pickVanderMeer and his Southern Reach series is a study in the surreal. This installment is the ‘prequel‘. We start a point that still has anchor between Area X and the ‘lost coast‘ (Florida area, I think). We start with spies and gators and the creeping distortions of another universe. We are then transitioned into the spear provoking the events of Annihilation and beyond. Excellent. Must read other books before to fully enjoy this one.
Happy Birthday, Lynn! I hope your day is filled with all your very favourite things! 📚🎂📚🎂📚
#49bdaygiveaway
pickAnyone reading this has probably already read the first three Southern Reach novels and so has some idea what to expect: a trippy mind-bending story, this time set in the days before the Forgotten Coast became known as Area X. It was a fascinating read, but I have to admit the first thing I did after closing it was to find a reddit thread discussing what it all might mean. Immersive and vivid, but not a light read!
pan⭐️⭐️ The #SouthernReachTrilogy did not need a “surprise 4th volume.” The final section was an utterly ridiculous stream of consciousness with what felt like 2000 f-bombs. The story got lost in f*cks. Literally. Truly a bad artistic choice. Additionally, I‘m no less confused now than I was after reading the original trilogy. Unsuccessful expeditions, weird rabbits, cryptic eyes, word-writing moss. I don‘t care about Area X anymore.
so-soNot sure if it was me or the book? It has some strong moments, especially the bunnies or the last story, but was also dry and did not engage me over long(er) periods. To me it wasn't as strong as the first three books. But at least the book itself is a beauty.
If you have read the Southern Reach trilogy you can read this book, but don't have to. If you're unfamiliar with the trilogy, I would start there first.
panI‘m not sure why I finished this one—maybe out of spite? It‘s a collection of short stories in a style that is a mixture of the worst aspects of hard-boiled detective stories, Lovecraft, and sometimes Hemingway. Very macho characters who are very proud of their penises. The stories are not even scary, just annoying.
so-soWhile I loved the first few stories, the last half felt like it had nothing to do with the rest and was only added because Chambers had them done and wanted them published. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ photo featuring a curious Goblin #catsoflitsy
@AshRob22 !! Thank you so much for this AMAZING #HauntedHollowSwap package! The “reading ghost” cross-stitch is absolutely stunning. I adore it!
You chose some perfect reads for me and I love everything else: the hair scrunchies, pumpkin mug, earrings, bookmark, skeletal servers 😆, and candies! Perfection! Happy Halloween, friend! 🎃🎃🎃
Thank you once again, @wanderinglynn , for organizing this great swap! 🎃🎃🎃
#HHS #HHS24
Some potential late October spooky reads.
