-
Older Entries
- On such a winter’s day
- Off to the deep end
- That’s what kids do
- We now paws (HAAA) for dog identification
- What’s been happening around here
- Skin deep
- 3 workout DVDs that will kick your butt
- His own man
- Friendships and firepower
- Resolved
- Update on Vioguard
- Yearly recap: 2011
- Hook, line, and sinker
- Heartbeat
- Hold the figgy pudding
-
Find me elsewhere
Read my column via Facebook
Daily piffle:
Photos
Apr
30
A while ago Beth asked me if I’d like to take part in a blog book tour and I said what the hell, sign me up. I’ve been reading Beth’s site for a while and I was pretty certain she wouldn’t foist something on me like 503 Ways for Mommies to Be Better Mommies Through the Careful Daily Application of One-Size-Fits-All Intense Mommying Solutions, which seems to be the sort of book I normally get pitched.
She mentioned that the book was by an author named Marshall Karp, someone she does some work for and who’s also become a family friend. Marshall was kind enough to email me and I could tell right away that he seemed like a good egg. He wrote, in part:
“When I started putting together this Blog Tour (a subject I know nothing about) I was looking for bloggers who wrote about mystery and hopefully had read the first one or two books in the Lomax and Biggs franchise. And then Beth mentioned you. I went to your site, and rethought my specs.
I love how you think, how you write, and how you put the thoughts into words and treat the whole deal with a sense of irreverence, as if you’re just ladling up so much blog fodder, which makes me realize that it’s so much more than that.”
Obviously the man is a genius with impeccable taste, right? Also, now I kind of had a crush on him. Bring it on, book tour!
Then the book arrived and I was like, uh oh. It’s a mystery. I mean, I technically knew it was going to be a mystery but uhhhh, it’s a MYSTERY. Dag.
I am not a big mystery fan, although I couldn’t really tell you why. After all, I enjoy novels that contain dead bodies—as many as possible, please!—I like grim situations, and I like to get engrossed with the story and wonder where in hell it’s going. It seems like I’d be the perfect fan, and yet it’s been a genre I tend to avoid.
Maybe there’s a part of my mouthbreathing lizard-brain that thinks I’m too stupid for mysteries, or at least pointlessly annoyed by the idea that while I’m reading along, clueless as to whodunit, there is this invisible army of jerkheads who would have totally figured it out by now. You know how some people are all, oh, I identified the killer by chapter two and la la la I’m a fucking MENSA god? Well, suck it, Sherlock. No one’s giving you a gold star.
Uh. I probably just have issues. Anyway, so I was a little worried about whether I was going to enjoy the book and if I’d finish it in time to take part in the tour (my reading habits have thoroughly changed in the last few years, in that I used to read all the time and now I mostly get a few pages in while I’m lying in bed at the end of the day fighting off the impending coma long enough to finish this one chapter JESUS DAMN IS THAT THE BABY CRYING?), but: surprise! Flipping Out is 100% enjoyable.
Or, well, I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise, since Beth told me about it and promised it would be a good read, but then again I remember how Beth once said she crawled in her kid’s crib to help him get to sleep so clearly she is both incredibly flexible and at least partially deranged.
Anyway. I really, really liked Flipping Out: the characters are great, the police procedure storyline is fascinating, and it’s funny.There’s enough gritty stuff to please anyone looking for suspense in a crime novel, but with lots of hilarious banter and colorful, unforgettable characters. It’s a fun read, and if you’re looking for, say, a beach book, this feels a lot more satisfying than anything with a pair of heels on the cover.
(Unless the heels are dripping in blood. Then, let’s talk.)
I asked Marshall if he wouldn’t mind indulging in a little author Q&A, then belatedly realized I have no idea what kinds of questions to ask a successful author. Luckily, he put up with me and actually took the time to write some fantastic answers:
I don’t normally read mysteries, but I thoroughly enjoyed Flipping Out. So OBVIOUSLY I need to get on the stick and read your other books, and I’m thinking there may be, like, a whole genre out there I’ve been stupidly avoiding. What mystery books would you recommend as All-Time Must Reads, even for supposed non-mystery-fans?
Being a girl, you might want to start with Nancy Drew.
Okay, it’s always smart to get the first lame joke out of the way to lower your readers’ expectations.
That’s not an easy question. Mainly because I have no idea what is was about Flipping Out that resonated with you. The three dimensional characters? The page turning drama? The pants wetting humor? The buzz killing sex? The absence of zombies?
Let me fess up to the fact that on the Fraud to Expert Continuum, I’m not the best guy to answer your question. I’m not nearly as well versed in the genre as most of my readers. So I Googled “best mysteries of all time” and guess what? Tons of opinions, and nobody agrees on anything.
My all time favorite is The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth. I read it for the first time in 1982, and it’s still selling briskly today.
I’m not big into paranormal, and yet I just read — and loved — Vampyres of Hollywood by Adrienne Barbeau and Michael Scott. (And yes, they spell Vampyres the good old-fashioned way, just like my Hungarian great-great-grandmother spelled it.) It’s hardly an all-time-must-read, but knowing your penchant for demons of the evening, I’d probably recommend it to you.
Beyond that, the best I can do is give you some authors I’ve enjoyed over the years: Donald Westlake, Robert B. Parker, James Patterson, Jeffery Deaver, Jeffrey Archer, and Michael Connelly come to mind.
I’d say you stumped me on the very first question, but give me some credit for how I weaseled out of it.
I love the main characters in Flipping Out, LAPD detectives Lomax and Biggs. Are they inspired from any real-life people you know, or did they spring Athena-like from the confines of your skull?
Let’s see: Mike Lomax — warm, lovable, sensitive, pays more attention to the little voice in his head than he should, intelligent, intuitive, protective, good in bed — nope, nobody comes to mind.
Terry Biggs — master of the quick comeback, goes for the laugh every chance he gets, loyal adoring husband, devoted father, workaholic, driven by the challenge of starting a new career and rising to the top — nope, I’m drawing a blank on him too.
I guess I just made those guys up.
I also made up Big Jim Lomax, Mike’s well meaning, totally meddling father. Really — he’s completely fictional. Just ask my kids.
