Jake Marley

Insightful, Charming, and FUNNY

Revisado: 09-15-22

I'm a fan of Tom Segura's comedy. I'm biased. I love the hour-comedy specials I've seen on Netflix and I've listened to his albums on Amazon Music repeatedly. (Check out WHITE GIRLS IN CORN ROWS and THRILLED for more of his comedy!) I've spent hours listening to his podcasts and I quote him on the daily.

I'D LIKE TO PLAY ALONE, PLEASE is a fantastic collection of essays about Tom and his life, and listening to it is like hanging out with him for six hours while he shares stories with you. (Sure, the guy dominates the conversation and doesn't seem to hear you when you try and jump in with your own anecdote, but whatever--at least he's entertaining.)

And, yeah, this book really is entertaining. It's also heartfelt and genuine. He even goes so far in one essay as to explain why being sincere in his community Is difficult for a lot of his peers. Still, in all sincerity, Tom opens up his life for us to get to see what made him funny, and what inspired him to share that humor with the rest of us.

Highly, highly recommend it!

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A Spectacular Classic of Wonders

Revisado: 01-27-22

Certain books can haunt their readers with memories of a life lived in its pages, of people and places they've never met, but neither will they ever forget.

Thomas and Saxony--two of the most unique characters in fiction--drive to Galen, Missouri to work on the biography of their favorite children's book author, Marshall France. What they find in Galen is the kind of magical strangeness that makes Jonathan Carroll not only a cult writer of fantastic fiction, but a true legend of the form.

Pairing Carroll's writing with the charming, comfortable voice of Eduardo Ballerini is like pairing peanut butter and chocolate. Perfect in every way.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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My New Favorite Book

Revisado: 07-08-21

This isn't a How To Write book, but a How To Be a Writer book. Straczynski's charming honesty and his willingness to share failures along with his successes makes this an invaluable book to any new or established writers. I bought it on a whim--I've read quite a few comics by J. Michael Straczynski, but I've never seen Babylon 5--and as I listened to his advice and experiences, I was shocked to realize that I had found a portable mentor. He's insightful and encouraging, and for someone like me, this book was EXACTLY what I needed. There's HEART in these pages. If I ever get a chance to meet the man, I'm going to thank him. There are parts of this book that I won't forget, and even though I just finished it, I'm starting it up again.

If you want books on craft, I recommend THRILL ME by Benjamin Percy and ON WRITING by Stephen King . . . but then come get this book, and Straczynski will tell you how to take what you've learned and apply it to a life where you can BE a writer.

Highly recommended.

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I LOVE this series!

Revisado: 10-30-20

Elizabeth Hand is the kind of writer who can show you the world through whatever lens she chooses, and if you're wired for her Cass Neary novels, if you're tuned into the sharp shadows and dim light, then you are in for a deliciously dark treat. Thrillers bordering on horror, touched with ethereal descriptions. Black magic hidden in the wings of ravens and in the hearts of each character. THE BOOK OF LAMPS AND BANNERS continues Cass's saga through the desolation of the northern Atlantic, and for me, as a reader, it's as if this series is written in code that connects directly to my heart. It's a wild ride, and a huge step above and beyond the average cop or detective thriller you might be growing tired of.

This one's a keeper, no doubt. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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My Favorite Novel

Revisado: 10-27-20

This is a spectacular recording of my favorite novel. Cass Neary is the Ghost of Punk (figuratively speaking), barely haunting the world in a post-9/11 NYC. When she's offered a gig to interview one of her dark photography heroes, Cass gets caught up in a thriller of damaged hearts and desolate islands of the Maine coast.

Elizabeth Hand's writing is needle-sharp, and her eclectic cast of characters--Cass most of all--comes to life with the voice of Carol Monda.

If you find the darkness beautiful and the music you hear in your head has a heart-racing drumbeat, give this book a chance. It's the first of a series, and it's unforgettable. I've listened to this recording a few times now, and it gets better every run through.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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A dervish of a thriller

Revisado: 10-07-20

Elizabeth Hand is one of the best authors we have, and this stand-alone mystery is a charming, shocking, and gorgeously-written example of her greatest strengths. Hand is a world-builder who has turned her eye for the fantastic toward the era of silent movies, straw boaters, and early amusement parks. She's also interested in complex heroes who dream of breaking free of societal "norms" and living life on their terms.

Carol Monda is an incredible reader. She's the perfect voice to pair with Eiizabeth Hand's words, and any of the audiobooks available here are well-worth a listen.

I'd been saving this one since its release, and it was worth the wait. If you're looking for something unique, give this book a shot. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Humanity is one crisis away from chaos

Revisado: 06-22-20

First off, I don't agree with others who dislike Judy Greer reading the journals. She's got the perfect vibe for that character--a 21st Century SoCal neurotic transplanted to an Eco-Technology village in the Pacific Northwest. She's wonderful.

Second, the story succeeds in reminding me why Max Brooks needs to keep writing novels. His uniquely strange imagination dissects our world and peels it back, exposing a darker, more primal humanity. Much like World War Z, Brooks finds individual perspectives to narrate his stories. He's a sharp writer, perfect for audio translation, and his world feels fully realized.

Third, it never tries to hide that it's a Bigfoot novel. If you're looking for the zipper in the ape suit, you will not find it here.

Highly recommended.

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Bizarre, Gruesome, Wonderful, & Wondrous

Revisado: 05-11-20

I've never read a book like this, but I want MORE. It's a dark fantasy-horror-sci-fi-adventure-mystery with more unique ideas per page than anything else I've read this year. I know it's only the first book in a planned series, but it is satisfying on it's own, and totally worth a purchase.

Fun as hell. Fascinating. Nasty in all the best ways. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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A beautiful book of secrets and monsters

Revisado: 04-14-20

Gwendolyn Kiste is one hell of a writer, and THE RUST MAIDENS is one hell of a book. Utterly original, full of heart and heartbreak, I've enjoyed this book three times since its release (twice in print, once with this audiobook), and I'm positive I'll be adding this recording to my re-listen rotation.

Highly recommended!

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Small Town Horrors in the Pacific Northwest

Revisado: 04-14-20

I love this writer, and I love this book. KNOCK KNOCK crawls under your skin. It creeps into your nightmares. It is a haunting novel, full of secrets and childhood pacts and unforgiving curses. Come to Skillute, WA. Stay awhile!

Highly recommended!

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