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Crash Gordon #1
Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg
EASTER SUNDAY, 1973: Just before dawn in Kingsburg, California, six-year-old Gordon Swannson, asthmatic boy genius, gets his ass kicked by a spectral Easter Bunny--an event that sends his already hyperactive imagination spiraling toward paranoia. Gordon becomes convinced that ghosts and other weird entities inhabit a daimonic reality that can interact with our everyday world. He starts seeing mystery and danger everywhere in his isolated farming community. He even thinks his best friend, Jimmy, might be possessed by demons....
JUNE 7th, 1979: Reality catches up with Gordon's worst imaginings on the day after his thirteenth birthday, when his father dies by crashing a Cessna into the living room of their house. Gordon sets out to discover whether the plane crash was an accident or something far more sinister. Before he finds the answer, he'll experience puberty, Pink Floyd, trout fishing, lesbian vampire movies, and midnight cliff-diving with the Hells Angels--all while learning to cope with the trauma-induced narcolepsy that inspires his nickname, Crash Gordon....
HALLOWEEN, 1982: Gordon meets Jimmy's Uncle Lloyd, an obscenely rich insurance broker to the rocket industry who makes Woodward and Bernstein's Deep Throat look like a low-level bureaucrat. With Lloyd acting as their demented mentor, Gordon and his friends embark on a road trip to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Along the way, Lloyd lectures them about such diverse topics as hypnotism, assassination theories, MKULTRA, COINTELPRO, and the kidnapping of Patty Hearst; serial killers, satanic sacrifices, interdimensional energy portals, and the remote viewing program at the Stanford Research Institute; shamanism, ayahuasca, Terence McKenna's tryptamine-fueled encounters with the Logos, and the role "future causality" plays in the world's current fate. And that's only a prelude to Lloyd's startling explanation of how Gordon and Jimmy have become unwitting participants in a CIA mind control experiment known as Project MONARCH....
JUNE 7th, 1979: Reality catches up with Gordon's worst imaginings on the day after his thirteenth birthday, when his father dies by crashing a Cessna into the living room of their house. Gordon sets out to discover whether the plane crash was an accident or something far more sinister. Before he finds the answer, he'll experience puberty, Pink Floyd, trout fishing, lesbian vampire movies, and midnight cliff-diving with the Hells Angels--all while learning to cope with the trauma-induced narcolepsy that inspires his nickname, Crash Gordon....
HALLOWEEN, 1982: Gordon meets Jimmy's Uncle Lloyd, an obscenely rich insurance broker to the rocket industry who makes Woodward and Bernstein's Deep Throat look like a low-level bureaucrat. With Lloyd acting as their demented mentor, Gordon and his friends embark on a road trip to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. Along the way, Lloyd lectures them about such diverse topics as hypnotism, assassination theories, MKULTRA, COINTELPRO, and the kidnapping of Patty Hearst; serial killers, satanic sacrifices, interdimensional energy portals, and the remote viewing program at the Stanford Research Institute; shamanism, ayahuasca, Terence McKenna's tryptamine-fueled encounters with the Logos, and the role "future causality" plays in the world's current fate. And that's only a prelude to Lloyd's startling explanation of how Gordon and Jimmy have become unwitting participants in a CIA mind control experiment known as Project MONARCH....
600 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2012
9 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Derek Swannson
7 books21 followersDerek Swannson is the author of The Snowden Avalanche and the Crash Gordon trilogy. He writes his books on trains and in the Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy at the New York Public Library.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 2, 2015
Holy CRAP! This is THE book I've been looking for. This isn't just an entertaining read, it's a roadmap to all that is amazing, terrifying, mysterious, and Swedish-American in the world… and a catalyst to open many a third eye.
I firmly believe that reading is meant to expand your awareness and contribute to questioning what you *think* you already know. The excellent writers can invoke inner *traveling* and exploring of new and exciting worlds (like Kingsburg, for instance...). Derek Swannson is a sorcerer in that regard—a total Word Wizard. He entertained, he expanded my awareness, and he made me *travel* to exciting worlds (like Kingsburg...). It's like his words grab your consciousness and tenderly say: “Now, now, papa's not going to hurt you..." and then they proceed to throw you down a deep, dark, dimensional vortex found somewhere in Fresno County.
