On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

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I went ahead and got started on this one, as my Interlibrary Loan came in and they only gave me a week with no renewals. ILL is nice, but can be a pain sometimes. Anyway, I'm into it right away, but have no idea what to even think about it. Probably won't until I'm finished.

One week is ridiculous for ILL, Diane. Mine are usually longer than the regular 3 weeks. Good thing you read quickly!

Yes 1 week is not logical. I’m definitely in on this one. I have no idea where February went but this is my first priority for March.

A week does seem daft. Just as well it's a relatively short book. I'm going to start it in the next couple of days.

I was very surprised our library had a hard copy which I can have for 3 whole weeks! Here, 1 week loans are usually only for just released books, they refer to them as express loans.

Everything in my library system is a 3 week borrow. On occasion the originating library will put a hold on it - which means you cannot renew it - only one 3 week period. Some libraries will prevent you from putting holds on new books and the length of that hold depends on the library. I could never get the audio of Shifty's Boys because that library would not yet allow other library patrons to borrow it. I could walk in and check it out, but they would not allow inner library loans. However that particular library was across the state from me. Most books in my system can be renewed twice for 2 additional 3 week periods. And I have done a few times...lol!

My library doesn't have this. I don't like using the ILL. I may use an audio credit to get it depending on comments.

Most of my loans ILL loans are 2 to 3 weeks. This originated from a university library so maybe that has something to do with it. It's only 217 pages and a pretty fast read, so I'm already finished. I'll wait for others to get started before I comment.

Ok I started this morning. Nobody writes quite like Jim Thompson, that's for sure. I guess this is what it's like to be in the mind of a psychopath.

I'm not sure most psychopaths are this funny.

Good point Diane, he certainly makes me laugh.

I have this in my hold list at the library - think it may already be in transit.

Will start this one soon. I have a book that is about to be snatched back by the library and I am hustling to finish.

I went the other way from most in the group, starting this book first. I think we have to leave present day. sensitivities aside to try to appreciate the satire Thompson achieves. If one can do that, it is a fun read.

I couldn't agree more Sam.

Amen Sam. Noir has its own set of rules.

Maybe it was the discussion we had when reading Shifty's Boys over who would play Mick Hardin in a TV series, but for Nick Corey I've definitley got a young Woody Harrelson in mind.

I agree with that completely. The Cheers version, when he's dumb as a brick.

At 50% in I say Yes to Woody Harrelson, definitely.
This is a different kind of book for the Trail and me. At first I didn't know what to think (the thought flitted through my mind, maybe too man-lit ?) then it's unique voice started taking hold. Nick Corey is something else.

I thought that too Cathrine. But well written enough to be something else and very different from our other 2 reads this month. A nice mix.

I think it's a difficult book to categorise, and it's certainly different from the books we usually read on the Trail. But there's nothing usual about Nick Corey.

I found myself trying to stay a step ahead of Nick when he was talking, wondering what he was up to now.

This one is funny from the first page. I am taking it slowly. Nick is certainly a change of pace.

Cathrine, your big head/little head comment on The Ice Garden thread is so perfect here. It describes Nick perfectly.

I just listened to a short story from the collection Mississippi Noir (edited by Tom Franklin).
My Dear, My One True Love by Lee Durkee attempts to explain the appeal of "crazy woman sex” and had me comparing Nick & Connor's taste in women.

I’m about halfway and listening to audio. I’m taking it in. Not much to say until I get the full picture of this guy.

Just picked this up at the library tonight - will try to work it in quickly

It's a pretty quick read Sandi.

Thanks Diane - still trying to finish up Feb reads...like most, always running behind

I really don’t know what to make of this book. I can’t make up my mind about it. I laughed. I can’t say it is funny and I’m not gonna say it isn’t. I guess I decided that I can’t decide.

But i do love the satire!

