My year in books

[nwhyte]

In 2006 I read over 200 books - lost count but I think the final tally was 207 - up considerably from last year's 137. This was partly because I read quite a lot of shorter books, but also I think I did more travelling where it was easy to keep reading. In addition, I had a few attempts at sertting up small reading programmes for myself, such as

Comments

[mizkit]

So very envious! I have a yearly goal of 104 books, which I used to blow away with ease, but which, since I have begun writing professionally, has been missed every year except maybe one. I think I managed in the area of 80 books this year (I'll be checking later to find out), which is considerably up from last year, but far from my goal. I do love reading your reviews and commentary, so thanks for keeping it all up. :)

[inuitmonster]

Dan Clowes is very variable, both in style and quality. I feel that he is one comics creator best appreciated in individual issues rather than collections, as the issues have a range of stuff and do more justice to the breadth of his vision. Ghost World was always one of the duller of his works, and I susepct its success lies in having teenage girls as the protagonists. If you want better Clowes stuff and can only get collections, I recommend Strangehaven (lots of vignettes about people (and a blue rabbit) in the eponymous town), David Boring (worth it for the apocalyptic middle section alone), and Like A Velvet Glove Cast In Iron (the early Lynch-Meyers weird-out). Oh yeah, the one about the guy with the death ray is good too.

[nwhyte]

I loved both Strange Ice Haven and David Boring, but Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron left me cold. Will look out for the death ray one though.

[inuitmonster]

Oh yeah, Ice Haven. Strangehaven is a different comic entirely, by one Gary Spencer Millidge.