An Amazon reviewer wrote that as a gift she read the beginning of Flipping Out to her husband while he “lazed in bed”. Do you find this 1) titillating, 2) flattering, or 3) disturbing?
I was cool with it until you brought it up. I mean “lazed in bed” sounds innocuous. But once you mentioned it, I got to wondering — is there subtext here?
Then on Sunday I had a book signing at the Chester County Book and Music Company in West Chester, PA. The store is a fantastic 34,000 square foot monument to books, music, and film for people of all ages and every imaginable persuasion. It’s a destination — like Disney World, only with a better restaurant.
Anyway, guess who showed up at my book signing? The “lazed in bed” couple. They are very sweet. I think they just enjoy lying down and having someone read to them. Which, of course, I graciously did.
You and I have chatted a bit about zombies. In the upcoming apocalypse of the undead, what do you think your personal chances of survival might be?
I don’t know much about Zombie Criteria. I don’t have a handle on whom they like or don’t like. (If I really cared I’m sure I could look it up on Match.com.) But based on the fact that my brand of non-threatening humor cuts across all races, religions, and life forms, I would imagine I’d fit right in with the undead. At least I hope so, because I’ll bet they’d give me some really ungodly stuff to blog about.
What’s next on your writing plate? Will we be seeing more of Lomax and Biggs?
I am three weeks and a dozen chapters away from finishing the first draft of the next Lomax and Biggs. It won’t be released till May 2010, and I can’t even tell you the working title, so I’m not trying to pimp it here, but I have to say I love it. I love it in a way where I can barely take any credit for it. The characters are now writing the books, and they have gotten so good at it, that if they could type, I’d wind up as a greeter at Wal-Mart. I plan to keep working with those guys for as many books as they’ll keep me on.
But there is one other thing on my plate. Non-fiction. It is based on what happened to me when I was 40 years old. I was a high-paid creative director of a big New York ad agency. Top of the ladder. Top of the food chain. Top of my game. And one day (one night, actually — because I distinctly remember it was after cocktails), I looked in the mirror and said those infamous five words that sooner or later, every single one of us will say to some mirror somewhere:
Is this all there is?
I felt the same way the morning after. And so I began looking for an answer to a few basic questions. How did my 40-year-old self get to where he is? What did I think would make my 60-year-old self so deliriously happy with his life that he had no regrets?
The answers didn’t come fast. But eventually I realized that everything about my life at 40 happened because some 18-year-old kid thought it would be cool for me to be in advertising. Eighteen-year-old Marshall was long gone, but here I was, decades later, still living that dumbass kid’s dream.
Was the 40-year-old Marshall going to follow that kid’s plan for the next 20 or 30 years? I decided that he wouldn’t. The working title for my book is Confronting the Teenager Who Screwed Up Your Life.
This will not be a dry self-help book. It will be hilariously real, because the official formula for being funny is Pain Plus Time Equals Comedy. My own mid-life crises (yes, plural) were painful. But enough time has passed so that I can turn it into belly laughs. I think it’s a book that a lot of people over 39 are going to want.
And I lived it, so I know I can write it.
Douchey question I have to ask: if you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
Douchey answer I have to give: don’t ask for advice on how to be an author.
However, I can give you some advice on how to be a writer. Put your ass in a chair and write. Write what you know, what you feel, what you want. Don’t ask for permission, and if you must get feedback, trust and rely on a very small cadre of people. Preferably those who know and love you, have some kind of qualifications for giving you constructive feedback, and have nothing to gain if you write the next DaVinci Code.
Let me sum it up: There are a lot of people who can prevent you from becoming an author, but only one person who can stop you from being a writer.
And if you so much as dare to ask me who that one person is, when I come back in the upcoming apocalypse of the undead, I will go directly to your village and haunt your every moment.
:::
So there you have it, if I wasn’t already a fan of his writing I think that interview alone would send me on my one-clicking way to Amazon.
I can definitely recommend Flipping Out, and I’ve been authorized to give away a free, signed copy of the book to one of you lucky blog readers. Just leave me a comment, include your email address, and I’ll randomly pick a winner — oh, let’s say by Monday, May 4.
As for comment fodder, tell me, do you have a favorite book genre? Or one you avoid altogether? For me, my favorites are memoirs and what I guess you’d call general fiction; I tend to avoid mysteries (until now!), romances, and Westerns. How about you?
** Update: comments are now closed, and I’ll be picking the winners soon! **
Comments
227 Responses to “Flipping Out over Marshall Karp”
-
Stuff I Like:
Eureka Enviro Floor Steamer.
Why did I not buy this YEARS ago? WHY? OH MY GOD MY LIFE IS FOREVER CHANGED.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Clear Skin Cream.
Maaaajor difference in my skin since I started using this. I alternate with Pond's so my face doesn't get too dried out.
Magic Bullet.
I use this almost every single day to make a smoothie. Really a surprisingly awesome little kitchen tool.
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm.
Amazing lip balm that gives natural color and somehow makes your lips look more full.
Voluspa Candle.
Discovered via Jennie. These candles smell wonderful (at least the Goji/Orange scent does), and I love the pretty tin.
NARS Flamenco Lipstick.
Whoorl was right, this is the perfect red lipstick.
Oooooh, pick me, pick me! Um, just a little giddy at free book.
I like mysteries, murders, and general fiction. Favorite author I just discovered – David Hewson!
I like…..ummmm….books about dragons. I am such a geek.
Do I get extra points for mentioning that May 1 is tomorrow (Friday) and Monday is May 4? This book sounds fabulous, and I already love the author based on your incisive interview questions and his stellar answers. I read mysteries and thrillers and literary fiction, also love young adult books, and I generally avoid science fiction and vampire stuff, except when I don’t.
1) Mysteries; 2) Romances; 3) Westerns I’m sorry! I grew up reading my dad’s Louis L’Amour westerns and sneaking Harlequins into the house.
I don’t want to seem bitchy but May 1 is tomorrow.
By the way I have never commented but I LOOOOOVE your writing. I look forward to every post.
I have been on a major memoir kick (Miriam’s Kitchen was a fave) but I like to peruse the Borders 3 for 2 table and just pick whatever strikes my fancy. I used to read A LOT more words IN A ROW than I do now with a 3 yr old and 1 yr old (usually the few pages before the letters go all blurry and my eyes shut and I’m gratefully asleep at night).