I really don’t know what to make of this book. I can’t make up my mind about it. I laughed. I can’t say it is funny and I’m not gonna say it isn’t. I guess I decided that I can’t decide.

But i do love the satire!

I don't think you are alone there Terry in not knowing what to make of it. I see it as a black comedy.

Dave wrote: "Maybe it was the discussion we had when reading Shifty's Boys over who would play Mick Hardin in a TV series, but for Nick Corey I've definitley got a young Woody Harrelson in mind."

I like the Woody Harrelson idea, but I pictured Matthew McConaughey.

McConaughey would work too.

Terry wrote: "I really don’t know what to make of this book. I can’t make up my mind about it. I laughed. I can’t say it is funny and I’m not gonna say it isn’t. I guess I decided that I can’t decide.

But i do ..."

I think it's wickedly funny which makes you feel a bit guilty about enjoying the humor.

Dave wrote: "A week does seem daft. Just as well it's a relatively short book. I'm going to start it in the next couple of days."

😄Having just finished Ice Garden, I just really want to thank you for that statement. We don't see "daft" often enough these days!

What a turn this novel takes in chapter 7! I had begun to categorize it with Offutt's novels, as an entertaining read to be enjoyed without deep thought on character analysis (especially the character's motives). Jim Thompson has just checked me on that!

I can't wait to get your take on this one Cheryl.

I’m starting out with a love/hate relationship with Nick so far. Will be interesting to see how it ends. Funny, disgusting……

Diane wrote: "I can't wait to get your take on this one Cheryl."

Oh no, Diane... I'm assuming that you either loved or hated the plot then!

@Lexy -- just curious, how far along are you? As the novel starts off, I sympathize for Nick's "simpleton" nature.

Ended chapter 9. Yes, agree, beginning shows his good nature. Applauded his talk with Ken & Buck. Then came the bang bang episode.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "Dave wrote: "Maybe it was the discussion we had when reading Shifty's Boys over who would play Mick Hardin in a TV series, but for Nick Corey I've definitley got a young Woody Harre..."

To quote John Cooper Clarke, he would be
''The funky, hunky housewives choice''
And maybe my choice too.

I'm listening to the audiobook version of this one (since I read a dead copy copy just 2-3 years ago). The narrator's slow drawl was irritating me in the beginning, but now I enjoy it. It makes for a nice relaxing drive home from work.

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I'm listening to the audiobook version of this one (since I read a dead copy copy just 2-3 years ago). The narrator's slow drawl was irritating me in the beginning, but now I enjoy it. It makes for..."

Who is the narrator? I've yet to get through any audio book, because I can't really get on with them.

I'm the same way Dave. I get too distracted when I'm listening, and sometimes the narrator isn't the right fit, unless it's the author.

RJ, relaxing isn't the way I would describe this one.

Dave wrote: "Who is the narrator? I've yet to get through any audio book, because I can't really get on with them."

John McLain (not to be confused with John McClane, yippie-ki-yay!)

Diane wrote: "RJ, relaxing isn't the way I would describe this one."

Well, I wouldn't say you're wrong exactly, but I wouldn't quite agree with you either Diane.

The audio was a good choice for me.

Some books definitely work well on audio --- others not so much.

I found that listening to audio books in bed at night got me hooked on them. I fall asleep to them. Then the next night I go back to where I last remember and pick it up again. I look for the audio book before I ever look for a book in print. Sometimes if the audio is an older one I will get both audio and print from the library, just in case the audio is damaged in any way.

The last two audios I tried to listen to were both a problem. One was only one month old and every single disc skipped and had blank spots. Someone was really hard on it already. And the other one the narrator was just t*e*r*r*i*b*l*e ! I listened to one disc and quit that one.

Pop 1280 was only in paperback in my library system. So I am reading along (along with 3 other books). Verdict is still out on Nick - he presents as dumb country boy - but is sure quick on the gun!

My idea of Nick is more of a Jack Black or Jonah Hill type actor