To get the most important detail out of the way: I actually LIVED in Kingsburg, so that was my initial draw to the book. Derek's attention to detail in the writing seemed to trigger a dormant Remote Viewing switch in my brain. I traveled back in time to late-70s/early-80s Kingsburg. And not just any ole boring description of Kingsburg… but the REAL Kingsburg, full of Olde English storefront signs, hot dry weather, and intense metaphysical phenomena.
I could easily say: "That wacky Swannson provides us with a tale of delicious paranoia and conspiracies and boners...” but it was so much more than that. Each chapter provided many details that hit on various personal insights. So many of my past influences and worldviews were served up in one big soulful stew of intensive paranoia and reality-questioning (and hilarity at times, as well…).
In the end, I found it to be like Carlos Castaneda meets The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets Fast Times at Ridgemont High meets brutality (because life can be very brutal, just ask George R.R. Martin).
Why it's like Carlos Castaneda: We have the view of a cosmic infinity, and strange happenings from a vantage point of a very mundane setting. We have TWO teachers in this context (Derek And Lloyd), both offering levels of knowledge that can easily break down your concept of reality and make you question all things about what is going on, and how our world and universe works.
Why it's like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Because it's sociologically observant, philosophical, and funny as shit. Even things that aren't supposed to be funny end up being brought to you in that Douglas Adams tone of "That's just life. Deal with it.” And, more than once, I sensed the disclaimer of "Don't Panic" before reading long rants about less-than-coincidental dark moments in US history, and how they were tied into solid evidence of alien and/or metaphysical beings existing.
Why it's like Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Because… STONERS OF THE 80s!!!! The contrasting element of this excellent tale is that it interweaves the most realistic descriptions of the late-70s and 80s to the point where this is a period piece. There was a LOT of pot smoked during those times. There was a LOT of rad, rad, RAD music. There were a LOT of sexually frustrated teens back then. There was feathered hair as well. This book has it all. And more. Many a passage will make you scream out "That's my SKULL!!! I’m SO WASTED" with joy.
Why it's brutal. Because. People die in this. There's no candy-coating the death and blood when it happens. There IS blood.
So in the end: I just want to scream "PUT DOWN THE GOD DAMN *GIRL ON A TRAIN* and *50 SHADES OF GREY* AND TAKE THE E-TICKET RIDE, BABY!!!!" Derek will show you 50 shades of Grey... Aliens, moral ambiguity, and foggy barriers between what you THINK is real, and what is the implicit, non-ordinary reality.
I firmly believe that reading is meant to expand your awareness and contribute to questioning what you *think* you already know. The excellent writers can invoke inner *traveling* and exploring of new and exciting worlds (like Kingsburg, for instance...). Derek Swannson is a sorcerer in that regard—a total Word Wizard. He entertained, he expanded my awareness, and he made me *travel* to exciting worlds (like Kingsburg...). It's like his words grab your consciousness and tenderly say: “Now, now, papa's not going to hurt you..." and then they proceed to throw you down a deep, dark, dimensional vortex found somewhere in Fresno County.
To get the most important detail out of the way: I actually LIVED in Kingsburg, so that was my initial draw to the book. Derek's attention to detail in the writing seemed to trigger a dormant Remote Viewing switch in my brain. I traveled back in time to late-70s/early-80s Kingsburg. And not just any ole boring description of Kingsburg… but the REAL Kingsburg, full of Olde English storefront signs, hot dry weather, and intense metaphysical phenomena.
I could easily say: "That wacky Swannson provides us with a tale of delicious paranoia and conspiracies and boners...” but it was so much more than that. Each chapter provided many details that hit on various personal insights. So many of my past influences and worldviews were served up in one big soulful stew of intensive paranoia and reality-questioning (and hilarity at times, as well…).
In the end, I found it to be like Carlos Castaneda meets The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy meets Fast Times at Ridgemont High meets brutality (because life can be very brutal, just ask George R.R. Martin).
