Lucci's List: Fall 2018

I might be one of the few who enjoys grey rainy days. I know it sounds cliche, but the transition from summer to autumn is much easier with cozy blankets and books.

Here are the first five books of fall for Lucci's List. They include true crime, science fiction, poetry, spirituality, and horror.

"The Evidence of Things Not Seen" by James Baldwin

This book is an important commentary on race relations in America. It explores the prejudice against black Americans in the judicial system by honing in on a murder trial from the early 1980s.

Although I believe the author's investigation and contemplation is valid, the writing style did not provoke me to read eagerly. At times the language and phrasing was lovely and powerful, but overall I did not find it cohesive.

"I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

The epic theme of man versus machine takes a provocative turn in this tale when the machine's man creates create philosophical chaos simply by operating as programmed.
This sci-fi story is poignant now as IT and robotics in our modern era have progressed beyond the pages of imagination.
Whether you are raising a child, attempting to reprogram your brain, or contemplating smart-homes and robotic assistance, you may be inspired to think deeper about the effects of language and communication within humanity and technology.

"Poetry for the Spiritual Soul" by Martha W. Brandt
Sensory and tactile, this poetry collection uses each artistically styled page to illustrate themes of hope, family love and pain, and mourning. Human nature blend with the natural world in these poems that will strike your heart with life we can all relate to. This is a viscerally enjoyable book to hold and read, moment by moment; page by page. I would recommend it particularly for women who could use a lovely moment of inspiration to connect themselves to the world. It would make a special gift for a teacher, nurse, doctor, caregiver, aunt, or any other heartful person in your life.

"The Four Agreements" by Miguel Ruiz
This book wasn't terrible, but it was vague, oversimplified, redundant, and seemed cliched and unoriginal to me. Overall it had a positive message, although I found myself disagreeing with some of the points.

"Salem’s Lot" by Stephen King

I have read short stories and compilations by Stephen King, and novels more adventure than horror, yet I am probably the only New Englander who never read Salem’s Lot. Until now.

Reading from a variety of genres is important to me. I do not consider myself a horror fan, however. H.P. Lovecraft? Yes. Please. More. I cannot get enough of the phantasmic worlds created by that dark legend. I have watched my share of Stephen King movies and television series. But I close my eyes and cover my ears during 2/3 of “The Walking Dead.” I like the adventure and characters, but not the gore.

Instead of borrowing this book from the library, I decided to try it out on audiobook. During the first several chapters, I laughed out loud a few times with my earbuds in. All was well and good.

Until I fell asleep.

And woke up yelling along with the main character.

At 3AM.

From there on I opted to continue it as a DAYTIME book.

I appreciate Stephen King’s brand of vampire: creepy, ghoulish, eerily calm, violent, floating and fading in a mysterious mist. Their thirst is horrifying. The tangled relationships between characters become laced with blood.

In true New England fashion, King managed to insert comical exchanges and pure Maine dialogue. This book had everything a good vampire story needs: fangs, screams, crucifixes (anytime the Church is involved in a horror story, it is a hundred times more scary for me), and absolutely no sparkly teenagers driving sports cars.

For those of you who like to read along with me, my next Lucci's List will include "Behind the Fan" by Caroline Walken, "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, "Saturday Night Dead"by F.H. Belfus-Bennett, "Fairy Tale Ending" by William F. Aicher, and "Calliope" by Katrina Fiorella. Finishing up October in Halloween style!