When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
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Although it has a more horror slant than the later volumes-- which veer into the realms of dark fantasy-- this volume collects 8 fantastic issues and is an excellent start to Neil Gaiman's comics epic. The Sandman remains my personal favorite Gaiman works, period. This collection is worth getting in part for the simple fact that it's the beginning to one of the greatest stories ever, but also that it contains two particularly brilliant issues-- '24 Hours' and 'The Sound of Her Wings'. The first is a horrific metaphor for the process of writing a story in general and the second a bittersweet walk with Death herself. I can't recommend this series highly enough-- and even if you've never given comics a try, I think if you started here, you wouldn't be able to stop.
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Truly harrowing and wholly disturbing, Truddi Chase's story is a fascinating read. As her story unfolds, being told by the innumerable personalities that emerged throughout her life to help her cope with the terrible things she endured as a child at the mercy of the stepfather, it paints an intriguing portrait of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Collectively known as The Troops, they have come together to tell her story to her therapist, slowly but surely moving toward the unspeakable act that initially made Rabbit, the youngest of them, howl in agony.
Definitely not for everyone, but I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't shy away from the darkest facets of humanity.
This was the best book I read this year. I'm aware it's around 20 years old and nothing new to many people, but I picked it up this year when I spontaneously decided to give True Crime a chance. I may not have anything else in the genre to compare it to, but this was a gripping read. Truly terrifying, too, probably in part due to the simple fact that the crimes recounted took place in and around Seattle, on roads I've traveled, in parks I've visited, and so on.
The narrative jumps back and forth between author Anne Rule's accounts of the various crimes perpetrated in the area and her knowledge of what was going on in the life of her friend and coworker Ted Bundy. It builds slowly, perfectly, to her moment of realization, when she finally sees who Ted really is, when she finally connects the dots. Bundy's story is particulary fascinating in the simple fact that he was, to all eyes, a normal guy, an average Joe-- he really could be your neighbor, your coworker, your friend. It makes you wonder how much you really know about the people you think you know well...
I'm not a True Crime enthusiast--though I picked up Rule's book about the Green River Killer as well, but haven't gotten to it yet-- but this was a thrilling read and proved to be the page-turner of the year for me.
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Simone Larsell has commented on (3) products.
The Sandman #01: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
Simone Larsell, September 20, 2011
Although it has a more horror slant than the later volumes-- which veer into the realms of dark fantasy-- this volume collects 8 fantastic issues and is an excellent start to Neil Gaiman's comics epic. The Sandman remains my personal favorite Gaiman works, period. This collection is worth getting in part for the simple fact that it's the beginning to one of the greatest stories ever, but also that it contains two particularly brilliant issues-- '24 Hours' and 'The Sound of Her Wings'. The first is a horrific metaphor for the process of writing a story in general and the second a bittersweet walk with Death herself. I can't recommend this series highly enough-- and even if you've never given comics a try, I think if you started here, you wouldn't be able to stop.(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
When Rabbit Howls by Truddi Chase
Simone Larsell, September 1, 2011
Truly harrowing and wholly disturbing, Truddi Chase's story is a fascinating read. As her story unfolds, being told by the innumerable personalities that emerged throughout her life to help her cope with the terrible things she endured as a child at the mercy of the stepfather, it paints an intriguing portrait of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Collectively known as The Troops, they have come together to tell her story to her therapist, slowly but surely moving toward the unspeakable act that initially made Rabbit, the youngest of them, howl in agony.Definitely not for everyone, but I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't shy away from the darkest facets of humanity.
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Simone Larsell, January 1, 2011
This was the best book I read this year. I'm aware it's around 20 years old and nothing new to many people, but I picked it up this year when I spontaneously decided to give True Crime a chance. I may not have anything else in the genre to compare it to, but this was a gripping read. Truly terrifying, too, probably in part due to the simple fact that the crimes recounted took place in and around Seattle, on roads I've traveled, in parks I've visited, and so on.The narrative jumps back and forth between author Anne Rule's accounts of the various crimes perpetrated in the area and her knowledge of what was going on in the life of her friend and coworker Ted Bundy. It builds slowly, perfectly, to her moment of realization, when she finally sees who Ted really is, when she finally connects the dots. Bundy's story is particulary fascinating in the simple fact that he was, to all eyes, a normal guy, an average Joe-- he really could be your neighbor, your coworker, your friend. It makes you wonder how much you really know about the people you think you know well...
I'm not a True Crime enthusiast--though I picked up Rule's book about the Green River Killer as well, but haven't gotten to it yet-- but this was a thrilling read and proved to be the page-turner of the year for me.