I got on the library queue for this book because I knew that it contains “The Monarch of the Glen,” which is the novella follow-up to American Gods. I am committed to my American Gods love, and wanted to complete my library of knowledge of all things Shadow. But this book, oh, this wonderful book. It’s a collection of some of the most beautiful poetry and short stories, in perfect Gaiman-ian language, set in dark landscapes that are undeniably his. I could pick these works […]
When I’m Missing My Dad, I Read This
Everything about my dad was big. Even without an arm, leg and three fingers (Vietnam injuries), he rode a motorcycle (modified of course), was part of a biker gang, had curse words tattooed on his arm(! that went over well in private school, believe me!!!) and everyone who has ever met him has had a story about him. He was an imposing man, with a giant beard and a very loud voice (also probably due to becoming a bit hard of hearing in Vietnam). He […]
A Study of Grief You Need to Experience
“Wow.” That was me when my husband, seeing me turn the last page of Levels of Life and close the book, asked me “How was it?” I didn’t elaborate very much except to say, “You really need to read this,” with the added disclaimer, “but you might find it distressing.” How to describe Levels of Life? The book is divided into three parts: essentially, three essays that spin from the book’s premise, “You put together two things that have not been put together before. And […]