Why it's like Carlos Castaneda: We have the view of a cosmic infinity, and strange happenings from a vantage point of a very mundane setting. We have TWO teachers in this context (Derek And Lloyd), both offering levels of knowledge that can easily break down your concept of reality and make you question all things about what is going on, and how our world and universe works.
Why it's like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Because it's sociologically observant, philosophical, and funny as shit. Even things that aren't supposed to be funny end up being brought to you in that Douglas Adams tone of "That's just life. Deal with it.” And, more than once, I sensed the disclaimer of "Don't Panic" before reading long rants about less-than-coincidental dark moments in US history, and how they were tied into solid evidence of alien and/or metaphysical beings existing.
Why it's like Fast Times at Ridgemont High: Because… STONERS OF THE 80s!!!! The contrasting element of this excellent tale is that it interweaves the most realistic descriptions of the late-70s and 80s to the point where this is a period piece. There was a LOT of pot smoked during those times. There was a LOT of rad, rad, RAD music. There were a LOT of sexually frustrated teens back then. There was feathered hair as well. This book has it all. And more. Many a passage will make you scream out "That's my SKULL!!! I’m SO WASTED" with joy.
Why it's brutal. Because. People die in this. There's no candy-coating the death and blood when it happens. There IS blood.
So in the end: I just want to scream "PUT DOWN THE GOD DAMN *GIRL ON A TRAIN* and *50 SHADES OF GREY* AND TAKE THE E-TICKET RIDE, BABY!!!!" Derek will show you 50 shades of Grey... Aliens, moral ambiguity, and foggy barriers between what you THINK is real, and what is the implicit, non-ordinary reality.
June 23, 2014
Captivated and engaged by the very first page, I have enjoyed every bit of dialogue between Derek Swannson’s characters, along with their background and the thought processes shared. Their idiosyncrasies and flaws are brought to the forefront as a means to show the lessons we might learn from adversity. It's reading that reminds you how to be thankful, without the condescension typically applied in other books. The suggestion that there is a plan and that it isn't necessarily some big celestial idea will be found intriguing by anyone who questions traditional religion.
Gordon's pseudo-uncle, Johnny Hoss, was my favorite character—a cantankerous but well-intentioned devils' advocate who helps Gordon let off steam, gives him a beer every now and then, and generally eases the blows when Gordon is rejected by his father. When Gordon is feeling like a general disappointment, Johnny picks him back up and dusts him off and even helps him forget his problems. Johnny reminded me of a favorite uncle of mine that I looked up to; I'd have a hard time imagining that he wouldn't be a favorite to anyone else.
I've utilized all my free time to read this book and I’m eager to read the second in this series. I've also heard whispers of another book from this author that could maybe potentially theoretically be in the works... but don't quote me. I love an author who can fully develop his or her characters, and I love the underdogs most of all—I identify with them almost exclusively and begrudge the alpha dog characters even when they show humility and pain. I'm sure that says much about me, but regardless—don't hesitate to buy this book. I've been wowed and enthralled since page one. I immediately felt for Gordon because his parents really suck and his friend who is his neighbor is not the nicest kid, although maybe that’s just how boys behave.
To a certain degree you almost expect Gordon to die halfway through the book. His life is just filled with knock out after knock out. I won't tell you any more, except to say that I've read a lot of genres and science fiction is becoming a favorite by far. This book is a great example of why. There's real life written into these pages. The characters and the places the author takes you will tap into your own memories, both good and bad. This is DEFINITELY one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Gordon's pseudo-uncle, Johnny Hoss, was my favorite character—a cantankerous but well-intentioned devils' advocate who helps Gordon let off steam, gives him a beer every now and then, and generally eases the blows when Gordon is rejected by his father. When Gordon is feeling like a general disappointment, Johnny picks him back up and dusts him off and even helps him forget his problems. Johnny reminded me of a favorite uncle of mine that I looked up to; I'd have a hard time imagining that he wouldn't be a favorite to anyone else.
