As with any anthology, I liked / was grossed out by some stories more than others, but the majority here are great if you're into short splatterpunk. As with any anthology, I liked / was grossed out by some stories more than others, but the majority here are great if you're into short splatterpunk. There is a lot of raw talent among these authors, though sometimes grammar errors distract from it. Stick around after the credits for a bonus story!...more
My favourite book about buying illegal bugs with bitcoin.
I heard about this book from Mr. Frank on the Bizzong podcast, who named it his favourite bizMy favourite book about buying illegal bugs with bitcoin.
I heard about this book from Mr. Frank on the Bizzong podcast, who named it his favourite bizarro novel of the year. Mr. Frank has good taste.
George Billions has a sort of effortless style that makes the novel easy to read as it moves along at a good pace. I think “pace” applies differently to the bizarro genre. Bizarro stories risk blowing their loads too early, starting off with an outlandish premise, which makes for a flat arc where it’s just weird followed by more weird.
I prefer what Billions has done here, which is to start with a rather innocuous stoner predicament and a trendy topic rooted in the real world, then gradually ramping up the weirdness.
I highly recommend giving this odd little book a chance....more
Fourth-wall breaking meta-fiction commenting on events that happened days before. It's amazing that we live in a time when this book can exist. Plus, Fourth-wall breaking meta-fiction commenting on events that happened days before. It's amazing that we live in a time when this book can exist. Plus, it's actually fun to read, especially if you are familiar with the larger Tingleverse (which includes Chuck's social media feeds in addition to his past books). I hope he wins!...more
A book called "Toilet Baby" could have easily devolved into gross-out shocks and potty humour. What's remarkable is that it's instead played relativelA book called "Toilet Baby" could have easily devolved into gross-out shocks and potty humour. What's remarkable is that it's instead played relatively straight, taking its bizarro premise seriously enough that the characters are worth caring about. It's even kinda heart-warming in places.
The plot is mostly predictable, but plays out with strong writing and weird ideas on every page. I will now think of Shane McKenzie every time I poop....more
This is akin to a collection of B-sides that compliment Rayner's primary works. With such a large number of short stories and blog posts, he is free tThis is akin to a collection of B-sides that compliment Rayner's primary works. With such a large number of short stories and blog posts, he is free to experiment with bizarre concepts that couldn't have stood on their own. That's both a blessing and a curse, leading to a hit-and-miss collection. However, it's more hit than miss, and definitely worth a read if you're down with Rayner's strange style of humour....more
A collection of bizarre short stories with underlying themes that tie them together. Some of the ideas are brilliant, and would be enough to sustain aA collection of bizarre short stories with underlying themes that tie them together. Some of the ideas are brilliant, and would be enough to sustain a whole novel, though sometimes it's nice to see a concept exit the stage before it wears out its welcome. The simple writing explores some complex territory, and even the weaker stories are unique enough to take a brief ride with. I enjoyed the hell out of each one....more
Bizarro at its purest. I enjoyed this short read, partially because asses never cease to be funny, and partially because there are more serious themesBizarro at its purest. I enjoyed this short read, partially because asses never cease to be funny, and partially because there are more serious themes at work if you care to look for them. Sometimes it gets so bizarre that it's hard to follow what is even going on, and I think it has more to do with unclear writing than intentional ambiguity. More hit than miss though, and well worth reading if you enjoy butts and/or asses....more
Some truly laugh-out-loud moments and situations. They're connected by only the loosest plot, which never really goes anywhere, but the ride is enjoyaSome truly laugh-out-loud moments and situations. They're connected by only the loosest plot, which never really goes anywhere, but the ride is enjoyable enough that it doesn't matter....more
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