As someone who for years dreamt of creating his own movement, I’ve looked up to Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948) as a hero. He had the strength to say, Screw it, I I’m doing my own thing, and never look back. In the end, he became the epitome of what those who rejected him represented. Schwitters aspired … Continue reading Bizarre History: The Merz Movement
bizarre
5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Spring 2019
I know every time I post one of these, I say “I read some great books this _____” but this spring takes the prize. It had some of the best bizarre books I’ve read this year. Normally, I rank them from 1 to 5. But these first three books tied for first, all spectacular. I … Continue reading 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Spring 2019
Author Interview: Kirk K. Jones
After being blown away by his incredible novel Fuck Happiness (my review here), I was thrilled to interview author Kirk Jones. Let me just say, he did not disappoint. Here are his verbose, but fascinating answers. -- ZÉ BURNS: How did you discover bizarro fiction? KIRK JONES: I spent a lot of time searching random … Continue reading Author Interview: Kirk K. Jones
Author Interview: Andrew J. Stone
Before we get started, I thought I’d share that S.T. Cartledge interviewed me on his blog “The Manifold,” my first time on that side of an interview. You can find it here. - - - With two books published and more on the way, Andrew J. Stone has accomplished a lot in his mere 26 … Continue reading Author Interview: Andrew J. Stone
Book Review: FORTUNE BOX
Tower Ltd. Surprise Packages is sending out parcels with very peculiar contents. Each story in this collection by British bizarro author Madeleine Swann is the tale of a different package. Despite different protagonists in each, it reads like a novel. Each package contains a lesson for the recipient, parables almost, on many of humankind’s weaknesses. … Continue reading Book Review: FORTUNE BOX
Book Review: HE DIGS A HOLE
Danger Slater’s He Digs a Hole makes you say: “Wow!” “What?” and “Haha!” all at once, producing a weird “Whawoha?!” noise when reading. This slim volume (only 135 pages) captured my attention on page 1 and held on firmly to the last word, becoming one of my favorite books this year. It is the story … Continue reading Book Review: HE DIGS A HOLE
Who is Zé Burns?
To write a blog you have to have something to say or at least think you do. I probably belong to the latter category; nonetheless, here I am. I think the best way to start off is to let you know who I am and what I plan to do here. On this corner of … Continue reading Who is Zé Burns?