I’ve only read a little of Butler but that little was stellar. Xenogenesis sounds like a good point to jump back in. Doing a quick check I found that the series is now titled Lilith’s Brood as of around 2000 but the story remains unchanged. I think Xenogenisis sounds a bit better but if more people are reading it under that title then it was probably a good choice. Either way it does look good… Thanks!

Thank you. A great read. 😁

Fantastic. I’m glad someone else thought the same thing. I’m hoping to cover some more European comics. They feel strangely left behind compared to American, British and Japanese.

I know! Haha. Ah well. Eventually I got a Genesis and when I could get a job a PlayStation. Silent Hill, Legacy of Kain, and Castlevania SofN, salved my untended wounds. 😆

I think so too. I wonder if Hollow Press will end up making something themselves. They have started to with some other products. Right now they’re riding the line with these almost gaming books. Kind of a brilliant little niche they’ve carved out (mostly owed to Plastiboo and these books).

Thank you for bringing this up. One thing I appreciate about Wolfe is that he rarely comes out and says, “this thing is this way.” We’re left to puzzle out solutions. This seems to fit very well. Smithe has to follow the letter of the law not the spirit. A sort of riff of Asimov’s Laws of Robotics where the characters always try to find a work around. Only in Smithe’s world the “programmers” weren’t quite so diligent. Thanks!

Yes! Gene Wolfe is how I found Vance. Dying Earth, Planet of Adventure (I thought I read somewhere that it was also an influence on New Sun but I don’t remember where I read that), and Vance’s short stories are all time favorites of mine. I definitely want to cover Vance this year. Probably Dying Earth but I’m eager to dive into his less talked about books. Thanks for stopping in!

Yeah, I want that book too. This is an interesting book but definitely not what the cover suggests. Alternatively “Killer”, that I expected to be just a marketing ploy, was 100% it’s cover.

@@literallybooks You literally can't judge a book by it's cover 🤣🤣🤣

Damn. You’re right. 😳 😆😆😆

Thank you. I jumped into this book with both feet and couldn’t have had a better experience. I had so much more to say but what I missed the most was neglecting to mention how the humor is this casual absurdity. I want to say bemused as well. I found it charming. Also the way Lafferty ignores what he thinks is irrelevant. The mechanics of time travel? Who cares. They can do it. No more time needs to be wasted. He seems more interested in his idea than explaining something. That approach is just gold. Your videos, though I’ve only just started on them, are a true treasure.

@@literallybooks totally - the humour and the leaping over explanation for the sake of ideas (and some of the ideas are pretty big!). And yet that brief evocation of disappearing in the 'crackling air' when he time travels. His compact but vivid little touches are almost more convincing than hefty mechanics. Thanks for the kind feedback. Looking forward to these burgeoning conversations around Lafferty in these online environs. :)

@@Doctor_RockterYes, I need to pick your brain about what Lafferty Novel to try next. 😁

@@literallybooks Alas, the short answer, of course, is whatever you can actually find in print! There's an ok edition of The Reefs of Earth from Locus Press, but it has some typos and lacks Lafferty's italics (which he used liberally, breaking yet another 'creative writing' rule haha). Sometimes I think of that novel as sort of Bradbury meets Twain but put through the Lafferty juicer, including a heaping dose of Lafferty's more macabre sense of humor. Alien/goblin children trying to wreak havoc on in Oklahoma with lots of little stories within stories that are wonderful. If you want Lafferty's gonzo take on planet-hopping space opera, you could try Space Chantey if you can find it in print. It's Homer's Odyssey in a sort of space western, almost animated cartoon, mode. Again, plenty of tall tale grotesqueries and some very fun and salty planetary adventures. Fourth Mansions is a tougher work but tends to be a favorite among Lafferty's readers. It's even more of a dense, layered novel of ideas than Past Master, and a little longer and more convoluted. The prose is generally up a notch from the previous novels. An everyman news reporter caught up in the machinations of secret psychic factions in Oklahoma, Texas, Mexico, and Washington DC. Lots of weird, trippy imagery and offbeat humor. Colorful cast of characters. If you're thinking of any others you can get hold of and want my little potted description, just hit me up! Different novels hit different readers differently, of course. If you've gotten the Lafferty bug, the ups and downs and adventures of finding what you like is fun. And, for me, even what I wasn't as keen on at first usually becomes a favourite, major or minor, on subsequent reads.