I've utilized all my free time to read this book and I’m eager to read the second in this series. I've also heard whispers of another book from this author that could maybe potentially theoretically be in the works... but don't quote me. I love an author who can fully develop his or her characters, and I love the underdogs most of all—I identify with them almost exclusively and begrudge the alpha dog characters even when they show humility and pain. I'm sure that says much about me, but regardless—don't hesitate to buy this book. I've been wowed and enthralled since page one. I immediately felt for Gordon because his parents really suck and his friend who is his neighbor is not the nicest kid, although maybe that’s just how boys behave.
To a certain degree you almost expect Gordon to die halfway through the book. His life is just filled with knock out after knock out. I won't tell you any more, except to say that I've read a lot of genres and science fiction is becoming a favorite by far. This book is a great example of why. There's real life written into these pages. The characters and the places the author takes you will tap into your own memories, both good and bad. This is DEFINITELY one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
March 25, 2014
I read and reviewed Crash Gordon and the Revelations from Big Sur, and thoroughly enjoyed it. That was my first foray into Swannson's books, so I was very eager to read his other works, which ended up being the earlier installment in this series.
Here's the negative part of my review: I read this series out of order, and thereby made going back to the earlier book a little awkward and strange to deal with. But, that is entirely my fault, and in no way a reflection on the book.
Now, onto this book. As I mentioned in the other review, I am a big fan of conspiracy theories, not so much believing them, but in learning about them. I have always loved hearing other people's opinions that differ from mine (a trait that is generally lacking from the majority of people, IMHO), and looking at things from other points of view. Which is why I love the inclusion of things such as satanic sacrifices, inter-dimensional portals, and Project MKULTRA (which isn't a conspiracy theory at all: the US Government ACTUALLY dosed people with LSD, even supposedly an entire small town in France)
The Mysteries of Kingsburg is in it's simplest description, the coming of age tale of "Crash" Gordon Swannson, and his life experiences of the bizarre and mystical. While that is a ridiculous oversimplification, I honestly couldn't give a concise synopsis. Not that that is a bad thing. This book is the right amount of strange, off the wall, and bizarre for me. It has so many interweaving story lines, that it almost feels overwhelming at times, so this is not a light read at all. At first glance it seems like a complex Pynchonian Stew, but if you pay attention, and stick with it, it is definitely worth it in the end.
As I mentioned before, the issue I had with it is reading them out of order, so I had prior knowledge of things that I wouldn't have had, if I started on this book. It didn't ruin my experience, but it did color a few moments in this book in a different light.
This book is a fantastic surreal science fiction book, with enough of a smattering of real-life events and conspiracy theories to make you stop and think "I totally believe this!" Which is probably how most good conspiracies start in the first place, if you think about it.
Here's the negative part of my review: I read this series out of order, and thereby made going back to the earlier book a little awkward and strange to deal with. But, that is entirely my fault, and in no way a reflection on the book.
Now, onto this book. As I mentioned in the other review, I am a big fan of conspiracy theories, not so much believing them, but in learning about them. I have always loved hearing other people's opinions that differ from mine (a trait that is generally lacking from the majority of people, IMHO), and looking at things from other points of view. Which is why I love the inclusion of things such as satanic sacrifices, inter-dimensional portals, and Project MKULTRA (which isn't a conspiracy theory at all: the US Government ACTUALLY dosed people with LSD, even supposedly an entire small town in France)
The Mysteries of Kingsburg is in it's simplest description, the coming of age tale of "Crash" Gordon Swannson, and his life experiences of the bizarre and mystical. While that is a ridiculous oversimplification, I honestly couldn't give a concise synopsis. Not that that is a bad thing. This book is the right amount of strange, off the wall, and bizarre for me. It has so many interweaving story lines, that it almost feels overwhelming at times, so this is not a light read at all. At first glance it seems like a complex Pynchonian Stew, but if you pay attention, and stick with it, it is definitely worth it in the end.
As I mentioned before, the issue I had with it is reading them out of order, so I had prior knowledge of things that I wouldn't have had, if I started on this book. It didn't ruin my experience, but it did color a few moments in this book in a different light.
