![]() He developed an early love for horror fiction thanks to his father’s collection of horror comics and pulp magazines. Ramsey Campbell was born on January 4, 1946, in Liverpool, England. ![]() In this post, the Longbox of Darkness aims to introduce new readers to Campbell’s work, briefly overviewing his life, career, and the themes he usually wrestles with. One horror author who has greatly impacted me as a reader and influenced a generation of readers and writers since the 1970s is British scare-meister Ramsey Campbell. Horror fic continues to be a source of terror and entertainment for me to this day. From classic horror tales like Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” to modern horror novels like Stephen King’s “IT,” I have read and loved them and even evolved along with the genre in my own quirky way. ![]() It has captivated me since I started reading novels in the early 1980s. By now, it’s abundantly clear that horror fiction is my favorite genre. ![]()
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![]() ![]() The seriousness of the catalyst and crime, Sportcoat shooting a 19-year-old drug dealer in broad daylight, was played against the absurdity of the life he’s leading. I had no idea where it was headed, even as pieces began to overlap and fall together. I mean, I knew what was happening, but I didn’t understand what James McBride was trying to say. Honestly I was over halfway through Deacon King Kong wondering what it was even about. The characters are charming, fleshed-out and full of life, but initially it was hard to connect with what they were doing. It’s not particularly long or dense, but was just difficult to get back into once I put it down. This took a lot longer for me to finish than I was anticipating. ![]() ![]() Players of Gor (Gorean Saga #20) (Paperback): ![]() Kajira of Gor (Gorean Saga #19) (Paperback): Savages of Gor (Gorean Saga #17) (Paperback):īlood Brothers of Gor (Gorean Saga #18) (Paperback): Guardsman of Gor (Gorean Saga #16) (Paperback): Rogue of Gor (Gorean Saga #15) (Paperback): Slave Girl of Gor (Gorean Saga #11) (Paperback):īeasts of Gor (Gorean Saga #12) (Paperback):Įxplorers of Gor (Gorean Saga #13) (Paperback):įighting Slave of Gor (Gorean Saga #14) (Paperback): Tribesmen of Gor (Gorean Saga #10) (Paperback): Marauders of Gor (Gorean Saga #9) (Paperback): Hunters of Gor (Gorean Saga #8) (Paperback): Raiders of Gor (Gorean Saga #6) (Paperback):Ĭaptive of Gor (Gorean Saga #7) (Paperback): Nomads of Gor (Gorean Saga #4) (Paperback):Īssassin of Gor (Gorean Saga #5) (Paperback): Priest-Kings of Gor (Gorean Saga #3) (Paperback): Outlaw of Gor (Gorean Saga #2) (Paperback): This is book number 1 in the Gorean Saga series. ![]() ![]() If the story's social consciousness seems a bit contrived ("Even with poverty and drought there's always food for everyone!"), the sheer zaniness of the concept (e.g., fried egg lilypads, birds in nests of shredded wheat, an airstrip made of bacon) makes this exuberant tall tale as much of a delight as the original. Ron Barrett's witty cross-hatched pen-and-ink illustrations have a quirky retro flavor (enhanced by Judi Barrett's tonal colorings) he joins in the fun with such visual puns as the marquee on the local movie theater (featuring Breakfast at Tiffany's and Babette's Feast). Spaghetti and meatballs I think!"), but the citizens who fled in the first book have returned to create the Falling Food Company ("Large Food for Large and Small Countries, Free"). Unusual weather patterns still bring showers of super-sized food to the island ("we can see dinner approaching from the west. ![]() ![]() This time, a postcard from their grandfather's peculiar vacation spot sparks Kate's dream about the oddly familiar town of Chewandswallow. ![]() Nearly 20 years after the publication of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs comes this droll sequel starring Kate and her brother Henry. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() It is about the clash between the natural and the supernatural, reality and fantasy. The original tale of “The Bacchae” was developed by Euripides. In an endearing exchange, Dionysus comforted them and promised them that he would stay. Their raw vulnerability and humanity were also revealed when they begged Dionysus not to abandon them as they had been abandoned before. RELATED: UI’s ‘Borderless: An All Black Affair’ showcased artists and celebrated Black culture Becoming a Bacchae was like a reclamation of their bodies and souls. In one of the show’s most poignant scenes, the Bacchae sang about how their transformation freed them from lives as women constantly controlled by other people and their own insecurities. He represented the romance, youth, or plethora of new experiences that they were deprived of, and they were unwaveringly faithful to him. It focuses more in-depth on the Bacchae themselves rather than the godliness of Dionysus, unlike some other adaptations.Įach Bacchae character had an individualized personality that drove their worship of Dionysus. This particular adaptation of the classic tragedy “The Bacchae” was first performed in the Kneehigh Theatre in England in 2004. Movement also mimed their drinking of wine, as a tribute to the Greek god Dionysus. ![]() Movement was an essential aspect of this show, characterizing the Bacchae’s playfulness as well as their seductiveness. Handing out bracelets and flowers to audience members, the seven nymph-like Bacchae laughed with each other and started to dance. ![]() ![]()