@@Doctor_RockterThank you so very much. I found Space Chantry and Reefs of Earth (as an ace double, which I’m hoping is faithful to Lafferty’s intent 🤞) bundled together for a very reasonable price. And I’m trying to decide which Fourth Mansions to get (I know a cover should not be important but that glowing eyed frog has me enchanted). I do have more to ask about but I think I’ll move those questions to your video I’m watching. I can consume media very slowly but it is nice to know there’s a wealth of content on your channel to enjoy.

Haha, It really is a fun series that takes itself just a bit too seriously. I worry that someone might think I’m mocking it, but no, this is a great time. Lumley is pretty important in the preservation of Lovecraft too. There was some sort of fallout with him and Sandy Peterson about Lumley’s IP in the Call of Cthulhu ttrpg (who I think is the reason Lovecraft is almost a household name now… and sorry for the info dump) I’m literally reading Incarcerat (Terrortome’s sequel) right now to wind down from Shadow of the Torturer so this is awesome and hilarious. 😆

Thanks! We’re definitely going to need to get together and talk about this and books in general. If only because it will be a lot of fun!

👏👏. Fantastic. I love that scene. I considered quoting it but it works best in it’s chapter. A great example of Wolfe saying something to us, the characters saying something to each other, and subtext between two characters. This a book of Gold for me too. For Wolfe but also for other weird and challenging books and writers as well. Though Wolfe has always remained my favorite. Thanks for stopping in.

@@literallybooks I have so few friends who have read or can be persuaded to read Wolfe that content like this is pretty valuable to me. Your work is appreciated. Thanks for replying.

I’ve had a similar experience trying to get people into this book and Wolfe’s writing. Its always a pleasure to find someone else. And thank you. I can never tell how this sort of thing will go off so its great to hear you found value in it. There’s much more Wolfe to talk about and discover. I hope you’ll find more reasons to return. 🙂

😁

I love Japanese period/samurai movies (Gently nudges Stray dogs and lone wolves review). Kwaidan is so great. I try to make time for it at least once a year. And its my second favorite horror movie after the 70s Suspiria. Harakiri is just amazing. A hard movie to sell to someone though. Ran is one of the only big Kurasawa movies that I haven’t watched. My oldest daughter (a recent HS grad) and I have plans to watch it this summer at some point. Kuroneko has been on a “To watch” list for a long time. I guess I’ll have to finally pick it up. 😁 Three counter recommendations: Throne of Blood is great, Sword of Doom is complicated but worth watching, and Twilight Samurai is worth hunting down. Though you’ll have to be “creative” because its simply not offered in any venue but collectible and the high seas.

@@literallybooks Wow you make me feel like an accomplished film snob! I've already seen Stray Dogs, Throne of Blood and Sword of Doom! I know of Twilight Samurai but haven't watched it yet, so I guess that should be next on the docket. Be sure to watch non-samurai Japanese period films too though, like Burmese Harp <3 Oh and don't get me started on anime movies!

⁠@@Deep_in_the_Reads 😆 awesome. Added Burmese Harp to my watch list. And I do want to get you started on Anime.

@@literallybooks Nice! Lemme know how you like it if you do watch it. As for anime, since you said you got into mech stuff, Neon Genesis Evangelion is my favourite anime series of all time and it's not even close. Watch episodes 1-24, then the "End of Evangelion" movie, then episodes 25-26. I just wouldn't recommend young kids watching it; it starts off like a pretty standard villain of the week anime but later gets very dark, and the movie is extremely graphic. As for stand-alone anime movies, Studio Ghibli films (especially Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke) are essential viewing. I believe they're all on Netflix. Other masterpiece anime movies are Akira (massively influential), Paprika, Tekkon Kinkreet, and if you're up for something really esoteric and atmospheric, Angel's Egg!

@@Deep_in_the_Reads I drafted a massive reply, because I love anime too but I paired it down a bit. Some of the anime you mentioned I need to revisit and some I love. Angel’s Egg recently hit my radar, so its funny you mention it. My favorites are Naussica, Vampire Hunter D Blood lust (an amazing gothic horror masterpiece but OG is also good.), and 90s Berserk series (though it can be problematic) for a start. Here’s a few that are worth finding… Graveyard of the Fires, Metropolis, Robot Carnival, and maybe the 2nd Ghost in the Shell (the others are good too but I think I liked this one most). And, though not technically anime, Aeon Flux can be wonderful.

