Tuesday, July 8, 2008

For Your Consideration...

I considered several different books, but one refused to disappear from the back corners of my psyche, and it seems to have won out. My reasons for suggesting this book are many - the least being that it has received numerous awards including a listing as one of Time's best 100 novels, as well as a Hugo; the most being that I would like to discuss this book with other intellectuals (that is if I might group myself into such an elitist setup, or if I'm not invited to the party I'd like to think I would be jumping up and down at the window straining for a glance in...); but average reasons scatter into categories such as the two of you (I'm venturing a guess here) probably haven't read it.

Okay, so I have read this title, but only once a while ago, and I would voraciously welcome a chance to re-read it, and as I mentioned, rabidly discuss it with others (something I sadly lacked on the first go). So without further ado, I humbly propose the next book of Hack 'n Slash Monthly be Watchmen by Alan Moore/Dave Gibbons.

Its an odd book club choice. But really, who cares? Its fascinating, unusual, pertinent and also kind of disturbing. Let me add that while it is a graphic novel, it is not exactly a light read (in my experience Moore rarely relies on the images alone to get you through). It also seems apropos as the film version (which Moore has adamantly rejected as he does all films based on his works) comes out next year. Tell me your thoughts on this.

4 comments:

Jennie said...

Interesting selection, Peter! :) (Though after a quick Amazon search, this book seems to be closely connected with Batman, so I shouldn't be surprised. ;) ) I must admit, I've never actually read a graphic novel. I'm excited! Paul loves them, though...he might even want to read this one with us!

Did I pick the right cover for the picture on the side column?

Jennie said...

Ordered! :) I'll have it Thursday!

Petey said...

Yep. Perfect cover choice. Be warned however, while this is the story of super heros, this is also the graphic novel that is credited with proving to the world that a comic could have something to say...

And Paul should definitely read it with us!

Lisa said...

I'm excited! I tried to find it at the Boulder Bookstore on Tuesday, but they couldn't locate the one copy they were supposed to have, and now I'm in New Mexico. I see Christian Bale on a movie set tonight - my friend's dad is the producer . He's going to be in a water tank scene.

:-D