The Devil & Sherlock Holmes is a collection of David Grann’s investigative journalism, covering a wide range of topics (though, as the subtitle of this book suggests, he is a bit fixated on stories of murder, madness and obsession, particularly the latter). David Grann is very good at what he does, and this collection is proof of that. All the essays in this book have been previously published in newspapers and magazines, including the two essays that gave the inspiration for the mashed-up title (“Mysterious […]
This review is very late.
So now y’all know just exactly how far behind I am in my reviews. We read this book back in June? I think? Effff, I wish I would have written this review back then. I had so many thoughts!! Now, they are mostly all gone. GONE I TELL YOU, like piss in the wind. Sorry, that was vulgar. Sometimes I am vulgar. It should pass. But you know what, I’m feeling in the mood right now. I’m full of it. What you might call piss […]
Not Northern Exposure, Exactly
Best for: People about to visit or who have just visited rural Alaska; people who like short slice-of-life stories. In a nutshell: Obituary writer and Haines resident shares stories of life in a rural Alaskan town. Line that sticks with me: “Following an old Haines rule, we dressed for the weather, not the vehicle.” p 19 Why I chose it: Two weeks ago I was on a cruise in Southeast Alaska, and took an excursion through Haines. It was a gorgeous part of the country, […]
Delightful and Deep
Best for: People who enjoy strong, witty writers who are able to handle fluffy and serious topics with equal finesse. In a nutshell: Scaachi Koul shares some snipets of her life as the child of Indian immigrant now living in Canada. Line that sticks with me: “It changes you, when you see someone similar to you, doing the thing you might want to do yourself.” (p 123) Why I chose it: Because Lindy West, Jessica Valenti and Samantha Irby can’t all be wrong. Review: I’d […]