Recent Readings (and other literary talk)

[Necron 99]

I don't know if anyone else ran across this when the Kickstarter was going on, however it has unfortunately already ended. The KS creators are looking to provide direct sales from their website after they get everything sorted out for the KS for anyone interested that missed out.

I managed to get a pledge in for the hardcover copy, looking forward to reading it.

From the Kickstarter page:

In 1938, acclaimed science fiction author John W. Campbell published the novella Who Goes There?, about a team of scientists in Antarctica who discover and are terrorized by a monstrous, shape-shifting alien entity. The story would later be adapted into John Carpenter's iconic movie The Thing (following an earlier film adaptation in 1951). The published novella was actually an abridged version of Campbell's original story, called Frozen Hell, which had to be shortened for publication. The Frozen Hell manuscript remained unknown and unpublished for decades, and it was only recently rediscovered. Frozen Hell expands the Thing story dramatically, giving vital backstory and context to an already incredible tale. We are pleased and honored to offer Frozen Hell to you now, as Campbell intended it. You will be among the first people to ever read this completed version of the story.

[grodog]

I picked this up for Ethan for his birthday in April---he really likes The Thing

Allan.

[Necron 99]

I picked this up for Ethan for his birthday in April---he really likes The Thing

Allan.

Wait, so the book is already available? I was under the assumption this was the first release, or are you talking about the shorter version, Who Goes There?

[grodog]

I picked this up for Ethan for his birthday in April---he really likes The Thing

Allan.

Wait, so the book is already available? I was under the assumption this was the first release, or are you talking about the shorter version, Who Goes There?

Sorry I wasn't clear, Jay: I backed the KS to give the book to Ethan for his birthday. I don't have it yet

Allan.

[Necron 99]

Sorry I wasn't clear, Jay: I backed the KS to give the book to Ethan for his birthday. I don't have it yet

Allan.

Ok, that makes way more sense. Has Ethan watched both Carpenter's 1982 version and the 1951 The Thing from Another World?

I remember catching a glimpse of the 1982 version when my dad watched it, I was 8 then and not into creepy/horror movies at at all so it was years later before I actually watched Carpenter's. I remember my dad showing me the 1951 version which I enjoyed watching several times.

[grodog]

Ok, that makes way more sense. Has Ethan watched both Carpenter's 1982 version and the 1951 The Thing from Another World?

Yes, The Thing was part of the mix of leading into him watching Alien and Aliens. IIRC it was the last one hurdle before those titles.

We haven't watched the 1951 version, I'm not sure whether I've ever seen it. Will have to check IMDB!

Allan.

[Necron 99]

Since this applies to both movie and books, I didn't tag it for either.

Ok, so last night I watched the movie, The House with a Clock in Its Walls starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett. Overall, I liked it, it has supernatural elements dealing with magic (warlocks and witches) both good and bad. The brief synopsis is that the orphaned nephew of a warlock comes to live with his uncle and finds out about magic, learns to use it, then helps save the world from an evil warlock raised from the dead. There are some nice special effects and some weird, creepy moments, along with some comedy and such. It's definitely suited for younger (8-10+) kids along with adults, no profanity or gross stuff.

If anyone hasn't seen the trailer, it's here:


All of that said, it's based on the novel of the same title written by the author John Bellairs. Admittedly, I have not actually read the book, though I have read the majority of Bellairs' other books. Back in middle school and later high school, Bellairs' was one of my favorite authors. His books always featured a duo or trio of characters, one or more usually versed in or familiar with magic and the supernatural. Together, they would find a way to stop or overcome a foe or foes, usually an evil wizard or similar entities. Bellairs' different lines of books always featured one of three protagonists, either Lewis Barnavelt, Anthony Monday, or my personal favorite Johnny Dixon.

Unfortunately, John Bellairs passed away in 1991 at the age of 53 which was a real shame in my opinion. The author Brad Strickland picked up some of the unfinished works that Bellairs had not published and completed them. Most of these I can say, I have not read so I'm not sure if the spirit of John can be felt in Strickland's writing.

I haven't revisited any of Bellairs' books since college but may take the time to re-read some of them given the spare time.

One of the unique aspects that I really loved about the original books, was illustrations by Edward Gorey. He did the covers for the vast majority that I have read and enjoyed; imo, his covers really evoked the atmosphere that Bellairs portrayed in his writing. Unfortunately, you won't find Gorey's work on the newer prints of any books, which is a shame.

Here are some examples:

[grodog]

I love Gorey's work, had no idea that he's illustrated anything by Bellairs. I've only read Bellairs' The Face in the Frost, and the printing I own features a typical '80s-style fantasy cover:



It's good to hear that his other books are worthwhile too, will have to keep an eye out for them!

Allan.

[Necron 99]

The Face in the Frost is one of the earlier works that I also haven't read, at some point I need to give it a shot. Even though it's not a Gorey cover, I have to say I dig that one. Definitely has the 80s fantasy vibe.

[rredmond]

I have yet to see the movie, but I found the book very good.
It was surprising poignant for a YA book, on top of it's fantasy/mystery aspect. I believe my 11yo cried
But eventually I'll have to see the movie.