Pick me and it will make you feel better to know that it takes me months to read a book a few pages at a time with my little reading lamp so as not to bother my husband who was formerly a bat since he needs total darkness to sleep.
Oh, and I switched to mysteries so I wouldn’t be embarrassed at airports.
Ohhh, I’ve heard about this book and I really want to read it. Pick me! I used to strenuously avoid mysteries too, mainly because my mother (a librarian) was so obsessed with them that it was the only genre she read. But then I got into them and yes, for awhile it was the only genre I read too. They are good books when you have a baby and limited time to focus.
However, I am trying really hard to get back into contemporary and classic fiction (must make brain work) and I’m holding myself accountable by writing a little book review as one of my blog posts every month. But I would love to read another mystery too!
Buh! May what now? Uh, thanks guys, I’ve edited the date to reflect REALITY. Oops.
that fellow has a great knack with words.
personally i love character novels (carol shields, margaret atwood), young adult, and historical fiction and try not to get too close to anything “new age” or douglas coupland-y.
I’m all about the Young Adult fiction. Even though I’m fourty. I don’t know. I think it’s because that is what I was reading when I fell in love with reading, kind of like you always remember the music from high school?
I love mysteries, any mystery – funny mysteries, great whodunnits. I’ll have to check out his books. And yes, please, please pick me…..
I totally read Nancy Drew when I was little! I’m currently a big fan of Jennifer Weiner, Stuart Woods (easy read political thrillers) and after watching the Sopranos I was compelled to buy this monster anthology of all activites mafia-realted. Still working on that one, but it’s very interesting so far.
hrm…horror & historical romances. not sure how the two even get grouped together, but they do. i also like some science fictiony type stuff too, but mostly of the vampire/witch/werewolf kind.
also um..sundry..honey….when are we going to see YOUR book for sale??? hmmmmm???
Hi! Leaving a comment!
stephanie.parnell@gmail.com
Until I’m out of school, my reading content is strictly class related…there’s no time for anything else unfortunately.
I love all types of books! One of my favorite authors is Christopher Moore. He writes about supernatural things and is so funny he makes me pee a little.
I would love to win a book. I love mysteries and can HIGHLY recommend Donald Westlake who doesn’t really write mysteries, per se, rather they’re “comic capers”. Hilarious, is what they are. Pick up Hot Rock or any of the Dortmunder books. You won’t be sorry. I also love P.D. James, Ruth Rendell, Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie, etc.
What do I not like? Vampire genre (god, is it a genre now?), fantasy/sci fi (real life is bizarre enough), romance and westerns.
Please let me win! myfreshhell AT hotmail DOT com.
I’m a true blue fantasy nerd, but I’ll read just about anything. Except romance, which I avoid like the plague.
May 4th is my birthday, so that automatically means I win right? Right? I’ll share the giant red velvet cake being coated in icing as we speak…
I love funny books…ANY book as long as it’s funny. You were the one who recommended “Lamb” and that is the last book that I read. Lomax and Biggs are right up my alley.
Well, since I’m expecting baby #4, I mostly stick to picture books, board books and the occasional chapter book for my older daughter. My own reading consists of instructions, recipes, and, when I’m lucky, a few blog posts (yours, obvs). I could use a good, new book all of my own. Pretty please?
Ooh, thanks for the giveaway! I don’t normally read mysteries, but this one sounds really good. And since your interview with the author was so flippin’ funny, I’m eager to check out his books! As for what I usually read, mostly a lot of high brow fiction (I’m a English PhD drop-out, what can I say) and poetry. Not big on any “genre” lit — romance, western, scifi, etc.
Historical fiction, hands down!
Cereal boxes. Just kidding, sort of. I can read anything and everything, and find myself pulled to reading all day long. Anything that comes into my line of sight is my genre of the moment. I do love non-fiction, but I love fiction just as much. I can say I’ve read romances and westerns, and while there are probably some great ones out there (Gone With The Wind, for example), I don’t rush to those sections in the bookstore.
Now I have to read this book.
I am a big fan of mystery, suspense, and true crime novels. I have a rather extensive collection of Ann Rule books. Oooh, and Steven King!
I would love to try a book by Marshall Karp. Pick me, pick me!!!
I LOVE mysteries, but as long as they’re action-packed thrillers. I usually seek out James Patterson and some others whose names have flown out of my head at the moment, but I also have read Stephen King. He’s sometimes too scary, even for me. But I’m definitely checking out Flipping Out. Sounds like it’s my kinda read.
I’ll read a pretty wide variety of fiction but my favorite author of all time is Diana Gabaldon. If you haven’t read her ‘Outlander’ series I highly recommend it! Fantasy/mystery/romance/history, based in Scotland & pre-revolution America.
So sign me up for the giveaway, but even if I don’t win I’ll add “Flipping Out” to my library list!
I’m such a book whore. I’ll read anything and always have. That being said, I have a special fondness for science fiction, fantasy, horror, mysteries, and anything that’s particularly well-written.
Here’s why you should totally give it to ME.
I absolutely love to read but I am so not a mystery reader. But this guy intrigues me.
So if I read it and love it, who is better to advertise it than me???????
Once the semester ends I will be able to go back to pleasure reading. Oh Playgirl how I have missed you…It’s the articles… really.
Seriously, not a huge reader, but love Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum series. I am almost to the 14th book. Mystery, sex, and humor. Can’t go wrong with that. I think I will have to pick up Marshall’s book!
Will it hurt my chances if I tell you I have a crush on Chris Cactus?
I’d love to win the book. Email is shoppinshensation@mac.com
Me! Me! Me!
Honestly, I hope it’s not me. I’m kinda hoping to use my get-something-free Karma coupon for something like winning the lottery or a big screen tv.
But I’m entering myself just in case this is my winning destiny. I’d hate to pass it up just because I think I’m too good for a free book (which I’m not…it sounds great, by the way).
As for reading, I’m not picky about the genre (except for romance novels, which I don’t like). Anything that will not be a waste of my precious reading minutes is what makes me happy!
I love to read your blog, fantasy, science fiction, mysteries, and thrillers =).
