Rating: 9/10 John Wayne Comunale shows us a grimy world: the filth and stench palpable. But he also invites us to search for meaning in our lives, to find the pillar that can support us in the scary chaos of the world around us. Meet Scummer. He drinks the backwash from leftover beers, smokes discarded … Continue reading Book Review: SCUMMER
books
My 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Winter 2019
I’ve been caught up with my new obsession, horror, but still managed to read some great bizarre books this winter. The books below were my favorites. I should note that these are books I’ve read in 2019, not necessarily books that came out in 2019. 1. IF ON A WINTER’S NIGHT A TRAVELER by Italo … Continue reading My 5 Favorite (Bizarre) Books Winter 2019
Author Interview: Charles Austin Muir
I had the great opportunity to pick the brain of Portland-based writer Charles Austin Muir, author of the short story collections Bodybuilding Spider Rangers and This is a Horror Book. Click here for my review of This is a Horror Book ZÉ BURNS: When did you start writing? CHARLES MUIR: I started writing when I … Continue reading Author Interview: Charles Austin Muir
Book Review: THIS IS A HORROR BOOK
Rating: 8/10 Reading Charles Austin Muir’s collection is like watching ten movies at the same time yet understanding every word spoken. His writing abounds in film references. These are his secret, his genius, though a little shocking at first. Once you acclimate, they can be more vivid than any metaphor. He possesses a unique voice. … Continue reading Book Review: THIS IS A HORROR BOOK
Should Bizarro Go Mainstream?
I’ve decided to depart from my usual content to discuss something that’s been gnawing at me for weeks now. Those who know me well know that I am loathe to express my opinions, let alone trumpet them to an audience like this blog, but I feel I need to share these thoughts. At BizarroCon, I … Continue reading Should Bizarro Go Mainstream?
BizarroCon 11
It’s the only time I’ve seen someone drinking a beer before 11 a.m. The only time I’ve witnessed such a deluge of imagination. The only time I’ve met such a friendly, cohesive group of people. BizarroCon is a four-day, alcohol-fueled whirlwind of creativity and bacchanalian insanity. I went for the first time this year. Day … Continue reading BizarroCon 11
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
