The Monday Review :: Unsound Bites

Haters, haters, look away, for this is self-fellaters day...

First up, I just did a phone interview with Christian radio station, TWR. I spoke to a chap called James, who was very pleasant, had actually read the book and even claimed to have enjoyed it. He said he didn’t expect to enjoy it. I said I didn’t expect him to enjoy it either, mostly because it’s not awfully complimentary about his god. Also, because it’s a bit fruity, and Christians generally don’t like fruit. It’s forbidden. So he asked me a bunch of questions and I gave him a bunch of answers. At one point I rambled for a bit, then asked him to remind me what the question was. He said it was fine, I’d answered it. ‘That was the sound bite we wanted,’ he said, and I swear, something inside of me died. Sadly, James didn’t suggest that I might not exist, which is a shame as I had a Jesus-themed response ready for that. Despite the sound bite thing though, it was fine. He said he’d let me know when it’s going to be broadcast.

In other news, I may be going to London later this week to appear on Canadian television. Canada AM to be precise. With a bag on my head. Or something.

Um…

Oh, and a couple more reviews on Amazon, one from literary spy who says:

‘This is a gem. One of those books that you want everyone you know to read - because it's so good. It's funny; it's challenging - it made me cringe and laugh and the twist at the end made me almost cry. The writing style is excellent. Stan has a unique voice and is really gutsy. You must read this book; it stays with you and you'll want to recommend it to your friends, too.’

To which I say, almost? Almost? Oh, Literary Spy. Have you no heart? And less of the gutsy if you don’t mind. Cycling is shrinking me daily.

And one from J Dutton, who writes, amongst other things:

‘I have just completed it after a few nights (and lunch breaks) of non-stop reading and have not laughed so much in a while… I would normally give my books away once finished...but nobody is getting this one! I intend to read it over and over, you'll just all have to buy your own!’

So that’s nice.

In other book news, I finished reading The Road last night. Crikey. I don’t think I’ve ever been so profoundly upset by a book. I think the most upsetting scene of all is when the cart is stolen from the beach and then the thief is discovered trundling down the road. I was with the boy on this. I thought the man let everybody down. I shall say no more – except! In the film, the thief is played by Michael K Williams, aka… Omar!



Awwww.