To Wallow in Ash and Other Sorrows by Sam Richard Rating 9/10 “Shock and awe are only words. Sorrow is only a word. Grief is only a word. Words are symbols to make abstract concepts housebroken. The truths lying beneath sorrow, grief, are so much worse than anything I could conjure on my own.” -- … Continue reading Book Review: To Wallow in Ash and Other Sorrows
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How to Grow Bizarro Fiction
I’m back from my blog sabbatical and full of fire for a new cause. A month ago, I had a revelation as I was voting for the Wonderland Awards (given to the best bizarro novel and collection each year). As I struggled to choose my favorite among so many great titles, I felt wistful that … Continue reading How to Grow Bizarro Fiction
Author Interview: Amy M. Vaughn
This month I “sat down” with bizarro and horror author Amy M. Vaughn. She describes her work as “weird little books,” though she has authored non-fiction as well. Living with bipolar disorder, she advocates for mental health on her blog. You can find my review of her novella Skull Nuggets here Enjoy! -- ZÉ BURNS: … Continue reading Author Interview: Amy M. Vaughn
Book Review: Skull Nuggets
Skull Nuggets by Amy M. Vaughn Rating: 9/10 The last thing I’d want is a hole in my head, but after reading Skull Nuggets, I can at least say I’ve considered it. Meet Robert, depressed and lonely. He is obsessed with neurophages, the so-called brain mites, “that live in the brain and metabolize neurotransmitters.” Days … Continue reading Book Review: Skull Nuggets
8 Great Short Bizarro Books, Pt. 2
This week, I continue the list of eight great novellas and collections that I have somehow missed in my reviews and lists this past year. Check out Part 1 here. CRISIS BOY by Garrett Cook This book would have easily made it into a previous 5 Favorite Bizarre Books list if it were not for … Continue reading 8 Great Short Bizarro Books, Pt. 2
8 Great Short Bizarro Books, Pt. 1
There are so many good bizarro fiction novellas and collections out there and so little time and space on my blog to review all of them. So this week and next, I will cover eight great short books that I somehow missed in my reviews and lists. THE HOUSE OF HOUSES by Kevin L. Donihe … Continue reading 8 Great Short Bizarro Books, Pt. 1
Author Interview: Austin James
Austin James is one of the rising stars in the bizarro fiction scene. Currently, not one but two of his books are on the ballot for this year’s Wonderland Awards (check that out here). I “sat down” with him to get a peek inside his bizarre mind. You can find my review of his novella/collection … Continue reading Author Interview: Austin James
Book Review: THE DRIP DROP PROPHET
The Drip Drop Prophet & Other Stories by Austin James Rating: 8.5/10 The Drip Drop Prophet is a story of love, lust, and loss, all tied together with a remarkable ending--except in this 80-page novella, it is the love between a man and his toaster oven. Pulling us in with his unique, engaging voice, Austin … Continue reading Book Review: THE DRIP DROP PROPHET
Why I Put a Book Down
When to put a book down and why is a contentious topic with almost as many opinions as readers. My father, for instance, never puts down a book. He will read it until the end no matter how much he dislikes it. I’ve seen a rule floating around that if you’re under fifty, you should … Continue reading Why I Put a Book Down
My 5 Favorite Bizarre Books Summer ’19
I must admit that bizarre literature hasn’t been my top priority this summer. In the past few months, I've purchased 25+ horror novels that I’m in the process of gobbling up. But that doesn’t mean I have abandoned the genre! In fact, I’ve read some great bizarre books. Here are the top five: #1 - … Continue reading My 5 Favorite Bizarre Books Summer ’19
Zé Burns | Blog 