What a fantastic interview. And he gets bonus points from me for mentioning Robert B.Parker…love, love, love! Try Robert Crais and Carl Hiasen too. My dad writes for a living and he says exactly the same thing when asked for advice by aspiring authors…just sit down and write. I don’t think you need any advice though, your writing is amazing and you will be published.
WANT FREE BOOK! :o)
I avoid Harlequins & westerns like the plague. Though I’m sure they have their merits, they are not my cup of tea.
Check out Lee Child – Jack Reacher (his main character) is hott.
Oh, my mom would love this book.
And right now, I’m definitely addicted to memoirs of, well, addicts– alcoholics, people with eating disorders, etc.- fascinating stuff.
Reading? I don’t read no books-it would be cuttin’ in on all my TV watchin’ time.
Actually, if I had a favorite book right now it would be “100 Foolproof Ways to Lovingly Get Your Baby to Sleep for Six Straight Hours (Or More!)”
…possibly with bonus chapters on “Reducing Spit-Up in Your Baby to Fewer than Four Quarts a Day”
I’d love a copy of the new Marshall Karp book! I read the first one after reading the Rude Cactus review.
So pick me! Pick me!
I don’t read romance or horror.
Free stuff, woooo! I would totally like to read that book, from THE VERY genre that I, too, avoid. Even though my mother’s read every mystery author known to man and I typically trust her opinion.
Excellent interview. I love that he said, “Douchey” right back at you. That makes him awesome.
“Confronting the Teenager Who Screwed Up Your Life” is the best book title ever, I think. Thanks so much for the interview – it was great, and Flipping Out is totally going in the queue of Things I Need to Read.
dude sounds pretty cool, I’ll enter to win his book!
My favorite genre has always been science fiction, but I can appreciate a good mystery novel every now and then. Cop dramas are good too!
I LOVE funny mysteries (Carl Hiaasen), true crime (the gorier the better) and memoirs. kmcguire39@yahoo.com
Generally my book-buying criteria is
1)Is it interesting?
2)that’s it.
I’ve never gotten into romance novels or chick lit, though I’ve read a handful of both. General Fiction is as good a “genre” as anything. I don’t read very much non-fiction, but when I do I love when it reads like a made up story. I’m a read-to-escape kinda gal.
I LOVE mysteries and actually have a copy of his Rabbit Factory sitting on my dining room table right now calling to me. I read the author recommendation from Beth’s site and am DYING to get started. Here’s to hoping I can get a copy of Flipping Out. Cheers!
I love really BAD memoirs & autobiographies from people who aren’t fit to be writers.
So bad, in fact, that even the ghost writers couldn’t salvage it.
some examples:
No Lifegaurd on Duty (Janice Dickenson!)
ScarTissue (Anthony Kiedis – he repeats the same stories over and over again, and his editor lets it slide, his descriptions of his girlfriends are beyond entertainment)
It’s Always Something (Gilda Radner- she outs herself as a total neurotic. And the story, unbeknownst to her, obvi has a sad ending)
I sound like an asshole.
I love sci fi and fantasy, almost anything post-apocalyptic, science-light type non-fiction (like Freakonomics or Blink), horror, some true crime, and funny books (anything by Bill Bryson etc). The only genres I really avoid are romance, Oprah book-club type books, and most mysteries (although I read nearly every Nancy Drew mystery available when I was a kid).
Mystery Mystery Mystery! And historical fiction and autobiographies. Also… seems like you might really enjoy a little Dave Barry and/or Nick Hornby. Hilarious!
Can I play? Even though I’m a furriner?
In any case- I’ll read just about anything (except for romance novels and westerns *shudder*)
But I love fantasy, historical novels, mysteries, horror yup- just about anything
I’m In!
I am a mystery fan. I like ones with anatomy in them – Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs – Anything with murder. I’m also a “general fiction” fan; oh, and memoirs, too. I guess I’ll read anything, really.
And I love free stuff.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Okay, I want to read this book based solely on the interview.
AND I LOVE NANCY DREW. LOOOOOOVE.
Excellent interview! I read just about anything, but always love a good romance.
I typically go for biographies and autobiographies only because they tend to hold my interest the most. I too tend to stay away from mysteries but I’d be willing to give them a try if I was picked as the winner of this book!
I loved your interview with the author, he sounds like a stellar guy, one that I could really see myself reading.
sjones1026(at)hotmail(dot)com
Yay I like books! I actually like mysteries. One I read recently that was interesting was “Crooked Little Vein” by Warren Ellis (down and out PI “hired” by the US govt. to retrieve a very special book and he flails around through a very curious world of bizarre sexual deviation to find it.
My favorite genre might be Slightly Surreal, if that’s a genre. Haruki Murikami, Thomas Pynchon, etc. I can always read boat-bum mysteries too; there is actually some decent stuff there and I don’t even mind the crap half the time.
I was never interested in the whole fantasy/swords and sorcery genre until my sister and her husband (both english professors) introduced me to the total book crack that are the books of George R.R. Martin. He’s got a series, collectively titled A Song of Ice and Fire, that are really, really good and so addictive. And look super cheesy at first glance. I seriously wouldn’t have considered reading these if the recommendation didn’t come from such intelligent book nerds.
You can get much more reasonable-looking paperback copies now, but when they were first published, the covers featured a corny Fabio look-alike riding a horse. They appeared so similar to the horrible romance novels people buy in the drugstore, it was pretty embarrassing to be caught reading these in public. But the writing is great and the stories are super compelling. And it re-introduced me to to a genre I had written off as lame. So…bonus. ;)
Flipping Out sounds very cool…pick me, pick me, pick me!
Hee, you both did a great job with the interview. I enjoyed both sides profusely.
I generally read all encompassing fiction too — especially stuff that’s clever with a dash of dark humor. I like things from non-American authors a lot — Kundera, Lahiri, Tan, Adiga.
I also love well-written children’s books.
I tend to avoid almost all non-fiction because I rarely have the attention span for it. I read news and stuff on the internet, and I thumb through the New Yorker every week, shouldn’t that be enough?
ME ME ME.
Um, I mean, I’d love to win the book. I read mostly mysteries and nonfiction.
