Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time


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D is for Disappointing

D (A Tale of Two Worlds) by Michel Faber

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Here’s the thing, I read a lot of books! I read a lot of genre fiction in particular, the sort that has set tropes and predictable story beats. The joy in reading a book whose overall plot I can guess based on the cover is the ways the author takes those expectations and subverts or enhances them. I love “through the door” stories!! I love how we get to explore our own worlds and beliefs when confronted with a topsy-turvy dimension. Which is why I […]

“Don’t limit your dreams, that’s what the school Careers Adviser said. Within reason.”

D: A Tale of Two Worlds by Michel Faber

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A fantasy novel about words and friendship that Neil Gaiman finds glorious? How could this go wrong? I was so excited to read this book, about what might happen when the letter D slowly starts disappearing from the world and only one young girl, Dhikilo Saxardiid Samawada Bentley, seems to notice. I know some people find it cutesy, but I happen to love stories with a warm, friendly narrator who enjoys wordplay and speaks directly to the reader. It’s why The Hobbit is my favourite […]

Left me cold

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Happy New Year, ‘ballers! This was my third Michel Faber novel. Overall I’ve enjoyed the books and also marveled at his ability to tackle seemingly anything. But…this was pretty thin. The idea is fantastic, but the execution left me unmoved. This guy finds a fifth gospel (“fire gospel” is an inflammatory [<—see what I did there!?] title suggested by a critic after incidents inspired by the guy’s subsequent translation & book). It’s an interesting concept: a pretty cool way to think about the relationship, or […]

It’s about Christian aliens. Or long distance relationships. I’m not sure.

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Peter is a pastor with a troubled past. He is married to Bea. When we’re introduced to them, they’re on their way to the airport. Peter is about to embark on a mission to another planet, where he is expected to bring the word of God to the natives. If you thought the two halves of a couple living in two different cities was tough on a relationship, try living on two different planets. Peter embraces his mission, while Bea struggles back at home. This […]



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