I went to one of the few big bookstores with physical storefronts remaining yesterday. I don’t need to name names. It was not the best experience and I had not realized just how far things had fallen since I last visited large chain bookstores.
Where it used to be shelves upon shelves of books to choose from, their inventory was greatly diminished and nearly half of what remained was only tangentially related to books. Lego. Jigsaw puzzles. Stuffies. Overpriced boardgames. Toys. Journals and bags to carry those journals.
Ray and I are of a similar age — darn near exactly, if I’m being honest, but I like to hold my ever-so-slight seniority over his head like a big brother might. We grew up doing much of the same things. His framework was from the lens of the 80s dirtballs and metalheads, mine from the 80s freaks and goths. Even back in the 80s, these subcultures bonded quite readily and often found common ground, largely because we were all “outside of society” as Patty Smith sang [I won’t risk offending anyone by naming the song, you know or you can look it up]. We were all rejects.
The book authored by Phillip K Dick is also known as “Bladerunner”, after the movie based on the book was released in the 80s.
This isn’t my first read of the book, nor will it likely be my last. I’ve read it probably five times over the years, maybe more — always with long spells between each reading. And each time, I see something different, something new, in the story that I hadn’t picked up on previously. You’d think after so many reads, I’d have it mostly figured out in a relatively short book. Some of my thinking is influenced by current events surrounding cult of personalities (Mercerism, Buster Friendly), nuclear war without a known instigator, the rise of artificial intelligence (Nexus 6 androids) and, interestingly, the idea of empathy as something that needs to be reenforced and treated as a commodity.
I going to start reading something eye candy, I just haven’t decided which. Decisions can be hard when you have sleep issues like I’ve been having the past month or so.
I thought about doing another read-along, but the eye-candy element doesn’t really support discussion. I’m not talking about anything mentally deep or emotionally stimulating here. Well, one or two of my considered titles might be, but I don’t think it takes a masters degree in literature to decipher. Or even an AA degree.
The Black Company, Glen Cook (first of 12 books, unread yet, combined editions are available)
Snow Crash, Neal Stephenson (I can’t recall if I read it)
Neuromancer, William Gibson (a reread, but have totally forgotten)
I’m leaning towards either of the Witcher and Black Company series; the first to remind myself of the events surrounding the cannon lore around Ciri in prep for Witcher 4 (or Witcher 1 remake), the latter because I am feeling all grimdark. But the others are tempting tales too.
Maybe I’m just lacking in sleep, which makes anyone surly. Or maybe I’m naturally surly and the lack of sleep removes the mask. I was hoping eye-candy might ameliorate some of the darkness leaking out.
Of the above, which would you be most inclined to read? Quick quick, hurry hurry.
Hey, just a quick shout out for my good friend out on the west coast, Bridgette Kay. She has just revealed the cover of her upcoming book, “Watering Words”, a collection of twenty-five short stories she wrote a few years back and has since revised and is set to self-publish.
I recall a number of these stories from back when she put the initial drafts on her site as part of a challenge to write one short story a week for fifty-two weeks. Since then, she’s gone through and given them each an overhaul and subjected them to extensive rewrites.
I’ve got my eye on picking up a preordered copy myself in the next day or so.
Like many of us who write, Bridgette admits she is feeling the imposter syndrome creep up on her as the publication date creeps closer. I recall that feeling when my own book came out — only it never went away… [cue canned audience laughter].
Hopefully she’ll get over that because you jumped at the chance to buy a copy and boosted her.
A portion of all sales goes to a local nonprofit, G.I.R.L.S. Rock Sacramento. As a father of three daughters myself, and as she notes on her announcement, we need more organizations to help young women find their voice more than ever these days.
Check it out and let me know if you buy a copy. Better yet, visit Bridgette on her site and tell her yourself.
