Fool by Christopher Moore

Synopsis:  The fool in King Lear's court is a fool named Pocket.  King Lear wants to know which if his three daughters loves him most so he can award her the land and fortune he holds as king.  This issue is that they all hate hate him because frankly he is a cheeky little git.  Somehow between all the plots and subplots Pocket must find a way to keep himself alive and protect what he loves.  I assure you that there will be some heinous fuckery most foul!

My review:  Let me start by saying that I love Christopher Moore.  This is the third book of his that I have read for the second time.  Even having read it once before, I could not put it down.  Christopher Moore's fourteenth book (The Serpent of Venice) was released on Tuesday, I ordered a signed first edition and have been chomping at the bit to start it.  Since I knew this book was coming out I wanted to read Fool again as The Serpent of Venice is about Pocket, the main character in Fool.

The one liners in this book are unparalleled.  Christoper Moore has somehow even invented his own language using British humor.  Trust me when I say that it works, it works very well.  There are even foot notes to explain some of the words which only add to the humor.  In describing one of the daughters he writes of her Boffnacity - an expression of shagnatiousness, fit, from the Latin boffusnatious.  I mean how does he come up with this stuff??

Christopher Moore describes the book below and I think this may be not only the perfect description of the book but also a good incite into how the book is written.

"WARNING This is a bawdy tale. Herein you will find gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity, as well as non-traditional grammar, split infinitives, and the odd wank. If that sort of thing bothers you, then gentle reader pass by, for we endeavor only to entertain, not to offend. That said, if that s the sort of thing you think you might enjoy, then you have happened upon the perfect story!"

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Moore at a book signing and was able to get my copy of Fool signed.  I am a sucker for a signed book!  Yes, I am proud to say I was a bit start stuck by him as well.  He has been my favorite author since I first read Lamb and was more than slightly nervous to meet him.  Not only is he my favorite author he is also my measuring stick for all things humorous in literature.  He is beyond funny.  At his signing he spoke for about an hour and then met with everyone to get their books signed.  The hour of him speaking was like sitting in a comedy club, he was absolutely hilarious.

Do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books, any one of this books.  You will not be disappointed.

My rating:  9
Pages:  352
Author website:  http://www.chrismoore.com/

Legendarium by Michael Bunker and Kevin G. Summers

Synopsis: Legendarium is the place where all stories meet.  Any book or story ever written is stored in this library with doors leading from one story to the next.  Our two main characters are enlisted by some of the greatest authors in the world to protect and save the Legendarium.  These stories have shaped history simply due to the impact each story has had on future writers and readers.

My review:  Loved this book!  Read it in one sitting.  When I first heard about this book I didn't know how the Legendarium would work or how these stories would converge on each other.  Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised how well all of this came together.  I loved that we encountered characters from many different books, the Cheshire Cat, Moby Dick, and of course Bombo Dawson.  And what story doesn't benefit from a little Hemingway?  It also really struck me how much of an impact one book or story has on history, what would we be missing out on in this life if Moby Dick were never written?  How many authors were inspired by Hemingway, what if he decided to keep his stories to himself?  These books inspired others to write, which in turn inspired more and more books to be written.  That is an amazing concept that Legendarium clearly puts into focus.  Well done gentleman, well done!

I ordered this book directly from the authors so I could get a signed copy.  I must say this book is beautiful, the feel of it, the colors on the cover, I am so glad I have this one signed, definitely a collectors item.  I was halfway through another book when it came in on Friday but picked it up anyway on Saturday morning and read it in two hours.  Quite the wonderful Saturday morning read with a cup of coffee, next to a sleeping baby.

I loved how the book even incorporated some ideas about self publishing and independent authors.  I never knew how many great stories I was missing out on until I discovered this group of independent authors, Michael Bunker, Hugh Howey, Peter Cawdron, Donald Wells, to name just a few.  If you are looking for some interesting reads that are outside of what we consider mainstream books, check out any one of these guys, you will not be disappointed.

My rating: 8
Pages:  148
Author websites:  Michael Bunker - http://journal.michaelbunker.com/
Kevin G. Summers - http://www.kevingsummers.com/

Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall

Synopsis:  1963 Mississippi.  Nine year old Starla, a white girl, who is quite the little whipper snapper, decides to run away to her absent mother who lives in Nashville trying to become a famous singer.  While walking she gets a ride from a black maid, Eula, who is driving home with a newborn white baby in the car.  Starla convinces Eula to drive her the rest of the way to Nashville to be with her momma.  An amazing bond is formed between these three while facing all types of obstacles, discrimination and hatred in the deep south.
My review:  By far the best book I have read in quite some time.  This is the type of book that makes you want to call in sick and stay home to read.  I read in the car at lunch, got up early and read before work, even took it with me in the bathroom, just to get a few extra minutes to read it.

There are so many good things about this book I almost don't want to write them here so when you do read this book you will walk in with open arms.  It's that good!!  So I will keep this short.

I was a bit hesitant when I heard that this book was written in the perspective of a nine year old girl.  I was afraid I could not relate at all.  Needless to say that was not the case.  Starla is a great character and had me captivated from the first sentence.  I also loved how this author was able to convert the southern slang and accent into words so well. It reads and flows beautifully.

I am a sucker for a good book that takes place in the deep south, especially in the 1960's time period and this one more than exceeds my expectations.  There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the next book I suggest for the girls book club.

My rating:  10
Pages:  307
Author website:  http://susancrandall.net/