Emerging Writers Network: Not Quite Long Enough to be Considered Mini-Reviews

Nice Things Said Re: EWN

"Dan Wickett is serious about a good read. But the EWN email list doesn't just deliver his sure-footed reviews; it also brings you news and connections to other writers. Sign up now - he understands what readers want to know about books." Quinn Dalton, author, Bulletproof Girl
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"Mr. Wickett is that rarely heard from but best of all possible reviewers - the dedicated and knowledgeable fan. He writes clean-cutting and fresh reviews that represent a sensibility unspoiled by over-exposure to the biz of books, but deeply in love with them." Daniel Woodrell, author, Winter's Bone
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"Dan Wickett is a reader's best friend. Not only does he read and trenchantly review new work, but he looks back to books that deserve ongoing readership. I've lost track of the number of times he's led me to boks that I overlooked (or never knew about), and that were a delight. There aren't many reviewers I will let shape my library, but Dan Wickett is one." Erin McGraw, author, The Baby Tree

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September 09, 2011

Not Quite Long Enough to be Considered Mini-Reviews

But as far behind as I am, these might just have to do for the short term--to keep everybody in the loop as to what is out there, about to be out there, etc. that you should be looking for:

Ablutions by Patrick deWitt - set in a bar with a pretty unique viewpoint, one that HAD to be written well to keep a reader's attention--he succeeded, 4 stars

Hustle by Jason Skipper - Music, family, redemption. A more than solid coming-of-age tale, 4 stars

Assumption by Percival Everett - This one is closer to a mystery, or small series of mysteries, than I think Everett has written before, and as usual, he's created a compelling group of characters, setting and plot. 4.5 stars

Erasure by Percival Everett -- a re-read of this reprint. I might have enjoyed it more than I did half a decade ago when reading it jump-started me into finding and reading everything the man has written, 5 stars

The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock - his debut novel takes up where Knockemstiff left off--hard living folks in small OH towns, and some drifting into West Virginia as well. A trio of stories really that blend in and out of being one larger story. DRP has created some people you are more than happy you only meet on the page, 4 stars

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt--the Man Booker folks made a great decision here. Just a great book from the fantastic front cover on to the very end, 5 stars

Three to See the King by Magnus Mills - I LOVED this one too. Some interesting looks (I believe) at religion, our place in society, and a completely unique setting that may or may not be from our current world (and I don't believe it matters which the case is) done in Mills' pretty unique way of writing and telling stories. 4.5 stars

A Cruel Bird Came to the Nest and Looked In by Magnus Mills - sorry to tease those who love his writing as this is UK available only at the current time. A completely different world this time, but this is very allegorical and thought provoking about top dog societies and some of the structures they set their lives to. 4.5 stars