Ok, between Beth, Chris and now you (all Bloggers that I “follow”) raving about Marshall, I have GOT to get his books. As far as a particular genre, I don’t have one. One week I will be all about the mindless, brain-numbing, IQ-dropping “Chick Lit”. The next I’ll be on to mysteries and the next some deep, thought provoking novel. I love reading. On a lazy weekend I usually find myself devouring four or five books. And I love it when we’re slow at work, because I get a LOT of reading in there as well!
This guy is hilarious! I think I’m going to have to pick up his books, even though mystery isn’t my first choice.
I like this guy, he’s got a good sense of humor, although clearly he doesn’t understand the first thing about zombies or the coming apocalypse, and he wouldn’t survive long. By the way, if you haven’t already watched these, some good movies to rent that I’ve seen recently include: Zombie Strippers, Quarantine, The Zombie Diaries, Doomsday, and Trailer Park of Terror. Not to mention the hilarious webcomic Dr. McNinja, which heavily features zombies and various other evils.
If I had to pick a book genre that I liked the most, I would say I like thrillers the best. Actually, it’s kind of hard to say. I don’t really know what genre a lot of books fall into. I like horror, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, war novels, and books about conspiracies. I especially like when two or more of those genres can be mixed together. I mean like the DaVinci Code, but was that an action book, or a mystery/conspiracy book, or a historical fiction, or a spy thriller? It had several genres mixed in with a shit ton of real life facts and historical events, and historical speculation, and who the hell knows what genre that would really fall under?
You know what, fuck it. The genre that I read the most often and enjoy the most is not books at all, but blogs. Thanks for getting me hooked Sundry, thanks a lot.
I most certainly don’t need comment fodder for this funny as hell post – Linda, please, I beg you – answer me this (and excuse me if there is some blog post I’ve missed in the previous years on the subject) but what in the hell is your deal with zombies and how in the hell did it come up in such detailed conversation with this author dude in such a way that he felt compelled to mention it in half of his responses?
Sorry, I just realized I said “hell” 3 times in one short post. Probably came off like some crazy psycho. I mean, that’s true, but I didn’t mean to reveal it so accurately in such a short paragraph.
With 2 kids I try and read anything that doesn’t require me to think too much. Total fluff n stuff. All genres that fit into that criteria are welcome! Also, I saw this in a review, thought of you, and am anxiously awaiting my library getting a copy for me to read! Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance – Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem! http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Zombies-Classic-Ultraviolent/dp/1594743347/ref=cm_sw_em_r_title_featured?ie=UTF8&tag=tellafriend-20
I love mystery books! And sex books, but I can’t read those ones at school ;)
Please enter me in the draw, I’m running out of reading material!
so glad to hear you love memoirs, linda, because
WHEN YOU WRITE YOURS
I’ll be the first in line.
He is completely and totally delightful. I might buy his book just b/c he was so cute. I am NOT into mystery. However, I just purchased a Janet Evanovich mystery b/c my friend loves and adores that series and says it is laugh out loud hilarious.
I don’t read mysteries but I think I like him. Also it’s my birthday on May 4th so I think I should win.
hmm, i read whatever my book club tells me to read,I guess I like drama and girly books. I’ll admit to having read quite a few self help books, but I wouldn’t say I enjoy them :)
I, too, enjoy memoirs. Generally the kind about people with lives very different from mine. There’s just something about knowing the person you’re reading about is out there somewhere, living their life.
If you haven’t, read The Glass Castle. Right meow.
I read pretty much whatever I can get my hands on, although this:
I mostly get a few pages in while I’m lying in bed at the end of the day fighting off the impending coma long enough to finish this one chapter
resonates strongly with me, minus the whole baby thing…
But lately the true-science-dead-bodies style of Mary Roach (Stiff) keeps me entertained.
Additionally, I never pass up an opportunity for free stuff.
Generally, I’ll read anything if it’s printed in a language I can read. Looking at my bookshelves, I have everything from Calvin & Hobbes to a submarine technical manual from the 80’s in Russian. If I had to pick to make a Top Three Genre List, it would be 1. Science Fiction 2. History and 3. Dystopian and Cynical novels. Okay, I made that last one up, but I couldn’t think of the correct grouping for books like 1984 and Catch 22. Maybe – Books You Were Forced to Read in High School, But Actually Liked? I dunno.
I read super quickly, so I guess my reading habits haven’t suffered since having children. It kinds sucks, though, because I can blaze through a book in a few hours, and then I’m all like, “WTF do I do now? I have nothing left to read. :(” I don’t really expect to win, but I haven’t really been commenting a lot lately, so I wanted to chime in.
Choose me. I want the book, even though there are no zombies or vampires.
I don’t have many mysteries in my collection, but I will always take a recommendation. I am a big fantasy fan, but more specifically, I am a nut for all Terry Pratchett books. Mmmm…. Discworld. Linda, an author you might like is Neil Gaiman. Fantasy, apocalyptic religious comedy. Yes, he wrote Coraline, but no not all his work is children’s literature. (Although, as kid’s lit goes, you could do a lot worse than the deliciously dark Coraline.
I love to read almost anything, though mystery is not a genre I run toward. BUT this guy sounds smart and hilarious and those are two things I enjoy very much in my writers.
I like to alternate between memoirs and novels. I feel like it keeps me humble and gives me some escapism. Oh, and I also like essay collections for the sheer luxury of dipping in and out.
I am slightly wigging out at seeing West Chester in your post, and I have informed my husband that we need to visit this music-book Disney World ASAP.
I read anything and everything. Currently I have checked out of the library: Tori Spelling’s Mommywood, Malcolm (I forget)’s Outliers, The American Wife, South Beach Diet, Amy Bloom’s Away, The Guernsey Society (Something about potato peels), and I always have some slashers, stalkers, grit lit, David Sedaris, and an insane number of magazines on hand to read when the library stash gets low.
Tell me, how have I missed these books? I read mysteries and fiction all the time – buckets of ‘em. I’d love to read one (or all) of Marshall’s books. Also I’ve never referred to an author by his/her first name before, and now I feel kind of creepy stalkerish, so thanks for that new experience! I also enjoy non-fiction that actually teaches me something, and I steer very clear of romance novels. Reading those just makes me feel dirty.