This book is a fantastic surreal science fiction book, with enough of a smattering of real-life events and conspiracy theories to make you stop and think "I totally believe this!" Which is probably how most good conspiracies start in the first place, if you think about it.
February 3, 2015
Swannson delivers yet another book laden with conspiracy theories. The author is a master weaver of tales that get you to thinking, no, to wondering, what is real and what is contrived in this world in which we live.
The protagonist, Gordon, is a character that anybody could fall in love with. He is a smartass at seven-years-old, bound to grow up to be a sarcastic s.o.b. As a teenager he is a horny prick, but what teenage boy isn't. Writer Derek Swannson has a way of creating characters that you will either love or hate. I feel like there is no middle ground, but isn't that what develops all the good tension of a novel?
And who would have ever thought of a voice from a womb? Sounds like something you would see on an old SNL rerun. It was a unique concept and Swannson pulled it off well.
Swannson is definitely a philosophical genius or maybe better phrased, a student of great philosophical minds. Regardless, this very thick novel references countless philosophies and philosophers from many crafts and many periods. I was left wondering, or better yet, questioning, life and afterlife and alien life and a whole crap wagon load of stuff that I normally wouldn't think about. The author definitely had all the synapses firing in this pretty little head of mine, and that is just what a great writer does.
A page turner filled with humor that only slows down when you start searching the different conspiracy theories to tie them all together.
The protagonist, Gordon, is a character that anybody could fall in love with. He is a smartass at seven-years-old, bound to grow up to be a sarcastic s.o.b. As a teenager he is a horny prick, but what teenage boy isn't. Writer Derek Swannson has a way of creating characters that you will either love or hate. I feel like there is no middle ground, but isn't that what develops all the good tension of a novel?
And who would have ever thought of a voice from a womb? Sounds like something you would see on an old SNL rerun. It was a unique concept and Swannson pulled it off well.
Swannson is definitely a philosophical genius or maybe better phrased, a student of great philosophical minds. Regardless, this very thick novel references countless philosophies and philosophers from many crafts and many periods. I was left wondering, or better yet, questioning, life and afterlife and alien life and a whole crap wagon load of stuff that I normally wouldn't think about. The author definitely had all the synapses firing in this pretty little head of mine, and that is just what a great writer does.
A page turner filled with humor that only slows down when you start searching the different conspiracy theories to tie them all together.
April 20, 2014
I read "Crash Gordon and the Revelations from Big Sur" before I read this book and I'm glad that I did. It gave me a deeper understanding of Crash than I might have had if I'd read them in the reverse order. I experienced quite a few "Ahhh, that explains it!" moments during 'Mysteries of Kingsburg" that it gave me a much deeper appreciation of "Big Sur." Crash is an amazing character. It was so great seeing him as a 6 year old, waiting for the Easter Bunny while fretting over what color dress his Basset Hound Sam (short for Samantha) should wear to their wedding. Yes, THEIR wedding. There's nothing Crash wants more than to marry his narcoleptic dog and live happily ever after. Well, except actually see the Easter Bunny, but that fascination goes down the crapper after the spectral Easter Bunny opens up a can of Whoop Ass on poor Crash.
That's not even the first chapter, folks. There is so much action, humor, and so many crazy situations going on that I literally found myself reading out loud in my back yard like it was open mic night and my neighbors were my audience.
I am going to pay this story what I think is the ultimate compliment and that is to say I have not laughed this much since reading Christopher Moore's "A Dirty Job." That's quite an achievement.
That's not even the first chapter, folks. There is so much action, humor, and so many crazy situations going on that I literally found myself reading out loud in my back yard like it was open mic night and my neighbors were my audience.
I am going to pay this story what I think is the ultimate compliment and that is to say I have not laughed this much since reading Christopher Moore's "A Dirty Job." That's quite an achievement.
September 21, 2007
Daring, funny, and filled with strange facts about the medico-military-occult complex, Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg is a paranoid comedy that's seriously concerned with the fate of humanity.
This book changed my life!... but that's probably because I wrote it.
This book changed my life!... but that's probably because I wrote it.
