Bläeckfisk is the Swedish translation for the word octopus. I am not Swedish, but I do own a lot of furniture from Sweden and I like octopuses while admiring their multi-tasking ability. I would like to travel to Sweden at some point, plus I think it is a pretty cool looking word. Anyhow, speaking of words, I guess you could say that is why we are here. Words are the foundation for way we try to wrap our thoughts around everything in the galaxy. The tendrils that lead to emotions and curiosity. I am not here to solve the mysteries of the universe, just to discuss words in general. Specifically words written by other people and have been printed off and slapped between two slices of thin card stock. Many of these sandwiches go on to bigger and better things, some bigger and better than others. So, I guess we will be talking about those as well. If you share an interest in words or enjoi seeing what they can look like in action....välkommen! (Swedish for welcome.)

Friday, December 4, 2015

B23: California by Edan Lepucki

"All at once, sudden as a hiccup, they reached the end of labyrinth."

It feels good to be back. Not that there hasn't been a ridiculous amount of writing taking place, more on that later, but I just wrapped up an interesting book for anyone searching for something this side of dystopian. I have mixed feelings on this one but think it is definitely worth a read.

The story takes place in the not-so-distant-but-sort-of faraway-future and natural disasters have wrecked havoc on the United States. So much to the point that entire cities and social structures and civilized behavior has been forced into the wilderness. We soon meet Frida and Cal, a couple who is doing their best to maintain any shred of decent living in a forest outside of Los Angeles. They have not been too adventurous to this point, but between ennui and curiosity they start asking some interesting questions to the one man, a trader, they know to interact with others living beyond their camp. The pull to find out who else is out only grows and soon our happily married couple sets out to discover what and who is living beyond the beyond. The ringleader of what is out there will shake both Frida and Cal to the core.

I really enjoyed the setting and plot but where I think this author really shines is through her dialogue. It is both entertaining and witty and helps keep the story moving along its trajectory while keeping us wondering about the fate that is awaits our couple. This book makes you think of our future and touches on many current issues that we can only hope unfolded differently. I recommend stuffing someone's stocking with this story, they will be intrigued.

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