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Life in Crisis: What to Read in Uncertain Times

It is the fourth month of 2020 and instead of the gleaming future long promised by various avenues of media and pop culture we find ourselves deep in a global pandemic. This is an unprecedented moment that has no neat resolution on the horizon and in the meantime humanity is united by our individual isolations in quarantine. What do you read in times like this? Is it even possible to distract ourselves in this period of crisis? In lieu of my regular planned TBR I  thought it was more fitting to offer a list of what I think are compelling, comforting reading choices for the current moment. I'm only human and though current events are weighing on me I will try to maintain this blog as a source of entertainment and escape. Be well. Be safe.

1) V For Vendetta
Vertigo's paperback reissue
Alan Moore's seminal dystopian indictment of the Thatcher era grows ever relevant. More than that it's a testament to what's worth fighting for and the strength of the human spirit. At turns chillingly plausible, thrilling, and heartbreakingly beautiful this graphic novel is a bright light for dark times.

2) Night Shift 
Signet's original paperback edition
Stephen King's first and in some opinions best short story collection features some of his most recognizable material. Children of the Corn, The Mangler, Graveyard Shift and several other stories would go on to become film adaptations of various quality but what makes this collection sing is it's variety. King is a writer on the cusp in this collection. Reading the stories you're aware he's new at this but that's not a disservice. If anything it's a blueprint of the potential he had at this point as well as a spotlight on the strengths he'd develop. He had a limberness and openness to subject in the early part of his career that shines brightly here. From creepy cults, B movie monsters, crushing regret, personal drama, white knuckle thriller and more this collection has a dazzling spread of short fiction. Infinitely readable this an excellent gateway to King's fiction and a good book to read across multiple sittings.

3) Sabriel
US mass market  paperback edition
The first in Australian author Garth Nix's Old Kingdom trilogy, Sabriel is a refreshing dark fantasy. Technically a YA novel this tale of necromancy good and bad has an immersive world, a strong heroine, and excellent horror set pieces. Blending classical death mythos with its own mysticism and ideas on magic Sabriel is an excellent choice if you're looking for a lived in fantasy realm that isn't interested in upholding YA tropes.

4) Lizard
First English paperback
Written in the early 90's Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto produced this slim magical realism infused short story collection. In many ways the people who inhabit these stories are in turmoil. The Japan of the 1990's pressurized its 20 somethings between the weight of traditionalist culture and Western ideas and freedoms but this is just the background. Ultimately, these six stories are about various forms of love and finding healing. Filled with lush imagery and young people trying to figure life out this criminally forgotten collection is worth seeking out. The title story and Dreaming of Kimchee are especially romantic and opening story Newlywed is hilariously surreal. If you want something decidedly different to read this collection would be a good choice.

Well those are my humble suggestions for possible reading during this time. If you like what you're reading the best way to be alerted to the latest here is to follow or subscribe to this blog. As always, til next time!
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