Derek
.
Derek is a musician & recording engineer in addition to being a bookseller
In another author's hands this autobiography / history of comics / sociological dissection could come across as self-indulgent pondering. But Grant Morrison (writer/punk/chaos magician) produces a captivating read. If you're familiar with his work you'll love the deeper glimpse into his thought process and love of the medium that comes across in all his writings. And if you're new to Morrison's mind-bending ways you're in for a trip as he details his (literal) writing wizardry and thoughts on humanity's desire for modern pantheons.
Choice quote, in reference to Kal-El's similarities to Jesus: "Superman loves you. Doesn't that make you feel good?"
Work, amirite? Set in the early 90's world of the Microsoft boom, this novel remains relevant 20 years (and counting) later as a look into the mindset created by tech culture: long hours, communal lives, company loyalty bordering on martyrdom, and the wish for freedom to create. With themes of detatched lives and emotional self-realization it may leave you feeling touched in a slightly sad way, like a heartfelt hug from a socially awkward friend.
An uplifting book about the end of the modern world. Vonnegut's recurring themes of togetherness, outcasts on the fringes, and the triumphs and failures of logic in an illogical world are all touched on here in possibly their most bizarre iterations. More 'adult' than his popular works, this book can be off-putting due to it's depictions of various abnormalities and deviance but without the bleakness that another writer might favor. You'll laugh, you'll think, you'll say "wtf Kurt..."