![]() ![]() She’s an extravagant flirt who learns a few lessons about love and propriety. The heroine isn’t some chaste meek’n’mild wallflower. For each character, he created a distinct voice that conveyed everything about the character you could hope for.Aside from his reading, I enjoyed this story for its twist on the romantic novel. ![]() But Richard Armitage brings these characters to life in a way that made me absolutely adore this story. I'm not sure if I just read this, I would have enjoyed it as much. She was married to George Ronald Rougier, a barrister, and they had one son, Richard. Known as the Queen of Regency romance, Heyer was legendary for her research, historical accuracy and her extraordinary plots and characterizations. Her work included Regency romances, mysteries and historical fiction. A very private woman, she rarely reached out to the public to discuss her works or personal life. Her last book, My Lord John, was published posthumously in 1975. ![]() Heyer published 56 books over the next 53 years, until her death from lung cancer in 1974. She wrote her first novel, The Black Moth, at the age of seventeen to amuse her convalescent brother it was published in 1921 and became an instant success. ![]() She was born in Wimbledon in August 1902. English Heritage has awarded Georgette Heyer one of their prestigious Blue Plaques, designating her Wimbledon home as the residence of an important figure in British history. Georgette Heyer's novels have charmed and delighted millions of readers for decades. ![]() ![]() ![]() Cress was still by far my favorite book of the series and my love for their relationship was just as present in this concluding book.Of course, you get to see Cinder and Kai. Her character just did not bring much to my love for the story.Wolf and Scarlet were also not my favorite, but I liked their involvement in this book more than I did in Scarlet.I love Thorne and Cress. At times it felt she was a little child, and others a teenager. You get to learn more about the relationship between Jacin and Winter. So much happened in this conclusion.I loved that this focused on all of the couples from the other books in the series. I feel this did drag on at times, and I wish it would have been broken down into two books. The other books kept my interest and constantly had things going on. ![]() "Yeah, but broken isn't the same as unfixable."Finally, the conclusion of the series! I have to say this was so long. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() But soon Sara's old life catches up to her, upending everything she thought she wanted, just as Emilie has finally gained her own sense of purpose. The morning Emilie and Sara first meet at Yerba Buena, their connection is immediate. On a whim, she takes a job arranging flowers at the glamorous restaurant Yerba Buena. Across the city, Emilie Dubois is in a holding pattern, yearning for the beauty and community her Creole grandparents cultivated but unable to commit. Years later, in Los Angeles, she is a sought-after bartender, renowned as much for her brilliant cocktails as for the mystery that clings to her. ![]() Sara Foster runs away from home at sixteen, leaving behind the girl she once was, capable of trust and intimacy. “A Carol for our times.” - Harper’s Bazaar “A study of complex, modern love…Expertly illuminates the trauma that Sara and Emilie are both wrestling with, as well as their hope and healing…Lingers like a perfectly mixed cocktail.” - San Francisco Chronicle FROM BESTSELLING AND PRINTZ-AWARD WINNING AUTHOR NINA LACOUR, PERFECT FOR READERS OF WRITERS AND LOVERS ![]() ![]() The Birchbark House originally began as a story Erdrich would tell her daughters. ![]() The novel includes decorative pencil drawings, as well as a map of the Ojibwa community, and a glossary of Ojibwa language translations. She has three siblings: a baby named Neewo (who dies from smallpox), Little Pinch (later changed to Big Pinch) and Angeline. The most important thing Omakayas learns about herself is why she didn't get smallpox when most everyone in the community did. She learns about her connection to all nature, and discovers her gift of dreams. Omakayas cares for her family because she knew that with the winter comes a smallpox epidemic. The community in each season works together to hunt, build, gather, and survive. The circular motion of the Ojibwa culture is represented through the motions of the four seasons, Neebin (summer), Dagwaging (fall). Īfter the prologue, the novel continues through the eyes of a seven-year-old young girl, Omakayas ("her name means "little frog" because her first step was a hop). The Birchbark House has received positive reviews and was a 1999 National Book Award Finalist for young people's fiction. ![]() The story follows the life of Omakayas and her Ojibwe community beginning in 1847 near present-day Lake Superior. The Birchbark House is a 1999 indigenous juvenile realistic fiction novel by Louise Erdrich, and is the first book in a five book series known as The Birchbark series. ![]() |