Episode #49 – Unaccustomed Mercy and Cienfuegos
Booked reviews two books this time! Unaccustomed Mercy by DB Cox, and Cienfuegos by Chris Deal! That’s right, we’re breaking the mold and delivering to you two great collections of short stories in one review episode.
The first one we talk about is Cienfuegos by Chris Deal. Chris is no stranger to the show and we’ve even talked a bit about his book before. Considering it was recently re-released by Kuboa Press, we though we should give it a full treatment, because we loved it so much.
Another must-read for us was the DB Cox collection, Unaccustomed Mercy. We’d heard about it from several people during our Warmed and Bound Sessions, and eventually started talking to DB about doing a review. Many many thanks to DB for working with us on this, and for his patience with our busy schedule.
It wouldn’t be Booked if we didn’t continue to ramble about things well after the review is over, so here are some of the other things you can look forward to hearing about: Blasted Heath’s publishing debut, including the release of Anthony Neil Smith’s latest book, Steve Jobs’ biography, Podbookz, Spotify writer’s playlists, and a very charming intro from Booked bestie Doc O’Donnell.
Hit the player for the ep, or download it and sell it for the megabucks it’s worth. Just remember to give us a cut!
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Mentioned
Podbookz
Blasted Heath
Anthony Neil Smith reads from All The Young Warriors
Steve Jobs’ biography
Spotify writer’s playlists
Grab Stitcher for your smartphone and add us as a favorite!
Played
Porno For Pyros – Pets
DB Cox – Pretty Woman
Christopher Novas said on October 31, 2011
about to listen and get buck wild to this
Robb Olson said on October 31, 2011
Awesome. Let us know what you think! Thanks!
Christopher Novas said on October 31, 2011
I’m really enjoying it so far
Doc O'Donnell said on October 31, 2011
Geez, if that’s what that fella at the start sounds like after 3 hours sleep in 3 days, I can’t begin to imagine how dashing he’d sound fully rested.
robb said on November 1, 2011
If he ever makes it to Chicago, we’re gonna convince him to do all sorts of recording for us. We need to attract more female listeners, and really what chick can resist an Aussie who sounds like that and looks like he belongs in Jesus’ rock band?
Frank Edler said on November 1, 2011
D/L’d. I’ll dig in at first light when I start work, 6am. Counting on you guys to make me forget I’m working!@
Caleb J. Ross said on November 2, 2011
You mentioned on the last episode that you were looking for short story recs. Here are a few that I think you guys might like.
TC Boyle: He’s a novelist and short story writer, but I think his stories are way better than any of his novels. He may actually be more famous for short stories. He’s got a very fluid confidence with his writing. He has a huge volume of collected stories out there.
Vladimir Nobokov: He’s a bit intimidating, true. He’s obviously famous for Lolita and a few other novels. But his short fiction is amazing. A bit heady, but not too much.
Octavio Paz’s story “The Blue Bouquet”: My favorite short story of all time. This guy is primarily a poet, and I think has only written a handful of stories. The full version can be found here: http://lisabloomfield.net/occ/193/weekly_html/bluebouquet.pdf
David Benioff: perhaps more famous for his screenwriting (25th Hour, Troy, Stay, The Kite Runner, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Brothers, and Game of Thrones (8 episodes) and for banging Amanda Pete. This guy’s books and short stories are amazing. His collection When the Nines Roll Over blew me away.
Rob Roberge: His only story collection is called Working Backwards from the Worst Moment of My Life. I review it here: http://www.thenervousbreakdown.com/cjross/2011/03/review-of-working-backwards-from-the-worst-moment-of-my-life-by-rob-roberge/ This collection contains probably the best opening story to a collection that I’ve ever read.
Adam Johnson: His collection Emporium was a turning point for me in terms of my own writing. Read at your own risk.
and of course, I couldn’t justify leaving Brian Evenson out of a recommended reading list. Check out The Wavering Knife for his most solid collection of stories.
DB Cox said on November 6, 2011
a few more great short story writers:
Raymond Carver (almost single-handedly responsible for the great short story renaissance of the 70s and early 80s), Nelson Algren, Sherman Alexie, and my favorite short story collection “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.
Mlaz said on November 6, 2011
Looking for a great short story? Look at that The King of Stone tale by the awesome Mlaz!