You know I got to thinking about it and, except for graphic novels and these reviews, I don’t really read books anymore…at least not like I used to. A bad faze? What I do know is that books like this one make me want to get back into reading again…inhaling. Just cuz it needs said though, reading PDFs is not the same. I like to get my greedy little hands on things, get them dirty with use, hahaha. Check out that cover, that is how a book needs introduced, and it makes me want to hold it, and wonder what’s inside, preparation for doing some serious digging. Instead of leafing, I scroll on. Even as a PDF though, the book is quite tasty, a meal and a half, enough to take home some in a doggy bag. Not a difficult read at all, and as I’ve said before about Michael’s book, you pretty much are compelled to read the whole thing in a couple sittings (despite the numerous distractions we all have, does any of us have uninterrupted time anymore). Before I give my lame spiel, how about something from someone who is in the know…“Mike is one of them, a good writer and a damn good storyteller. He is eloquent and concise and doesn’t get lost in the world of minutia. He tells the story and holds you captive page after page. To the point you want to cheat (go to the back of the book) but don’t!Enjoy the book. Learn something you perhaps didn’t know, I did. Thanks to some well written verse knowledge of a lifestyle and the honesty to tell it.” – Clyde A. Wray, Poet, Playwright, director and producer author of four books of poetry. I don’t know who Clyde is but, honestly I couldn’t have said it any better and this is my fucking blog and the trouble with bloggers, is their mouth don’t stop (intentional Fear reference). How about another author’s take, “Michael Essington’s short stories are contemporary tall tales, new urban legends that might be spun by a guffawing host to attendees at some summer night barbecue in a suburban enclave on the outskirts of any major American city.” – Chris D., author of Dragon Wheel Splendor and Other Love Stories of Violence and Dread? And, I think Mr. Essington was talking about me in the dedications, “Last and not least: I ask forgiveness of all those who have been with me over the course of the years and whose names I have failed to mention”…just kidding Mike (who reminds us, “Stay safe and thanks for reading”).
So tried something different this time around, I jotted down notes as I read the book, shit that relates to me, because many people will be able to relate to this book (especially if you’re one to go out and about in any major city)…
Awe…the jewelry district (got my first wife’s wedding ring made there)
Todd was a puss (you should have kicked his ass for that Mike)
Getting to know homeless guys downtown (a real education)
Executive and their false sense of importance (I worked at two law firms downtown)
It’s a shame about Harley (but I think everyone from Iron Butterfly could time travel)
Oh God the characters Mike meets, only in LA
7/11s baby (someone get me a slurpee)
Taking the bus across town (2 1/2 hours one way from Burbank to UCLA)
Watching your child grow up (I feel like I know Lucas)
You just have to know Rip Taylor, Paul Lynde and Allen Funt (and Nipsey Russell)
Mickey D’s (I vaguely remember growing up enough to go from the kids meal to the Big Mac)
High or unbalanced? (the question you ask yourself of everyone you come across)
Dad + dead = pee (sadly yes)
Shop class! (blue collar class)
Brain Dead Wayne (everybody knows a Brain Dead Wayne)
the innocence of childhood (ah, we just didn’t really know what was going on around us)
That may not make any sense to you, but it makes perfect sense if you read the book. Michael got it right once again with this one. He is a man of passion and compassion, a keen observer and, most of the time, a participant in this thing we call humanity. This is real life. A speck of time in the universe, but still important. In the days before writing, when spoken word was how humankind shared information and stories, Mr. Essington would have been highly sought after. All and all another great read…