Look What Books I Found!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Since I started reviewing books in my Bibliophilia series, I thought I'd take a look at what other steemians have posted under books. Here is what I found, assembled once again in this curation-style series Look What I Found, which at the same time is my entry to @pifc's weekly Payitforward Curation Contest (this week with a bonus offer).

The Gashlycrumb Tinies posted by @richardfyates

In the fourth entry of his series Read a Damn Book @richardfyates looks at an old-time favorite of mine. The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey is a short but ever so sweet ABC-rhyme of kids... all who have died under various circumstances. (Please not that OF kids doesn't necessarily mean it's also FOR kids, though ultimately I'd say it depends on the individual kid.)

The list of young fatalities is illustrated with lovingly creepy drawings, reminiscent of Victorian times. I remember seeing this rhyme on a poster when I was in college, and I had to have it. In the end it became a gift to an artist friend of mine whose style was uncannily similar, even though he had never even heard of Gorey. Up until now I never bothered finding out the name behind this genius work of art. Thanks to @richardfyates I've learned that the author of the Gashlycrumb Tinies is Edward Gorey, who is also the illustrator, and has published many other works. Now that I've gotten curious, I know I will have to look him up and hopefully get my hands on more Edward Gorey books.

Present Writers: Nisi Shawl posted by @marissalingen

Another interesting sounding writer I've come across is Nisi Shawl, presented by @marissalingen. The novel this posts mentions is titled Everfair and is particularly interesting, as it addresses the subject of an alternative history of steampunk nature. What makes it even more exciting is that it is set in Africa, more specifically the Congo, and according to @marissalingen it's hopeful and fun to read.

Though this blogger doesn't get into any deeper details, this tidbit of information is just enough to make me want to know more about Shawl. A visit to her profile also shows that she is deeply involved in not only reading, but writing, being featured in publications such as Uncanny Magazine. So it's definitely worth looking at her blog as well.

I hope you enjoyed these two bloggers, the books they've introduced, and their respective authors. That's it for now, but stay tuned for next week's Look What I Found post.