Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Our next book is Not the End of the World by Kate Atkinson

Equal parts comedy, tragedy, and myth, Atkinson's stories inevitably lead to utterly surprising conclusions. Meredith Zane, one of the legendary Zane sisters, known for their perfect teeth and far-flung travels, may have just discovered the secret of eternal life. Fielding, a burned-out media critic, suspects he has a doppelganger who is sullying his reputation - and having a much better time than Fielding ever has. Marianne is a young mother whose untimely end on a rainy highway doesn't necessarily keep her out of her family's life. Arthur, a neglected and precocious eight-year-old boy taken under the wing of an enigmatic nanny, discovers a world he never knew existed.

Come discuss Not the End of the World Saturday March 19th at the Main Library in the 3rd Floor Program Room at 11am. Feel free to bring food and drink. 

Friday, January 14, 2011

Some thoughts about Acme Novelty Library

- By satirizing comics collectors like "Rusty Brown" and "Chalky White" is Ware biting the hand that feeds?

- Does this book have a protagonist? Did you relate to any of the characters?

- Why design a book that is intentionally, physically, difficult to read?

- If you are familiar with the work of R.Crumb, how is Ware's work similar? How is it different?

- A lot of the story lines and fake ads are very dark satire. What is the point Ware is trying to make? Who or what is he satirizing?

In May of 2010, Ware was commissioned by Fortune Magazine to do a cover for their "Fortune 500" issue. Fortune rejected his cover but you can see it here.

Come discuss The Acme Novelty Library Saturday January 15th at the Main Library in the 3rd Floor Program Room at 11am. Feel free to bring food and drink.