Although by living in France I guess I don’t qualify for the free book thing, being a total book whore I couldn’t resist this chance to comment…
I’ll read pretty much most types of book except sci-fi and “old” books (my degree in French and Spanish literature put me off most non 20th century books).
My favourite genres, however, are thrillers (Cornwell, Connelly, Coben, Child, Kellerman…), comic thrillers (Kinky Friedman, Carl Hiaasen…), chick lit (escapism stuff like Bridget Jones, Sophie Kinsella…) and the Just Plain Weird (Jasper Fforde and Malcolm Pryce, for example, have had me crying laughing). I also like some non fiction, but it has to be funny (Bill Bryson has also had me crying laughing, for example).
Have never read Marshall Karp (in fact, had never even heard of him till I read Beth and Chris’ blogs) but am eager to give Lomax and Biggs a try now…
I never read anymore. I used to read all the time! The internet has done something to my brain, I swear. Like you, I struggle to read a chapter before falling asleep (okay, okay, for me, it’s a paragraph). But, I have two trips coming up, and this book sounds like the perfect thing to take my mind off the fact that I’m going to be smooshed between two strangers for the duration of a cross-country flight. Travel/vacation reading is the best!
Very intriguing! I love mysteries, and I’d love to win the book!
I would love a free book! Even though I’ve never liked mysteries, either, I’m ready & willing to try a good one. I also do not read Westerns & tend to avoid anything that deals with Normal People in the present. Who needs more reality?
My favorite genres, on the other hand: 1.) historic fiction 2.) science fiction/fantasy
I’d love to win the book and someday I will love to read YOUR book.
I really love to read anything, when I can fit it in nowadays. My problem is I stay up all night to finish a book and the kids don’t respect the “let Mommy sleep all day” idea!
The book, and the author both sound intriguing!
I’ve just finished many of the Kathy Reichs books (TV show Bones is based on these…). I tend to pick up many things that catch my fancy, especially science fiction.
“Let me sum it up: There are a lot of people who can prevent you from becoming an author, but only one person who can stop you from being a writer.”
That is one of the best things I’ve ever heard an author/writer say.
I’m really a classics person BUT lately I’ve learned to love everything from chick lit to young adult fiction so I’m all over the board. BTW, Nancy Drew totally rocks.
That was me above. Good old Anonymous.
Thank you so much for this review! Even if I don’t win, I now know what I’m getting my mom for Mother’s Day! So either way, score.
My favorite genre: historical fiction
My least favorite genre: spy fiction (Tom Clancy, etc.)
Oh I love books! And my favorite is definitely crime-murder-mystery. I’m not about the classics or the westerns or the romance. Memoirs bore me sometimes too. I do like the general fiction though to spice up the “murder mystery” general type I choose.
Funny you should mention that, as it was just a week ago that I decided to Draw The Line and refuse to climb into the crib anymore. Which I’ve been doing with great regularity for months.
So at least slightly deranged, but I introduce you to cool people.
You guys should do a radio show.
I read classics. If it was written after 1950, I’ll probably hate it, so it’s best to stay on the safe side with 1899 and before. Am snob.
awesome blog. awesome interview. thanks for the laughs :)
Major book retailers currently list my favorite books as “Fiction: General” Not helpful. My favorite books seem to be about women whether they are starting a family, finding themselves or trying to make sense of the world. I never really even intentionally choose these kinds of books – they just seem to find their way to me.
Unrelated: Please take my name out of the hat for the book. Beth’s sending me her copy.
Fantasy, hands-down. But (yes but!), I must clarify that it’s not the “And yea, he swept her up upon his gleaming white unicorn, slew the mighty Garlagkt with his Lance Of Truthsomeness, and they rode off into the triple-sunset of the planet Stromth” brand of fantasy.
I like well-constructed worlds with strong characters (Dune, Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, for example.)
(Awesome blog tour, by the way. You should do them more often. :) )
I love writers Sherman Alexie and Bill Bryson. The memoir genre is my favorite. I’m under 39, but Confronting the Teenager Who Screwed Up Your Life is a book I would DEFINITELY buy.
I have been so desperately needing something new to read, so thank you. I bundled up my kid, and braved the pouring rain to check it out at the library (they hadn’t even shelved it yet.) I’m excited to get started, which will probably have to wait for bedtime.
I tend to go through moods with what I’m reading. Sometimes mystery, sometimes romance, sometimes I just hit the best seller list on Amazon. My favorite is usually historical mystery with some kind of supernatural…something. Not easy to find, but worth it when I do.
Ummm… I want? And YA fantasy. The latest by Suzanne Collins rocked. Hunger Games. Libba Bray (Brey?). Yes, Ms. Meyers. Melissa Marr. Pretty much everything these days.
I totally have a crush on him now too.
Let’s see, genres. I’m a huge John Irving fan…so I guess I like the kooky fiction. I’ve also been known to read books with high heels on the cover. Don’t delve into mystery much, but I’m intrigued by this one!
I love fiction, mysteries (especially English authors)some Young Adult (just read Mango Shaped Space-so good)and right now am reading the perfect book for you.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.
This is a kick ass book for both the Jane Austen lover, and those who enjoy their zombies.I work at a bookstore, this title is a surprise seller-we can’t keep it in stock.
I just read that the next title by Seth Grahame-Smith is going to be “Abraham Lincoln-Vampire Hunter” AWESOME!
I have just finished The Rabbit Factory and I can’t wait to get my hands on another book with Lomax & Biggs! Those guys are so likable!
“There are a lot of people who can prevent you from becoming an author, but only one person who can stop you from being a writer.”
This is going on a slip of paper in my wallet.
I read all sorts of shit. Love books. Will be picking up Lomax and Biggs, they sound like my type of people.
Oops, I just realized I repeated Heather’s recommendation about the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It sounds like she is waiting for it from her library-but I can tell you-the book is really, really good.
With a 9 month old, my old voracious reading habits have been thrown out the window for much of the last year. I tend to go for the real-life adventure types of books like those by Krakauer…or anything that seems like it could be condensed into a National Geographic article.
I wish I were cool enough to attract authors to my blog for a blog tour. Alas. I lack the cool gene.
