bret Easton Ellis’ Imperial Bedrooms. While I doubt either will be among my top books of the year, it felt good to write reviews again and get them to you for your reading pleasure.

I’ve got a lot more reviews ready and drafter for your reading pleasure. This week I have a special treat of a review which coincides with a movie release this weekend, so be sure to keep an eye out.

And now, without further a do, here are your events for the week.

Monday, August 9th
@ 730pm
- While not exactly a typical author event, The Booksmith presents a community panel discussing The Evolving Landscape of Local Journalism. The guests include Lisa Frazier of The Bay Citizen, Michael Stoll of SF Public Press and Lydia Chavez of Mission Local. This event should be rather interesting as the speakers intend on discussing the sustainability of their models, employment opportunities and their use of new media and traditional media.

Monday, August 9th
@ 700pm
- Doug Dorst, author, will be at Books, Inc., in the marina, signing copies and discussing his latest work Surf Guru. In usual fashion, Dorst, who is also the author of Alive in Necropolis has shifted to traditional fiction. His Surf Guru is a series of stories. I’ve had a quick look at the book and have to say that the stories themselves sound pretty fun and entertaining. http://valetreader.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=3824&action=edit&message=10

Saturday, August 14th
@ 730pm
- M.G. Martin, poetry master and local San Franciscan (although he’s really from Hawaii and purportedly eats spam), will be at Koko Lounge (great spot in the T.L.) signing copies and reading from his recently released One For None, his first published collection of poetry. At this point you’ve probably noticed that I’m not exactly a big poetry reader but that’s not to say that I don’t respect and admire collections of poetry. Hell, I gave graphic novels a chance and love them now so whose to say that M.G. Martin’s work won’t make me a lover of poetry. That said, it must mean something important when I do promote poetry right? M.G. seems like the kind of dude you’d want to hang out with, just check out the video below, not only does he write but he’s a performer too! Oh, and how could I forget, it doesn’t end there. Mr. Martin is also the co-producer and co-host of SF’s Literary Death Match. This guy does it all, get there, see him and meet him before he blow ups on the scene.

Sunday, August 15th
@ 7pm
- Carl Hiaasan, author, will be at Book Passage, in Corte Madera, signing copies of his latest work Star Island. He will also be doing a “drop by signing” at “M” is for Mystery as well. I’ve always been a fan of Mr. Hiaasan’s writing, although recently some of his works haven’t exactly hit home with me. But, I have a feeling that Star Island will be a return to his old form and get me to fall back in line with his writing. This particular book sounds almost like Lindsay Lohan disaster story but far more interesting and entertaining. I don’t doubt that I’ll be reading this one shortly.

Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis

Aug 5

Posted by The Valet in Fiction | 1 Comment

Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis

Admittedly, it has been sometime since I’ve seen Marek Kanievska’s 1987 film adaptation of Ellis’ prequel to this book Less Than Zero. I have however recently read Less Than Zero. Oddly enough, I was unaware at the time that Imperial Bedrooms, the follow-up Ellis’ first work was going to be released.

With that said, I now must tell you that I was incredibly surprised by Imperial Bedrooms. While the writing and much of the imagery of Less Than Zero remains intact in this book, the overall story is so far different, in my eyes, that it came as a bit of a shock to me. That and it almost felt as though there were some scenes added in there just for pure shock value.

The book beings with Clay, the narrator from Less Than Zero returning to Los Angeles in the modern day after being in New York intermittently. He is now a screenwriter who has returned to LA to help cast his latest film adaptation. Clay’s first course of action is to explain to the reader that there has been a movie, Less Than Zero made about he and his friends and goes on in a diatribe to discredit the film as being a false representation. If my memory serves me right, he’s not lying. For instance, Julian, is in fact, not dead.

From there the story quickly changes tact and begins to investigate Clay, Julian, Blair, Rip and several other characters from Less Than Zero‘s current states. I won’t go into details here on what it is they are up to, but, I will say that some things never change. This book is, in essence, a love story. A demented, disgusting and disturbing one, but a love story nonetheless. Quick rundown: Clay seduces woman with lies, woman is actually dating/ in love with someone else, a third man is also in love with this woman, only one can have her.

This is your cue to keep reading…

War by Sebastian Junger

Aug 3

Posted by The Valet in Non-Fiction | 3 Comments

War by Sebastian Junger

For whatever reason (most likely somewhat decent marketing) I’ve fallen into reading books that have either been turned into movies or will be in the near future. To review, I recently read Bret Easton Ellis’ Less Than Zero which of course was turned into a phenomenal film in 1987 starring Robert Downey Jr. among others, I have read Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World series which will be released into theaters in mid August and I have clearly just finished reading Sebastian Junger’s War, which in a way, conincided with the movie Restrepo that was co-directed by the author, Junger.

I don’t quite recall when I first saw the trailer for Restrepo but after I saw it I immediately felt the need to read Junger’s War prior to seeing the movie. I don’t know whether or not the following trailers will have the same affect on you, but for good measure I’ve decided to include them and let you judge for yourself.

And this one… It’s a bit more graphic.

Whether or not you agree with the politics of the ongoing war/s the United States are engaged in, what you take away after reading War is not the right or wrong of the US’s actions. Instead, what you come away with is a better understanding of the American soldier. Or, at least, for me that’s what it was.

Come on, keep reading, there’s more to this review than just the videos

This Weeks Book Events, SF (week of 8/2)

Aug 2

Posted by The Valet in Events | No Comments

First and foremost, as I said last week, book reviews will return to this space as of tomorrow. Yes, now is the time to rejoice. Thank you for your patience.

It’s been tough for me to get back into the reading swing but, of late, it’s been in full effect. I just polished off Cronin’s The Passage and I can honestly say it was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. But more on that when my review surfaces in a few weeks time.

Anyways, here is what’s going down in book related events this week in San Francisco.

Monday, August 2nd
@ 7:30 PM
- Michael Scott Moore, author, will be at The Booksmith discussing and signing his book Sweetness & Blood: How Surfing Spread from Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, with Some Unexpected Results. A veritable history of surfing with as the book title explains “some unexpected results.” Find out what it’s all about on your own.

Thursday, August 5th & Friday, August 6th
@ 7pm & 7pm
- Gary Shteyngart, author, will be at Books, Inc. in Berkeley (on Thursday) and Book Passage in Corte Madera (on Friday) discussing and signing copies of his book Super Sad True Love Story. I knew I recognized Shteyngart’s name from somewhere and only until I did a search from him did I discover that he is also the author of Absurdistan. Although I haven’t read it yet, I’ve been meaning to. As for Super Sad True Love Story I saw it at a bookstore the other day I must say it does look to be pretty entertaining.

Sunday, August 8th
@ 2pm
- With Discovery Channel’s Shark Week nearly upon us I thought it only right that I inform you that Margaret Kathrein and Jonathan Kathrein will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera discussing their book Far From Shore: A Mother’s Memoir of a Shark Attack. I can’t really say that the book looks or sounds all that exciting but shark attacks always make for entertaining news bits so who’s to say it can’t make for an interesting book. It’d also be pretty hard for me to pimp this book without mentioning this weeks latest internet sea-creature attack meme. The picture below was taken after this poor girl, Koral Wira, was attacked on the arm by a barracuda. Before taking her in and to the hospital her father decided to have a photo shoot with Koral. There are some nasty images of her arm but I’m sparing those and only sharing the only wherein her father is holding the lovely barracuda and Koral is beaming with happiness.

Koral Wira, clearly not smiling for the camera with her father and the barracuda that bit her.

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