Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


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The Old Gringo and Bierce stories

The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes

The Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge and Other Stories by Ambrose Bierce

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The Old Gringo This is a 1985 novel by Carlos Fuentes. It takes place in the middle of the Mexican Revolution and begins with a stranger coming to town. The stranger is referred to as the “Gringo” or the “”old Gringo” for the entirety of the novel, and we’re told first what everyone in the town assumes about him, some of which ends up being true. We learn that he is tall and straight-backed, that he is washed, shaved, and perfumed, and that he has […]

The Devil’s Dictionary – sarcasm so biting it should come with a warning label

The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce

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Ambrose Bierce is one of the most underappreciated writers in history. Although a peer of Mark Twain’s, his works have not received the same level of scrutiny and appreciation as Mr. Clemens, which is a shame. Obviously, being a pseudo-dictionary, there really is not a plot or story to summarize within The Devil’s Dictionary. What is there is insight, cultural commentary and a wit so biting it could cleave armor. The edition that I have also includes illustrations by the brilliant Ralph Steadman who takes […]

If Uncle Stevie’s name is on it, odds are I’m going to read it.

Flight or Fright by Stephen King, Bev Vincent

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CBR11bingo #TheCollection Its no secret that I am not a huge fan of flying. I understand that it is the safest way to travel. But I usually choose to drive if I can. I like to be able to choose my own route, to leave when I want to leave, to stop when I want to stop. I like to be in control of my journey. I think the lack of that control in an airplane is part of what makes me uneasy. Oh, and […]



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