My favorite types of books are nonfiction generally. I love memoir but I think the market’s a little flooded–but that’s not to say there aren’t terrific pieces out there. One of my all time favorite books is called random Family by Adrienne Nicole Leblanc and is one of hte best books ever written, made more spectacular by the very virtue that she’s a journalist, who essentially lived with the family (for ten (10)! years!) she wrote about. It’s a masterpiece, and if I could pick a genre, it would be one chock-full of real-life stories, beautifully rendered, with interesting socio-econo-political-life-lessons for us all to learn a little more about humanity.
Also, I love Margaret Atwood. She’s a genre unto herself.
Ooh books. I’m a book junkie. I almost single handedly justify the existence of my local library’s used bookstore. I adore book recommendations almost as much as I adore free books.
mothtoaflame@hotmail.com
I love books, but also have always avoided Mysteries! My favorite genre is historical fiction (thanks Anne Rice!)
My favorite genre is plain-old fiction, I am ashamed to admit I’m the type that goes into the bookstore, finds that table close to the door with lazy summer reading fodder and buys a book based on how much I like the cover.
I’m pretty sure you’d have to tie me down and force me to read science fiction though.
I think I love him too! :)
I love mysteries, so I would love to win this book! Also, I’m very into anything that Laurell K. Hamilton writes.
I REALLY want to read this book (I also read Beth and Chris’s blogs) so this isn’t the first I’ve heard of Marshall…he sounds like a wondeful man and the book sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway :-)
Ok, I have seen several posts on Marshall’s blog tour, but yours was the one that made me say “Ok FINE, I will buy the damn book already!”. Your questions were great, and I LOVE that he uses your same writing style and verbage to answer.
Ooh, I’ve been really wanting to read Flipping Out! I even braved the scary scary help desk people at the library (who are really scary and MEAN) just to ask if the library could maybe buy a copy, only to be told that they’ve had their budget cut and won’t be buying any new books until August…SUCK!
I used to read ALL the time. In fact, I often got in to trouble at school for reading too much. Now I find that I usually want to read family related dramas. My husband becomes frustrated with me because I tend to choose books that make me cry. He reads a lot of fantasy and science fiction type books. I would be willing to get the book you are talking about a try – it sounds great!!! :)
so fun! i heart beth a lot. marshall seems like he’d be so much fun to hang out with.
my favorites – definitely general fiction and for some reason, i do gravitate toward fiction by women authors not men authors. not sure why that is.
lately i’ve been liking historical fiction a lot.
I love crime thrillers (also defined as very tense mysteries, perhaps?) and have recently become addicted to young adult fiction, you know “for the kids.” And, although good ones are rare, I enjoy hard science fiction – that’s ‘hard science’, not SF that’s difficult to read.
When I get the chance to read, I’ve been reading a lot of non-fiction lately… a lot of evolutionary psychology and also economics, behavioral psychology, etc. (Think “Blink”, “Freakonomics”, “Why Do Beautiful People Have More Daughters”, “Stiff”, “Bonk”, etc.) —side note: is there no way to italicize or underline? The book titles in quotes thing is freaking out my inner English teacher who would insist that book titles get italicized or underlined only…—
I’m a sucker for Jennifer Crusie, but not a huge fan of the strictly romance category. Especially not historical romance. Gag. My best friend reads only mysteries. I don’t want to be scared at night. My husband reads only science fiction and fantasy. I can take small doses only. Although, “To Say Nothing of the Dog” was maybe one of the best books I’ve ever read. After Zora Neale Hurston, of course.
In all seriousness, I actually am a high school English teacher, and so I don’t get to read for enjoyment very often. It’s always papers to grade or curriculum to write. I’d love to find a “new” author to really enjoy and be able to relax with. Once the house is clean and the kids are in bed, that is. Perhaps in 2012? So, if you can’t throw me a maid, I’d love you to throw me a book!
I would definitely love a copy.
I love reading your blog. I started reading Purple is not a Fruit and then finally found you here. I just recently started reading Beth’s blog as well. You guys are both awesome and it is nice to know that I am not the only one who loves my kids unconditionally, but is also muttering foul language under my breath when what little sleep I get is interrupted by them. Thanks for writing.
I love fantasy & science fiction, but I can always be tempted with chick lit, or my mom’s hand-me-down mysteries. I’d love to check this one out!
I suggest Karl Hiassen. He doesn’t write mysteries really but there’s always murder involved. And talk about your colorful characters! “Assassination Vacation” by Sarah Vowell is a hilarious non-fiction/historical account that I loved to pieces (more dead bodies for you!) I love Bill Bryson and David Sedaris also. Having two boys and a busy life, I also rarely have time to read any more but I sure do love to do it when I have time. I’ll read just about anything but I think fantasy/sci fi like Lord of the Rings type stuff is my favorite.
Nice. Pick me. :)
I love James Patterson so I was happy to see him mentioned.
My current favorite genre is fantasy, specifically vampires. Yes, with the new age spelling. But I’m thinking I have to look up Vampyres of Hollywood now. As for the new age stuff, I’ve just finished reading Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. I started reading it because of the HBO series True Blood. And now that I’ve read the whole series of books, I can’t wait to see where the series goes!
I can’t remember if you mentioned that you watched True Blood or not, but I really think you’d enjoy it!
I just loved the questions you asked him. As a journalist, I can really appreciate good, original questions. Nice work!
I love your blog, but as a childless person, never feel like I have the authority to comment. But, since I blog about books myself, I couldn’t not this time. I’d love to be in the running the free book!
I enjoyed your interview! I love to read, and have been reading vampire (and other things) books. I avoid westerns and romances.
We recently ditched the cable, so I’m looking for something to read!
I also really want to check out Beth’s blog after the climbing in the crib with the baby comment :)
Thanks for the recommendation and interview! I’m always interested in finding a new author. I read a ridiculous amount of books and am currently in a slump. I’m adding this to my library queue!
Great interview. I have a serious book addiction. Would love to add this one to my collection.
I do like mysteries! You definitely made this book sound enticing. If I don’t win, I will buy it on my own!
But, I think my favorite genre is non-fiction crime stories/who-done-its.
