You may have missed: Pretty Monsters

And we’re back to extraordinary books whose profile should only be increased. You’ve heard me talk about this one before. And as one of my all time favourites, Pretty Monsters has it all.

Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link

Those of you who follow me, will know that I mention Pretty Monsters about once a month, more often if I can help it. This is the book I’ve recommended to more than any other to my friends, family, and general people that I meet in the street (because it’s nice to recommend books to strangers). It’s a kaleidoscopic mess full of witches and Scrabble and second hand shops, librarians, and monsters and graveyards and girlfriends. For two weeks after I read this collection, I never wanted to write another word – because there was no point – all the best words had been put in perfect order. Some of the highlights of the collection include ‘Magic For Beginners’, ”The Faery Handbag’ and the title tale, ‘Pretty Monsters’ which won the Nebula Award for ‘Best Novella’.

Link’s distinctive style shouldn’t work. She meddles with the reader’s perception, she mixes genres, churns up the narrative structure and ends most of her stories three seconds into the third act. It leaves the reader extraordinarily unsatisfied, absolutely gasping for just a few words more. Kelly Link is dangerous, she makes you an addict and then calmly cuts off your supply. It’s genius, delicious, and cruel. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You can find more off the wall-amzingly-bonkers examples of her work at http://www.kellylink.net

What I’m Reading: Pretty Monsters

Happy New Year one and all! In honour of stepping into 2013 I took a bit of break from posting but I’m back and still reading non-stop. So for that reason, I’ve stepped back from reading something new and instead decided to re-read an old favourite- Kelly Link’s Pretty Monsters take it from me- if you haven’t already read it- then you completely should. It’s easily one of the best short story collections I’ve ever read. If you want librarians who challenge each other to sword fights, grandmothers who play scrabble, hats that have a habit of eating people and girls with goats heads- then this collection is the one for you.

I got my camera back!