Why all the fuss about Gary Lutz?

Stories in the Worst Way 

by Gary Lutz 

Book Eight

Review:

I have nothing to say about this book. Utterly shocked. Here are a few links to reviews, interviews and samples of his work that I thought were worth reading.

www.bookslut.com/features/2006_07_009366.php

www.believermag.com/issues/200602/?read=interview_lutz

www.5cense.com/Lutz.htm

www.thevalve.org/go/valve/article/gary_lutz_my_hero/

www.webdelsol.com/lutz/

www.webdelsol.com/lutz/lutz-sm.htm

www.elimae.com/fiction/lutz/lps.html

Tao Lin's poetry

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Poetry 

by Tao Lin

Book Seven

Review:

I couldn't wait to get this second collection of poetry by Tao Lin. Why? The harder it is to track down a book, the more I want and need it. In the Fall of 2008, I went to the Brooklyn Book Festival and met Tao there, where he signed my copy, that was almost impossible to find. How strange he was and the autograph isn't even a signature. Tao drew a picture on the first page and barely said a word to me. I thought maybe I scarred him when I told him that I was so excited to find two of his books. They have been sold out on the Internet and every book store I have entered in the metropolitan area. I read this book in one sitting and I have absolutely no idea what I just read. Weird, is an understatement. I have followed his blog for awhile now, I have read three of his books and I still cannot figure out why people go gaga for him. Check out a few poems for yourself and let me know if it's just me. 

“Tao Lin's poetry passes by slacker era irony and self–indulgent formalism to dig up something deeper and more human, even when that something seems on first reading to merely be depressed hamsters.” 

—Jeffrey Brown, author of Clumsy and Little Things

“I hope this new publisher uses my blurb this time. I was a little sad that the other one didn't use it. They could have sold tens of copies if they'd put my blurb on that book. But this book is better; these poems are serious and funny and more than they appear. I am a big fan of Tao Lin's writing and this book makes me happy.” 

—Matthew Rohrer, author of A Green Light and Rise Up 

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel 

 by David Wroblewski

Book Six

Review:

"I flat-out loved The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. In the end, this isn't a novel about dogs or heartland America, it's a novel about the human heart and the mysteries that live there, understood but impossible to articulate.... I don't reread many books because life is too short. I will be re-reading this one." 

—Stephen King, author of Duma Key

I just read this story with my book club and thought it was wonderful. If you love dogs, mystery and drama, then you will appreciate this tale. One of the best retellings of "Hamlet" ever!

http://www.edgarsawtelle.com

David Wroblewski grew up in rural central Wisconsin, not far from the Chequamegon National Forest, where "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is set. He earned his master's degree from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers. Over the years he has lived in La Crosse, Minneapolis, and Austin, Texas. Currently, he makes his home in Colorado with the writer Kimberly McClintock, their dog Lola, and their cat Mitsou. "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" is his first novel.

Edgar Allan Poe

On a Raven's Wing: New Tales in Honor of Edgar Allan Poe

by Mary Higgins Clark, Thomas H. Cook, James W. Hall, Rupert Holmes, S. J. Rozan, Don Winslow, and Fourteen Others 

by Stuart Kaminsky

A collection of 20 original Poe-inspired stories honoring the ghost of Poe. 

With contributions by Mary Higgins Clark, Jeremiah Healy, Peter Lovesey, P. J. Parrish, Daniel Stashower, and Angela Zeman, among others, On a Raven's Wing is a fitting tribute to the one and only Edgar Allan Poe. A son attempts to connect with his dying father in Thomas H. Cook's "Nevermore." John Lutz's "Poe, Poe, Poe" combines elements from several of Poe's stories in a twisted tale of madness and mayhem. "Poe, Jo, and I," by Don Winslow, examines the curious bond literature can form between the most unlikely of friends. And in Jon L. Breen's "William Allan Wilson," getting even has never felt so good. (Amazon)

Steven Gillis

Who is Steven Gillis?

Steven Gillis is the author of the novels Walter Falls and The Weight of Nothing, both finalists for the Independent Publishers Book of the Year and ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year 2003 and 2005. A 6 time Pushcart nominee, a collection of Steve's stories - titled Giraffes - was published in 2007. A second collection will be published in 2009.

Newest Work: Temporary People explores the human condition in all its most vulnerable exposures. Sharp and satirical, it is a breathtakingly paced romp, and the end will leave you drop-jawed and wanting more. Temporary People is a book for the ages and Steven Gillis delivers.

(Barnes & Noble)

Sites to visit:

www.myspace.com/stevegillis

www.blacklawrence.com/gillis.html

"6 Weeks to the Best Shape of Your Life"

Feed Muscle, Shrink Fat Diet 

by Kathy Smith

Book Five

Review:

I rarely read a diet/exercise book cover to cover, but this guide became an exception. This is a step-by-step look at Kathy's Matrix workout, a fast and simple total-body fitness plan. Kathy teaches you how to keep muscles strong and active by eating the right foods and doing the right combination of exercises. The chapters on stretching and easy recipes were the most useful for me and I really think that her philosophy that "Muscle is the key to weight loss success!" is right on target. Overall, this is a great collection of secrets for staying thin and I recommend it especially to any woman who wants to jump start their diet. 

www.kathysmith.com