1940: Final Blackout by L. Ron Hubbard
October 2, 2008
Few founders of religions were as skilled and prolific authours as L. Ron Hubbard. Jesus wrote one book, and He’s been milkin’ it for two thousand years. Bhudda scribed some semi-pithy stuff, but nothing I’d buy in hardcover. And while Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Turuki’s series of novels about teenage babysitters who also run a detective agency is passable, it’s mostly ghostwritten by Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo. Hubbard’s the way to go. And if you’re going with Hubbard, give Final Blackout a try.
On a scale of famous Scientologists ranging from Edgar Winter to Tom Cruise, this book is: Beck.
In Mexico they call him ‘El Ron Hubbard’.
1954: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
June 17, 2008
The last man on earth is holed up in his house trying to survive against his former friends and neighbors, who are now vampires. The worst thing about having neighbors who are vampires is that, after they bite you, they borrow your lawnmower and never return it. Plus, their vampire kids invite their vampire friends over and have a big vampire party where they blare Vampire Weekend all weekend. Back to the book: read it and see why I Am Legend is I-am-legendary. Recommended.
On a scale of things that suck ranging from leeches to the Dyson vacuum cleaner, this book is: the film adaptation of this book.
No fair! You were Legend last time!
1957: On The Beach by Nevil Shute
March 17, 2008
Australia. In the wake of a nuclear war, a small group of survivours struggle through the challenges of daily life, grimly secure in the inevitability of their imminent deaths. Together, they form a sad, poignant and inspiring tableau of life at the end of the nuclear age. I’m speaking, of course, about The Road Warrior. I love that movie. I think that’s where Nevil Shute got the idea for this book. A good case for banning the bomb.
On a scale of radiation sickness ranging from mild nausea to immediate death, this book is: sterility and some bleeding.
Shute:The Ayatollah Of Arms Control-a.
1959: A Canticle For Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
January 17, 2008
A nuke war causes modern society to revert to bleak monasticism, which, over thousands of years evolves into a modern society, which once again launches a nuke war, which starts the whole silly cycle over again. Or as Cypress Hill said, ‘What go around come around, kid.’ This book is a brilliant commentary on organized religion’s pros (provides strength during difficult times) and cons (priest may diddle you in church kitchen; if kitchen in use, supply cupboard) and answers the age-old question as to which of the faiths pleases God the most (Sorry, Jews). Highly recommended.
On a scale of fallen civilizations ranging from the Incan to the Aztec, this book is: the Norte-Chico.
‘Celibacy, Poverty and Silence. How may I direct your call?’
