For some reason (you can work it out for yourselves) on Friday nights I'm overcome by the impulse to recommend stuff. It's usually music, but tonight it's literature. Yes, contrary to popular belief, we Kyklopes read from time to time. And no, I'm not going to recommend that you read something you were likely already forced to read in high school or at university (although, if you're honest with yourselves, most of that stuff was probably pretty good).
I'm going to recommend three short stories by Harlan Ellison. Some of you will probably know the name, at least. He's pretty famous in the world of SF. Imagine Ray Bradbury's antithesis. Here are the names of the stories: "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World", ""Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman", and (probably the best title of anything, anywhere) "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream".
Whaddya think?
(probably the best title of anything, anywhere) "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream".
ReplyDeleteThere's a videogame, you know. Ellison himself is the voice of the evil computer.
Great story - I think I read the other two, plus "Adrift Just Off The Islets Of Langerhans", etc., but I can't remember squat about them.
Reading's probably twice as much work for kyklopes, I would think, but that is a wonderful title.
ReplyDeleteEli, I've heard about the video game, but I can't say if it's any good or not (I'm not a gamer). I don't think I know the last story you mentioned. Must check...
ReplyDeletePierre, yeah, the one-eye thing makes it hard to concentrate...
I've read the 3 of them. 'Repent Harlequin' is a real kickass. Have you placed your hands on the "Complete Ellison" book? It's like a shot of adrenaline right in the vein!! Excellent recommendation!! =D
ReplyDeleteUsual Stuff, I've probably read most of Ellison's stuff, except for anything relatively recent. One of my favorite writers...
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