September 20, 2019
Another good one from Mr. Swanson
In the same vein as his other works. I should have read it first and then the others would have made more sense but they were good in any sequence
In the same vein as his other works. I should have read it first and then the others would have made more sense but they were good in any sequence
July 9, 2014
I received this book as a giveaway. I read through the description when submitting and forgot exactly what it was about before receiving it. No biggie. I opened it up and started reading without bothering to check the back cover for details. Why bother when I'm about to read it anyway, right?
I made it through the first couple hundred pages with a couple realizations. The first was that I was not certain of the exact plot of the book. The second was that the first realization did not matter because the author's style was excellent and smooth.
The center piece of the story is a sickly child named Gordon. Gordon later earns the nickname of "Crash", which explains the title of the book. Gordon is a very intelligent child, reading well beyond his level at a young age. His parents are not particularly interested in maintaining healthy relationships with him because he is a bit of an odd duck.
Gordon has a number of adventures. These include what he perceives to be an attack by the Easter Bunny and a friend attempting to murder him while in elementary school.
Beyond Gordon, this book begins to bring us into a connected web of conspiracy theories. These range from the Knights Templar and aliens to Charles Manson, the CIA, The Beatles, and the Masonic Temple. Hey. If anyone thinks the Masons aren't a bit off, they are probably members.
Some of the conspiracies appeared to be so far fetched that I had to check details on the internet. Guess what? Derek Swannson knows his shit. I can only imagine the amount of time the author spent researching and connecting his conspiracy web. Kudos for that unless he's like Crazy Eddie from First Wave. In that case, it's even cooler in a creepy kind of way.
I would have given this book a 5, but it got a bit slow at times for me. Otherwise, it's a pretty fast-paced roller coaster read of strangeness. To that point, I would definitely be interested to read more by this author and of this series.
I made it through the first couple hundred pages with a couple realizations. The first was that I was not certain of the exact plot of the book. The second was that the first realization did not matter because the author's style was excellent and smooth.
The center piece of the story is a sickly child named Gordon. Gordon later earns the nickname of "Crash", which explains the title of the book. Gordon is a very intelligent child, reading well beyond his level at a young age. His parents are not particularly interested in maintaining healthy relationships with him because he is a bit of an odd duck.
Gordon has a number of adventures. These include what he perceives to be an attack by the Easter Bunny and a friend attempting to murder him while in elementary school.
Beyond Gordon, this book begins to bring us into a connected web of conspiracy theories. These range from the Knights Templar and aliens to Charles Manson, the CIA, The Beatles, and the Masonic Temple. Hey. If anyone thinks the Masons aren't a bit off, they are probably members.
Some of the conspiracies appeared to be so far fetched that I had to check details on the internet. Guess what? Derek Swannson knows his shit. I can only imagine the amount of time the author spent researching and connecting his conspiracy web. Kudos for that unless he's like Crazy Eddie from First Wave. In that case, it's even cooler in a creepy kind of way.
I would have given this book a 5, but it got a bit slow at times for me. Otherwise, it's a pretty fast-paced roller coaster read of strangeness. To that point, I would definitely be interested to read more by this author and of this series.
May 27, 2014
Being that this is my second exposure to mister Swannson's work, I really wasn't quite sure what to expect. I read through one of his other books (the second in this series) when a friend recommended it to me and. . . Well, I was thoroughly hooked, but missing a fair bit of context to really enjoy some of the finer points and in jokes.
So when he gave me a copy of the first book, I was really curious to see how this would pan out. Sometimes first books tend to be those books in which the author is getting their feet under them and so tend to be a bit rough around the edges.
Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg does suffer from the occasional waffling where the author takes you on tangents that might not seem relevant at first but actually tie deeply into the plot threads which are otherwise expertly woven throughout the book. These tangents are also called back to obliquely in the second book making those little 'aha, I see what you did!' moments very enjoyable and a treat to read.
All in all, Derek's high brow played as low brow writing style amuses and enthralls. There have been times where I burst out laughing at something that, without any context at all would sound absolutely ridiculous, but within the world of the story makes perfect sense (but is just as hilarious). “I’ve been giving aliens asthma attacks?” Comes to mind.