Did you read "Urth of the New Sun"?

Missing 80%, or feeling like you did, is definitely how Wolfe wanted you to feel. 😄 I have a deep affection for the long sun series, though it isn’t the same kind of book. The short sun, which I need to reread, is a real mind bender.

@@tasosalexiadis7748 Yes. It really is great. The ending is one of those types that makes it hard to read anything else for a day or two.

@@tasosalexiadis7748 yup read the lot

Necroscope seems ripe a series or movie. Could be great if the script writer can capture the horror/fantasy/cold war spies blend. Thanks for dropping in!

These were the very first words I read by Wolfe. I thought, “I think I’m going to like this book.”

A friend recommended this as well. Considering how good “When Darkness…” is I’ll have to try it. I was impressed with how Engstrom was able to write characters who talk like people out of a Reese Witherspoon movie into such a perfectly executed piece of gothic fiction. I think it actually heightens the effect. Anyway, thank you!

I think you’ll like it. And there’s a whole element I couldn’t talk about without spoiling things.

Thanks! Folio Society does some great work and the pricing is fair considering the quality and that this is 4 books in two volumes. Got the Mrs. Alice in wonderland at the same time and she seemed pretty happy with it 😁

“Illuminated” and “Rubricatred”, yes. Thank you!🙏🏻 I would have spent too long trying to chase those down.

You are in good company. Finishing up a reread of Shadow and had make myself stop so I could sleep.😆

Chris mentioned it and I think it would be great fun. Being confused or feeling like something is missing is good. I’m finishing up my 4th or 5th read of Shadow and I realizing I forgot more than I remembered. So many call backs and forwards and details added to a scene from a few chapters ago. Its so good.

Thank you! First, while reading your comment out loud to myself I said BCE and my youngest said “Dang, before Jesus”. 😆😆😂 That’s an incredibly good find. I guess my folio society isn’t too crazy considering its $50 a book (that’s the math I used to trick myself). I did the audio for Otranto and I don’t think that was included (dang). I’ll know I’ll get a physical copy once I encounter one in the wild. I knew the found trope (that’s what I’ll call it) from the Scarlet Letter, at least I thought so. Yeah, the last paragraph where Wolfe thanks “those collectors too numerous to name here” is a trip. The mirror scene is just so unnerving and heady. I’m taking notes and keep wondering how the idea of the mirrors might be interacting with this or that scene or other idea. So great. It was really helpful to hear you talk about it. Yes, a chat would be cool and fun!

Thanks!

Thanks!! Yep. I debated on making something myself but these turned out nice. For pressed wood I think the quality is great. We got 6 of the 30” wide and 7 of the 15” wide and never had a problem. I feel like they would hold up to a move (like to another house) which is the real test for pressed wood. 😆

There is a certain joy in seeing humans perceiver when we're out gunned. The virtues of smarts and determination. 😁

Humm, well though they are more speculative biology art books with there’s “Expedition” by Wayne Douglas Barlowe, “After Man” by Dougal Dixon, and “The Teeming Universe” and its two sequels by Christian Cline. For comics I know of “Humanity Lost” by Callum Diggle but I haven’t read it (though I plan to). Though it might seem strange maybe “Naussica of the Valley of the Wind” manga by Hayao Miyazaki could fit. I just started reading it and it is supposed to have much more depth than the anime (which is also great). I can’t think of another off hand though it seems like there should be more. I’d like to cover them all in the near future.

I was at the bookstore and saw a novel that I couldn’t recall earlier. I’ve not read it (yet) but I think it fits the theme. “Darwinia” by Robert Charles Wilson

I enjoyed the direction Christopher took things. It definitely felt as though the "Masters" saw earth as an easy victory.

Thanks I’ve been practicing

I think you’re right. And add to that that we have parallel interests. 😆 I’ll probably try to pair Deus Irae with something… no idea what but that’s the fun part.

This one isn’t so rare as the cover shown in paperbacks from hell.

Neither of us has seen it though she knows of it and I know I’ve seen the poster but that’s it. I think I had this mixed up with poltergeist or something.

Kappa looks good. It goes on the dreaded list!

I didn’t know that about Genji. You might think about picking up this newer edition. I thought Murakami’s introduction had a lot of depth. After I read Rashomon I got my daughter to try it and she liked it too. We had a long conversation about the pimple. 😆

Haha. Yep. The controls are a bit clumsy. It needs an update. The following for Shadow of the Colossus (by the same studio) is crazy. There was so much effort trying to uncover every single detail in the game, including a door in the mountains that couldn’t be opened, that when they remastered it they changed the code so the door could be opened as a thank you to fans. There’s a fun fan video essay on YT somewhere about it. If anyone randomly ever reads this comment and wonders if its worth seeking out… it is. 🙂 And since I’ve already derailed this comment I’ll go on to say that Lindy Beige put out a multi video actual play of himself and a group of actual play RPGers (ala critical role, but it isn’t them) playing Hill folk. Which is a kind of half ttrpg half improvisational acting game. The setting they’re playing is the near future and they are exploring AI and robots becoming “aware”. It watches like amateur theatre but it is good so far (I’ve watched about 1.5 episodes) and getting better as everyone is settling into their roles. I must not be completely crazy because my wife and daughter were watching it too and liked it. ~fin~

You reminded me that I should have a collection of Leonard’s western short stories. I’ll have to pull it down and add it to a reading list. Thanks. I really appreciate the time you take to comment.

Haha. I was definitely thinking this the whole time.😆 Thanks!

That’s awesome. Good luck in your search.

I like that perspective! It opens the door for an unseen alternate ending. Very cool. Thank you!

@@literallybooks Thanks for the video!

Of course!

I hope you enjoy it. I linked a great channel that focuses on Avram and has interviews with science fiction writers on Avram and his works. Forgive my enthusiasm but…the linked video has an excerpt read by Leonard Nimoy, an interview with Robert Silverberg, discussion on Avram, and the complete audio for “The Golem” which is a short and very funny story. I believe Seth, who runs the channel, is the active force behind the new publications. Anyhow thanks for tolerating my too long responses and as always Chris your comments are very encouraging 😁

Haha, all great stuff. Joe Hill’s “Horns” was the first book my wife and I read together so he holds a place of honor for us. And Earthsea is a favorite. The Mrs bought me that copy as a present. If this is Jason I meant to say that my youngest (HS freshman) and I watched the ‘68 Planet of the Apes last weekend and had a great time. And also your video on the movie Solaris was awesome!

Writer’s writer is definitely on track. His 70s on stuff where he does more magical realism and detective fiction (and sometimes a story starts as one and becomes another) made me realize how easily he was doing complicated things that a lesser writer would fumble. Hope you find something good. If you haven’t try the linked video that has the complete audio of a story and a Silverberg interview about Avram. If you have tried it then ignore me 😆. Thanks for watching!!

Hope you like it. I picked up Limekiller, and The Phoenix and the Mirror so those reviews will happen in the future. 😁Thanks for watching!!

Thank you, you are too kind. There is a lot to like about the series. The second book, "City of Gold and Lead" is where I stopped thinking about this as a young adult series and instead as just a science fiction series. Its like Lloyd Alexander's Prydain in that way. The story matures the farther in you read. War of the Worlds surprised me. It was not the lighter B-movie tone that I expected. I think Christopher paid good homage to it in Tripods (even if he says he didn't know at first that he was doing so. 😄)

I know his writing is harder to classify and he makes style choices that some readers might dislike but I loved Past Master. A sort of sci-fi magical realism. I think you’d enjoy this book. I’m sure there are other good ones by Lafferty, but I don’t know which ones to recommend. Best of luck and Thank you!!

There's a channel called Daniel Otto Jack Petersen that mainly covers Lafferty. The channel has a 50 minute video on Past Master. I watched three videos on Snuffles where he debates whether the story is cosmic horror.

@@andrewnmnjohnson. Yes! Thanks to Chris from Liminal Spaces (above 😁) I discovered @doctor_rocker and really enjoyed his discussion. If fact he was kind enough to recommend some other books by Lafferty. Its great to see people spreading the word about his videos. Thank You! I’ll look for the other videos you mentioned as well.

The second one definitely got me that way. Maybe that’s why it was hard for me, I got my hopes up, even though I knew what kind of book I was reading. 🥴