I’m reading it right now and am three stories in. Break on Through. Wow. I love the part where he is completely alone setting the mine after all of his fellow Rangers have been shot down and then how it leaves the heightened tension on pause by cutting over to this intricate flashback of his days with his grandmother working at the grocery store. It’s such a perfect way of keeping me on the edge of my seat as a reader while also building authority through such detailing of his past. So many of these little details he puts in about the store and their relationship make it so believable. And then Jones cuts back to his character in the jungle running for his life, and then he later brings it back to the crackers and has his grandmother’s voice comes back through in conversation as he’s eating his rations. I love how he subtly sprinkles that in, so briefly, to contrast a memory of comfort in safety with a moment of comfort in peril. I can only hope some day I can get to that level in my own writing.
Start with the story 'Unchain My Heart.' It wasn't included in the omnibus 'Night Train' but it's maybe my favorite. It's so tough to choose a favorite in this book. Thank you for reading it.
(I'm the guy who donated early for the Pixie Project)
I just received your pixie project gift and it was a delight from start to finish. I haven't had as much fun opening a present in a very very long time. It quickly became a family project with my wife and kids as we carefully cut the ribbons on the bottom so that we could retape them. Now the box - with the skull and bells - is on display in my study as a permanent Halloween feature. (Right next to my samurai sword, crystal ball, and Viking helmet - I like to collect/display fun things). The ransom note motif was cool. (Who knows the names of so many stones? Indiana Jones?) We shared the whole experience with our niece in NYC via face-time. (She sells online jewelry on the side.) She was in awe of the detail in the bookmark. She is excited to see it in person. The bookmark is almost too good to use, but I will use it, but only for the most worthy of books. It definitely increases the reading experience. As a bonus, it arrived a day or so before my 55th birthday so I treated it as a combo gift with Halloween. I hope everything is well with you and that you were able to raise lots of money for the Pixie Project.
CP--This whole "Plot Spoiler" experience the past month or so has been amazing! :::Chef's kiss::: I ended up watching "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" three times--once via your link on YouTube, once with director's commentary on the Blu ray, and once with cast commentary--I recommend listening to the commentaries; they're insightful and a great companion to the movie and to the storytelling lessons you presented. Wanted to thank you for the very thoughtful surprise you mailed me The St. Christopher key is doing its best to keep me safe and out of trouble. After reading your post today, I ordered a copy of The Pugilist. Please keep the book recommendations coming, sir. Your substack is becoming the ultimate masterclass for storytelling (and the ultimate CP experience). Thank you for everything and good luck on Joe Rogan!--JJ
I will happily buy and read, I love shopping for books, but I do have to say.... Mr. Palahniuk? I took your advice about Amy Hempel and bought her entire short story collection, and I'm ashamed to admit that I only made it halfway through. I just didn't get those stories. Maybe I'm not intelligent enough for that kind of literature, or maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way. Is Thom Jones more accessible than Amy Hempel?
Sincerely, thank you Mr. Palahniuk for recommending this book. Your friend was a genius. A real one. Can't remember being more affected by a writer's words. The world lost a special one when this man passed.
Thank you -- I bought the ebook. Will read it. What's your favorite story?
I’m reading it right now and am three stories in. Break on Through. Wow. I love the part where he is completely alone setting the mine after all of his fellow Rangers have been shot down and then how it leaves the heightened tension on pause by cutting over to this intricate flashback of his days with his grandmother working at the grocery store. It’s such a perfect way of keeping me on the edge of my seat as a reader while also building authority through such detailing of his past. So many of these little details he puts in about the store and their relationship make it so believable. And then Jones cuts back to his character in the jungle running for his life, and then he later brings it back to the crackers and has his grandmother’s voice comes back through in conversation as he’s eating his rations. I love how he subtly sprinkles that in, so briefly, to contrast a memory of comfort in safety with a moment of comfort in peril. I can only hope some day I can get to that level in my own writing.
Start with the story 'Unchain My Heart.' It wasn't included in the omnibus 'Night Train' but it's maybe my favorite. It's so tough to choose a favorite in this book. Thank you for reading it.
Hi Chuck
(I'm the guy who donated early for the Pixie Project)
I just received your pixie project gift and it was a delight from start to finish. I haven't had as much fun opening a present in a very very long time. It quickly became a family project with my wife and kids as we carefully cut the ribbons on the bottom so that we could retape them. Now the box - with the skull and bells - is on display in my study as a permanent Halloween feature. (Right next to my samurai sword, crystal ball, and Viking helmet - I like to collect/display fun things). The ransom note motif was cool. (Who knows the names of so many stones? Indiana Jones?) We shared the whole experience with our niece in NYC via face-time. (She sells online jewelry on the side.) She was in awe of the detail in the bookmark. She is excited to see it in person. The bookmark is almost too good to use, but I will use it, but only for the most worthy of books. It definitely increases the reading experience. As a bonus, it arrived a day or so before my 55th birthday so I treated it as a combo gift with Halloween. I hope everything is well with you and that you were able to raise lots of money for the Pixie Project.
Happy trails.
Rob
I'm going to get this book. Looking forward to reading, thank you! I am sorry for your loss
CP--This whole "Plot Spoiler" experience the past month or so has been amazing! :::Chef's kiss::: I ended up watching "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" three times--once via your link on YouTube, once with director's commentary on the Blu ray, and once with cast commentary--I recommend listening to the commentaries; they're insightful and a great companion to the movie and to the storytelling lessons you presented. Wanted to thank you for the very thoughtful surprise you mailed me The St. Christopher key is doing its best to keep me safe and out of trouble. After reading your post today, I ordered a copy of The Pugilist. Please keep the book recommendations coming, sir. Your substack is becoming the ultimate masterclass for storytelling (and the ultimate CP experience). Thank you for everything and good luck on Joe Rogan!--JJ
I will happily buy and read, I love shopping for books, but I do have to say.... Mr. Palahniuk? I took your advice about Amy Hempel and bought her entire short story collection, and I'm ashamed to admit that I only made it halfway through. I just didn't get those stories. Maybe I'm not intelligent enough for that kind of literature, or maybe I'm looking at it the wrong way. Is Thom Jones more accessible than Amy Hempel?
Sincerely, thank you Mr. Palahniuk for recommending this book. Your friend was a genius. A real one. Can't remember being more affected by a writer's words. The world lost a special one when this man passed.