mostly harmless books

After postal troubles (again), my New Weird is finally here. With the special dedication Horia was telling me about.
(Since I couldn’t be there at the launch, Horia got the autograph for me and then mailed me the book. Two times even, because the first attempt was thwarted by the idiots at my post office.)

It’s going to be read and written about at some point, but not quite now as I just started two books (Vellum and Snow Crash, for the curious).

Anyway, here’s my book and its adorable “new weird” kitty.

Still alive. Read a lot while on holiday (though only one spec fic - Duma Key - and one slightly related - On Writing - both my Stephen King).

Back home, lazy as hell and continuing to be blown away by Vellum. I’m reminded everyday of how many things I’m missing. I was researching a “today in history” column for work and I found out that 10 years ago today Matthew Shepard was attacked and left for dead. Who the hell is he? An inspiration? Parallel? Alter-ego? of Thomas/Puck, mentioned in a brief scene that stuck with me for its cruelty. I suspected he was a real person, but I didn’t know the events were exactly as described in the book.

This thing needs a dictionary, a glossary, a companion book, something. I get so many things and yet the full picture escapes me. I’m hoping it will make more sense after Ink, but I’m not really counting on it. The review/thoughts on this will be extremely messed up.

I’m seriously envying Horia for getting to meet Hal Duncan. When I grow up I’m going to have the time & money to go to all the conventions I want.