The new issue of Bookslut is up and I have the column and three other reviews. My column has quite the Bradburyesque theme - it's called "October Country" this time around and features titles with a bit of menace lurking in the storylines. The reading levels are a bit more varied this go-round - The Strange Adventures of Rangergirl was actually released as an adult title but I think it's great for older teens - but all of them work for the seasons of thrills and chills and stuff that goes bump in the night.

You get the idea.

I also reviewed Patricia McKillip's two latest fantasies: Od Magic and Solstice Wood. These were great on their own but also show her very broad range when it comes to fantasy. Solstice reads as urban fantasy (albeit in a small rural town) and Od Magic is firmly set in an imaginary world where magic is common (and even legislated). But McKillip pulls both off easily. The lush languge in Od really impressed me alot as well. It's gorgeous reading, in every sense of the word.

There's also Last of the Red Hot Poppas - one of those satirical political novels which includes murder and sex and intrigue but is funny - really funny. It helps that it's set in Louisiana and has a very strong Southern sensibility. Chin Music published this one, so it's gorgeous to look at, of course, as well. (Check out the book's site and see for yourself.)

And From Baghdad, With Love - one of the best war books I've read in ages. The review got chopped up a bit going through proofreading but should be fixed and fine by tomorrow. (It's missing about 5 paragraphs right now.) I can't recommend this one enough - whether you support the war or not. If you know someone who is a dog lover in particular then this is a must read.

Elsewhere in the issue, Jeff Vandemeer doesn't seem quite so taken with Alan Moore's Lost Girls. I think I'm going to pass on this one. I can't for the life of me figure out what Moore was really trying to do with this (not such a surprise) and although I'm sure it's gorgeous, there's an ick factor that might mitigate any appreciation I have for it. (I'm so pedestrian in my taste sometimes, I know.)

Jessa has a great interview with Neil Gaiman which reminds me that I have a Kathy Acker book downstairs from Serpent's Tail that I really want to read. And after reading the interview with Mark Danielewski now I know why I'm hopelessly behind on my writing:

What is a day of writing like for you? Do you have organized rhythms or a schedule or is it pretty much full-tilt all the time?

Up at 5:45. Workout. Meditate. 10 hours. 6 days a week.

Shit. I'm planning to get in my yoga tape today and maybe some bowflex time - but 10 hours of writing? Someone will need to take my child and pets and all other obligations away please. Man!