Customer Reviews

Campfire Legends

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I read this book because I was crazy about John Long's embellished-autobiographical "Gorilla Monsoon" and wanted to read more of his work. "Campfire Legends" is his anthology of "twisted tales". It includes three of his stories, each delivering a solid visceral punch, at the same time being clever, concise, unique and fun to read. They're deserving of being "classics", included as part of other editors' anthologies in this genre. J.L.'s editorial skill in choosing the other 30 entries was a joy as well: I'd get knocked down flat by a story, then would be allowed to recover (slightly) with a more light-hearted, but perhaps still macabre, tale (should be read in order). Some of the prose or poetry was familiar, but was was well worth re-reading. Others pieces were "classics" I had missed. In my estimation, the lower cut-off for readers would be about 12 years of age, with a good sense of irony already in place being a prerequisite. Otherwise, it is highly recommended for anyone who wants to be enthralled while groaning at the inescapable convolutions of life resulting from acting on human emotions and needs. And it's always great fun to be inside John Long's mind.