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"Those Who Wish Me Dead" by Michael Koryta When fourteen-year-old Jace Wilson witnesses a brutal murder, he's plunged into a new life, issued a false identity, and hidden in a wilderness skills program for troubled teens. The result is the start of a nightmare. Learn more | See related books
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There are supernatural elements in this book but they are almost secondary to the character development and the self-awareness of the first person narrator. A group of African Americans become inducted, almost reluctantly, into an esteemed secret society with a mission. Some harsh requirements, but it's better than the scraping by existence they were all leading. Their mission is to track the "gobelins" and find proof of them.
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I'm sort of torn on this book. The writing itself was good. Solid straightforward prose, interesting descriptions, and hearty dialogue. Yet, half of the time I had no idea what the characters were talking about nor what the hell was going on. There are vague references to spiritual and supernatural events. I can detect a religious undertone. I get the whole theme of those alienated by society getting a second chance. But I have no idea their purpose or what they are trying to achieve. The Washburn Library, Solomon Clay, Ricky becoming impregnated, his soul being devoured by cats? Not sure the message regarding any of these things. I'm sure there is a deeper meaning somewhere, but to me it is never really clear. When I reached the end of the book I felt unfulfilled. The book has a very mystical quality to it, which overall is very confusing. Yet the action kept moving and there were side stories that were somewhat interesting. I would have to reread the book to try to catch some of the hidden meanings. Not sure I would want to do that though.
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This is a fantastic novel. Though fairly short, and a fairly quick read, it's a big book: an ambitious story that touches on race, class, faith and the promise of America. The prose is clear and direct, and the clever structure serves the story so well it almost escapes notice. I can't recommend it enough.
The "Ralph Ellison meets Thomas Pynchon" blurb is probably what sold it to me, but I don't really agree. I'd say the closest comparison is Steve Erickson.
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well, this is not your everyday book. first of all, it doesn't make "logical" sense, so if that bothers you, don't read this. this is a made up story, pretty clearly, and involves some pretty tall tales. it makes sense within the story, it has its own internal logic. i think this would be classified as "magical realism".
the characters within the story reminds me of stories by authors like isabel allende, early barbara kingsolver, and kurt vonnegut- all great writers with fantastic imaginations. not very ordinary characters. maybe they came from the pages of junot diaz and ended up in the world of kurt vonnegut. that is quite a journey. but a journey that makes sense, within the framework of this storyline.
some of the story is heartbreaking, some is funny, all of it is strange, but in a good way....the writer is a great writer, that is very clear. i am not sure how to underline in my kindle, but there were certain passages i wanted to underline because they were written so well; some of the thoughts were so profound, and so poetic.
if you don't understand this story at first, i'd say: go with it, and you will be rewarded. this is a very special book, and the writer, clearly a very special writer. i'm going to look up his other books.
i actually was reading something on a sci-fi book site about a writer who has a book coming out featuring a devil in an insane asylum. the book sounded interesting, and the article mentioned one of the author's earlier books, called "big machine". i remembered i'd bought a book with that name some time ago, in a kindle free or .99 offer, and i found it in my kindle. book #378 of #689. yes, i have accumulated quite a few books, to say the least. and most are of that price range- cheap to free. i started reading "big machine" and found myself captured by the main character, invested in what happens to him..... and then the story got stranger and stranger, but i held on....so glad i did.
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I read this for the Quirky Brown Reading Challenge because it's horror fic and I thought it might be a good way to find my way into the labyrinth of books about people of color. As a (mostly) white reader, it's not easy to assimilate the cultural experiences of other races, particularly as they occur in my own country, so speculative fiction looked to be a good starting point since it's familiar ground for me.
I have to say that Victor LaValle takes no prisoners. Without actually placing any blame, he is unflinching in describing the lives of black Americans who have lived outside our social boundaries. The protagonist, Ricky Rice, is a dry junkie who nevertheless keeps a syringe and half a dozen bags of heroin nearby, just in case. Adele was a prostitute who encountered exactly the sort of john all hookers pray never to meet. And they have both suffered for who and what they are. Yet both seem aware that their pasts have made them stronger than most people ever imagine being, or having to be, and in this case, they're lucky that's true.
They both work for an organization which at first looks like your typical secret society with a mysterious head, and no clearly defined jobs, and with a near-religious aura, something Ricky is used to, having grown up, literally, in a strange Christian cult. Hesitant at first, Ricky takes to his new job and new place in life. He's smart and surprisingly well-educated, having been home schooled by his parents and the rest of the cult. He likes what he's doing, and when he has the opportunity to do more for the society, he accepts the assignment as a kind of honor. You have to know that's not going to end well, particularly when you begin to realize that this secret society is a lot different from what we're used to.Read more ›
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