long time

I am in the middle of a move that has taken a month so far. A move that caused me to have the worst birthday since the one when I got a root canal. Anyway, check me here for now. I review The Exquisite by Laird Hunt.

I will be back to blogging soon. Belated birthday wishes and gifts accepted.

no, you suck.

Someone got here by googling "aimee bender sucks."

Obviously this person meant to type "aimee bender rocks," but became distracted by their mother's voice or the mewling of their sixteen cats.

Today and tomorrow (and yesterday) I need to finish a boring project for a nice, helpful guy who is awesome. Even so, it is burning my brain and vocal chords and ears to do so much calling of busy folks. So, here I am, in my new place, using a disgusting old door for a desk and drinking a Coke.

My mother called me today and asked me what I was reading. For once, I had nothing to say. I am re-reading some stuff for bookslut and directions on sandpaper. Do bank statements count? I don't think my mom was impressed. We also talked about how much we hate baby showers, especially for relatives. I told her that she need not provide a detailed excuse for not going (she has a good reason beyond just being a misanthrope), and if they don't get it, then they are assholes.

I need some new books to read. Maybe I should force myself to write up some of those sidebar items before I can indulge in novel-ty. Any suggestions? I want something gripping and weird, but not gross for now. And for my birthday- what? It's coming up- I want a shitload of comics and sci-fi. No more books about New Yorkers please! Unless they are in space, underground or undead.

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I am flirting with a new book group but I really don't feel like reading their current selection. No Leonard Cohen right now. I guess he could qualify as undead, but even so...

Write me some comments for distraction. Any book suggestions? Has anyone read Apex Hides the Hurt by Colson Whitehead? What did you think?

the poe-poe

I am reading on and off a copy of all pf Poe's short fiction that I got a while back at the Strand. It is hefty and stinky and the only book in my new, tore-up apartment. I love his stuff and if you can get your eyes on the story "Bon-Bon," do so. I just read it while waiting to digest some powerful Indian food and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The devil makes an appearance and Poe's description of his look is ti-eeeet.

Now, if only I could force myself to read that Pym thing...

Check me at bookslut.

Also, B sent me this link with the subject: these are a few of your favorite things. It's good to know my butt buddy of so long knows I like books. (secretly: aww). I'd like to get out there to here some words from Colson Whitehead, Jennifer Egan (anyone have a copy of The Keep I can borrow?),Gary Shteyngart, Rich Cohen ( I revewed his great memoir/ sugar history here), and others, but I doubt I'll be able to get away from renovations and frustrated anger long enough to enjoy a panel.

I'll be back to review writing soon, I promise. I really want to tell you about a few books on my read list.

What do you want to tell me?

shout-out

just a little shout out to pinky.

she lives in pittsburgh, loves film noir and does kick ass interviews with authors.

please read her, and tell her carrie sent yinz.

some music

here is a new site that my friend Rebecca writes for: paperthinwalls

Check it out so she can keep getting paid.

***ETA:another incentive might be that you can download all their discussed songs for free...