My Scattered Thoughts

A few weeks ago I finished this latest book by Jesse Bullington. At this point, I’ll probably read just about everything he writes. He describes a 15th century Holland rich in a day-to-day grotesquerie. The beginning feels like a nod toward his first book, THE BROTHERS GROSSBART, but the violent gore subsides to a sort of throbbing undercurrent after that. Likewise, any supernatural elements are presented in a glancing, sidelong fashion, unlike the sorcerously soaked THE ENTERPRISE OF DEATH.

This book succeeds on the strange near-decency of its two protagonists, doing their best to survive and prosper in a completely insane world. A book like this makes me quite glad to be living in the 21st century.

 

Max is a balanced individual.

Things got real funny during our Spring Break week.

Max drew a really good Batman today.

…he makes stuff. Like this paper person he made for Sarah.

He doesn’t like being bored, but he does make cool things when he is.

The other day, Alice drew a picture. Sarah asked her what it was.

Alice said, “The Circle of Life.” Apparently, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

In the first story, “Beatrice”, a man falls in love with an airship. If that doesn’t whet your interest, then this book’s probably not for you. Other stories I found delightful: “Rebecka”, “Who is Arvid Pekon?”, “Augusta Prima”, and “Aunts”.

Also, I really like the cover of this book, each symbol of which relates to a story in the book.

 

I just found out that, after we moved to Portland, Alice said to Sarah: “Why’d you take me away from the beach?”

Needless to say, she was in heaven. Max had a good time too.

We went to see Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach.

Yeah, they pretty much own the ‘hood.