Happy Halloween
October 31, 2007
Halloween is officially here. Like most holidays, consumer celebration of it starts a few weeks before and extends to a few weeks after. Here are a few suggestions to keep you entertained and in the Halloween spirit long after the parties are over and the trick-or-treaters have ransacked your candy stash:
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson: A timeless tale of isolation and strange evolution, it’s been adapted several times. The latest movie will be released in December, starring Will Smith. As with any adaptation, it takes certain liberties with the book; it remains to be seen how good the newest film will be. In the meantime, read the book.
Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe: Halloween just isn’t complete without mention of Poe. While he wrote in a wide range of genres and literary styles, he is legendary for short stories such as “The Fall of the House of Usher” and poems like “The Raven.” Edgar Allan Poe was a master of atmospheric and psychological horror, and every year his grave here in Maryland is visited by fans and curious tourists to get them into the holiday spirit.
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler: This book weaves together a thoughtful, well-paced tale of genetics, family, and mystery with a fairly different take on vampire folklore. It is the last book written by the highly admired author.
30 Days of Night by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith: I have not seen this movie, but it’s on my list and so is the graphic novel. Based on reviews by both critics and audiences, the film is utterly terrifying, and the vampires are a far cry from the sympathetic, lovelorn bloodsuckers portrayed in books/movies like Interview with the Vampire.
(November 4, 2007) The Simpson’s “Treehouse of Horror XVIII“: Of course, Halloween really isn’t over until Homer says D’ oh!
Lastly, check out http://www.monsterlibrarian.com/halloween07.htm for reviews of Halloween based books.
Nancy O. Greene
http://www.portraits.bravehost.com
Oct 27, 2007 – CityLit Project B&N Bookfair Fundraiser
October 26, 2007
Are you going to be in the Barnes&Noble at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD tomorrow? Why not give to a good cause while you’re at it. When you make your purchases, present a special voucher and a portion will go to The CityLit Project, a non-profit organization that helps to expand the culture of literature in Maryland.
To find out more information, visit the website at http://www.citylitproject.org/?q=node/190. And to get the voucher, send and e-mail to INFO@CITYLITPROJECT.ORG.
Nancy O. Greene
http://www.portraits.bravehost.com
Bookgasm Gets Excited Over Portraits in the Dark
October 19, 2007
Sept. 2007. Bookgasm: Reading Material To Get Excited About
Bookgasm is a review site of speculative fiction, including comic books and magazines. Edited by Rodd Lott.
Perhaps Nancy O. Greene’s PORTRAITS IN THE DARK is about what you don’t see in the darkness. Her short vignettes try to shine some light on what we’re quick to dismiss, ignore, or avoid, and her slim collection of short stories provides a wonderful road map to the damaged psyche.
Greene is a writer in bloom. Crisp and vivid – like old black-and-white photographs you find in a drawer you were never meant to look into – each story sets up an interesting scenario, often leaving you with more questions than answers … and wanting more. The only drawback with her stories is that they’re too short. If the fascinating tales in PORTRAITS IN THE DARK are any indication what we can expect, her full-length work will be something to read.
…
Greene’s PORTRAITS IN THE DARK proves she’s a budding talent. Anything that has me thinking after I read it stays in my library. –Matt Adder
*Read the rest at Bookgasm.com.
