Monday 6 July 2009

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.



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11 comments:

The Gongman said...

Been on the outside looking in for a while,now must admit to an addiction to your blog.

Given your prediliction for paper bags I think you may find this really interesting....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4DV2wMXxKs&feature=channel_page

Thanks for the joy.

La Bête said...

Gongman, thank you so much, for your link, which was very interesting, and for your comment, which came at exactly the right moment.

Ooh, I've just been watching you play the Jew's Harp, or guimbarde (new word for me - thanks for that). That's pretty nifty. And made from an umbrella! Thank you for the joy.

Tish said...

I bought The Road on your recommnedation. It is really tough going. I'm not sure I'm strong enough. :( I might wait for the film, and then walk out halfway through.

Canuckian's Evil Twin said...

canada am??? you'll have to let those residing in canada (i.e. me) know when the segment is broadcast! can't wait. maybe your face will be pixelated.

oatmeal girl said...

Canada? So near and yet so far... I don't suppose the U.S. would consider letting you in... we're a much nicer place these days... in fact, a much nicer place since January 20th.

If you make it down to Washington, DC or thereabouts, do let me know.

Beleaguered Squirrel said...

That link was really beautiful, and interesting... and yet, distracted mind that I have, I became utterly obsessed with how come it seemed that there were cars, buses etc driving across a flight of steps. It must have been something to do with perspective, or reflections, or maybe two films layered on top of each other, but I couldn't make sense of it and I know it will be one of those forever-unanswered questions.

The world is full of 'em.

gongman said...

Beleaguered Squirrel

I thought I had the answer to your unanswerable question.Not steps,but a zebra crossing.But then I realised there are no zebras in Japan.......

Beleaguered Squirrel said...

...and anyway you can see the shadows made by the risers. Or at least, I think you can.

Beleaguered Squirrel said...

It is, it's a zebra crossing!

I had to watch it twice more to confirm that though. I was so sure it was steps.

Cor blimey, I dunno, me and my random obsessions. Will shut up about it now.

literary_spy said...

Can't believe you're calling me heartless! After I gave you a raving review;) ...and gutsy according to Collins Thesaurus means: brave, determined, spirited, bold, have-a-go, courageous, feisty, gallant...etc.

La Bête said...

Tish, you big wuss. Stick with it! It has a happy ending. Kind of.

CET, I’ll let you know.

OG, I’m not actually going anywhere – well, maybe London, where it would be recorded. But I will let you know if I ever make it down to Washington. I’ve heard it’s a very dull place. Is that so?

Will shut up about it now.
- Will you though, BS? I bet you don’t.

Hi, Spy! Hee hee.