There are some small tics where the author is getting a handle on things (you'd be hard pressed to find any one person who could do all the work needed to make this kind of plot sing) but once the momentum gets going, you're in for one hell of a ride.
If intelligent, slightly surreal, plots are something you enjoy, you really need to pick this up. I know I'm going to be looking for more!
So when he gave me a copy of the first book, I was really curious to see how this would pan out. Sometimes first books tend to be those books in which the author is getting their feet under them and so tend to be a bit rough around the edges.
Crash Gordon and the Mysteries of Kingsburg does suffer from the occasional waffling where the author takes you on tangents that might not seem relevant at first but actually tie deeply into the plot threads which are otherwise expertly woven throughout the book. These tangents are also called back to obliquely in the second book making those little 'aha, I see what you did!' moments very enjoyable and a treat to read.
All in all, Derek's high brow played as low brow writing style amuses and enthralls. There have been times where I burst out laughing at something that, without any context at all would sound absolutely ridiculous, but within the world of the story makes perfect sense (but is just as hilarious). “I’ve been giving aliens asthma attacks?” Comes to mind.
There are some small tics where the author is getting a handle on things (you'd be hard pressed to find any one person who could do all the work needed to make this kind of plot sing) but once the momentum gets going, you're in for one hell of a ride.
If intelligent, slightly surreal, plots are something you enjoy, you really need to pick this up. I know I'm going to be looking for more!
February 22, 2020
This is the first book in the Crash Gordon series. It is over 600 pages so quite an investment if you are looking for a new series to read. This book could probably be two books and could appeal to completely different audiences. I find it hard to classify.
The first half of the book is a coming of age story. Gordon is growing up in a dysfunctional family in in the 70s. He is very smart and loves to read. People who were growing up in the 70s may appreciate many of the references. I sure did. A series of unfortunate events lead Gordon to look for answers to why strange things are happening around him. It is not nearly as sad or serious as it sounds.
The second half of the book is a deep dive into conspiracy theories as Gordon tries to figure out what's happening to his family and to him. There's also quite a bit about spirituality and religion. If Masons, Templars, secret societies, fringe groups, and/or Eastern religions interest you, this is a fun read. I think it covers every conspiracy theory I have ever heard, quite an impressive feat. Then when the author starts drawing the lines between them I almost started to believe their might be some truth to them. Maybe there is?
Special props for incorporating Esalen. I went there once or twice in grad school, but now I wish I had spent more time there.
The first half of the book is a coming of age story. Gordon is growing up in a dysfunctional family in in the 70s. He is very smart and loves to read. People who were growing up in the 70s may appreciate many of the references. I sure did. A series of unfortunate events lead Gordon to look for answers to why strange things are happening around him. It is not nearly as sad or serious as it sounds.
The second half of the book is a deep dive into conspiracy theories as Gordon tries to figure out what's happening to his family and to him. There's also quite a bit about spirituality and religion. If Masons, Templars, secret societies, fringe groups, and/or Eastern religions interest you, this is a fun read. I think it covers every conspiracy theory I have ever heard, quite an impressive feat. Then when the author starts drawing the lines between them I almost started to believe their might be some truth to them. Maybe there is?
Special props for incorporating Esalen. I went there once or twice in grad school, but now I wish I had spent more time there.
April 28, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever read a book that has people around you looking at you funny because you can't help but laugh out loud at the hysterics? Well this is one of those books. I love the authors storytelling ability and his view of a 6 year olds mindset - from thinking he is James Bond and a lady killer to marrying his dog, Can't wait to read more from this author.
Have you ever read a book that has people around you looking at you funny because you can't help but laugh out loud at the hysterics? Well this is one of those books. I love the authors storytelling ability and his view of a 6 year olds mindset - from thinking he is James Bond and a lady killer to marrying his dog, Can't wait to read more from this author.
January 31, 2012
The third person narritive style can make it a slow read, but the situations the main character gets into keeps you reading.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews