What book are you chasing?
First, I’m not going to give you suggestions on the best ways to follow a shot of top-shelf whiskey. For those who feel mislead, I’m sorry to disappoint. Moving on…
The title of this post is actually a reference to the 1997 film Chasing Amy written and directed by Kevin Smith. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a pretty funny indie film currently available through Netflix Instant Streaming. And you might want to view it before I reveal this little tidbit that explains the origin of the title when no one in the film is named Amy.
*spoiler alert*
Towards the end of the movie the Silent Bob character, who is played by the director himself, gives a poignant monologue about how he messed up a good relationship with a woman named Amy over something that, in the scheme of things, was stupid. Now, he spends his days trying to find the same level of fulfillment he experienced with her. He’s constantly “Chasing Amy”.
I can’t relate to Silent Bob’s relationship woes because I’m happily married, but I’m a bit of a book whore. It occurred to me that I spend a lot of time trying to find a book that gives me the same level of fulfillment as certain other titles I’ve read over the years. I’m not the only one, and publishers know this, which is why when a book or series is successful, you immediately see a thousand clones (painfully obvious in YA right now with every other book aiming to be this week’s Hunger Games). Thing is, the clones almost never live up to the original*, so, sadly, the longing is never fulfilled.
That’s neither here nor there. See, for me personally, I think there is ONE book (MAYBE two) that moved me so much that I’m always trying to find a book that gives me the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction while disappointing me because I know it has to end. For me, it’s NIGHTWORLD by F. Paul Wilson (BLOOD BROTHERS by Steven Barnes is a close runner-up).
I read both books when I was 19 years old, and they CHANGED me, influencing my reading and writing habits ever since. Now, I spend everyday chasing Nightworld.
What about you? Any particular book that you can’t seem to get out of your system, no matter how many books you read? Please, let me know in the comments.
*If you know of a book that was an obvious clone of another, but somehow surpassed the original, please share. I’d be interested to check them out.
Hi L.R.!
Me, again! It’s been a while, right? I’ve been busy! Working, finishing undergrad school (finally), applying to grad school, and occassionally driving back and forth to GA to see the man in my life. lol.
So, to answer your question, I’d say “Live Again” will definitely be a book that I will be chasing for a while…not to stroke your ego or anything.
Unfortunately for me, I am not the type to be able to read a book over and over. I like books that are page turners and if I’ve already read it, it’s no longer a page turner for me.
So, when I considered your question, I had to think to myself…what book wouldn’t I mind reading, again? Well…nothing springs to mind. I’ve sat here for like 10 minutes trying to think of at least one title so that I can actually contribute to this post but…no such luck.
Sooo, I DID just read the “Vampire Huntress” graphic novel by L.A. Banks. I enjoyed it. I never read her novels so based on how much I enjoyed the graphic novel, I may check out the other works. The boyfriend has also just put me onto the ShadowMan comics…I think the 2nd reboot? The one with Michael Leroi. Boyfriend has taken a new interest in it due to the announced Valiant relaunch. So, I’ve read issues 1 – 4 of that and have enjoyed it, as well.
Any more awesome graphic novel recommendations from you? I keep getting all the goodies from you but never have any to share…I’m sorry!! lol
Erica, hi…it’s always good to hear from you. Thanks for the compliment on LIVE AGAIN, I’m glad it made such an impression on you. As for new graphic novels, I just read AMERICAN VAMPIRE volumes 1 and 2. Are you familiar with that title? If not, I recommend you check them out. I’d gotten away from vampire stories for awhile because so few of them felt original to me, but the American Vampire take was very appealing. Let me know if you check it out.
Also, I’m going to look into ShadowMan. I’m not familiar with the title, but I’m love trying new stuff.
Thanks for stopping by again. Talk to you soon.