I love Canadian fiction. LOVE it. Coast-to-coast, there are great people writing about real people from the past and present. And future. There are lots of sci-fi folks up here too, but that’s a genre I generally avoid.
[A good Canadian mystery writer is Giles Blunt. I've only read By the Time You Read This and it was excellent. There's a whole series about the detective, Cardinal.]
I also love memoirs about great adventures, like Beyond the Horizon by Colin Angus, about the first human-powered circumnavigation of the Earth. He biked, rowed, biked, hiked, and row, row, rowed his boat all the way around the world. His other books are great too. Back in Six Years by Tony Robinson-Smith is about another person who travelled all over the world. One of the best books of this genre that I’ve ever read is Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston, the hiker who was trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon and eventually cut his arm off to free himself. It’s an absolutely incredible story.
I read LOTS of stuff: sci-fi, fantasy, classic lit, brit lit, history, etc. I generally don’t like romances (well, except for Jane Austen, of course!), but lately I’ve developed a guilty pleasure for Janet Evanovitch–just cuz she’s so darn FUNNY!
I’m pretty sure after reading Mr. Karp’s blog tours, that I could dig him–am planning on checking him out soon!
Oh, meant to say, I’m going to have to read Marshall’s books now. The synopsis + MK’s Q&A have won me over…
Oh, pick me, pick me. This book sounds like a great read. I absolutely love to read just about anything but sci-fi. I am due to have my first child in just a couple of weeks so it’s quite possible that I won’t be reading again for a looooong time, but we’ll see.
This sounds like an awesome book! My favorites? Hmm, well I’m a big fan of Stephen King (Captain Tripps anyone?). I enjoy Michael Connelly, Michael Crichton, and Diana Gabaldon.
But, I have to ask: can you list some titles that you like (the zombie related ones). I’m curious to read some of them. I’m as curious as the next girl when it comes to zombies…
Fun! I never really have gotten into mysteries either – and I am definitely much more into fiction than non-fiction. (Though I just read “No Reservations” by Anthony Bourdain and loved it, so maybe I like that kind of non-fiction?) I’m a pretty big chicken when it comes to trying a new book, ’cause I’m afraid it won’t be worth the time investment and how will I know if I will like it, etc. But as long as I go on recommendations of friends, I am almost never disappointed to try something new. So bring on the mystery!
Really into memoirs right now. Used to be obsessed with mysteries. Can not tolerate romance novels, but adore a good love story. Mainly I wish David Sedaris would write continously and have it fed directly to me.
I would love a copy of his book…I like the way he answered your questions…I tend to read a little of everything, but I really avoid romance novels…too sappy!
I love mysteries and thrillers, along with most any other genre, but anything with humour in it (dark or otherwise) is good with me. Christopher Moore is one of my faves, and Patterson, Reichs, etc are all frequently on my bedside table.
Most recently, for anyone looking for zombie/vampire driven books, with humour and action and sex and drama and everything else? I highly recommend the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton. The first book starts off pretty tame, they get progressively more twisted and entertaining as you go, the character development is good, and they’re funny. I’m on book 5 of the series, which I think has 16 so far??? Anyway…..go. Get em. Read. Enjoy. And PICK ME!!! :-)
Memoir junkie here, but after reading that interview, HOT DAMN(!) I want to read that book!
Sign me up.
I read a lot, but not historical romance or spy novels or horror mostly contemporary fiction I also like the stories of woman and their struggles.
I’m going to look on the library website for Marshall Karp’s books maybe can reserve some today. Thanks for the interview and I love your blog.
“General fiction” I guess. NOT into Harlequin romance crap, otherwise, anything goes. The more suspense, twists, and turns the better! ;)
OH, me, me! I like mysteries, specifically murder mysteries. Also love romance, and true-life crime novels. Thanks!
I love this post and ordered both books ! The interview was great and I am always loking for new things to read !
OH! Pick me! I love all non-fiction, even terrible, non-edited, vapid romance novels. But I’d rather have a mystery, especially a free one!!
Speculative fiction. But I branch out into Dickens and Bronte occasionally.
I will read just about anything, but I HATE so-called ‘bodice-rippers’ like Harlequin. No idea why, just never met one I like.
Can’t wait to get my hands on these Marshall Karp books.
Great interview – definitely gets me to want to read the book. I also want him to hurry up and write that non-fiction book! I turn 40 in 19 days and am definitely facing the “is that all there is” question.
As far as what I read, it’s a mixture of chick-lit (although I hate that label), mysteries, parenting books and whatever my book club picked for that month.
I like vampire books, suspense thrillers are good too. I generally avoid the smutty romance novels but every once in awhile I find one that proves worthy of my time.
I have had similar thoughts about mysteries and have no idea why either…maybe its a stigma i have created in my head about the paperbacks that always end up on the shelves at airport convenient stores. it might be the same part of my brain that makes me buy a newsweek to hide my US weekly in so the guy next to me on the airplane doesn’t know my weakness for celebrity gossip. i recently stopped doing that. i know own my weakness for celebrity gossip. it does not own me!
i tend to find and author and become obsessed. i just finished a string of richard russo books. i think Straight Man might have pushed and shoved its way into my top 5.
I am a big fan of funny, be it websites, blogs, books, movies or TV. I’m always looking for a new way to incorporate humor, so if this book is a mystery but it’s funny – well then sign me up! And when I’m done reading it I’ll pass it to my mom who LOOOOOOVES mysteries and is always looking for new titles and authors to try.
I love good mysteries. Check out Stephen White for some good stuff. My fave genre is historical fiction, though this might have a lot to do with my desire to carry a parasol when I go out for a stroll…
Hey can you make sure to update us when his memoir comes out? I would love to read that too!
My favorite genre of late is non-fiction. I’m currently reading “Salt”, and have recently finished “Confederates in the Attic” (a good read, there). That said, I used to read lots of mysteries. I like James Patterson and Lawrence Sanders. Pick me!
I have an MA in English Lit, so I think perhaps I’ll need to limit myself here.
I think we have opposite reading tastes. I blame my mother (and my own lack of planning) for getting into mysteries. I was visiting her, and I ran out of things to read, so I started on her Sue Grafton (so much for the English MA). I love fiction that is called magical realism (Garcia Marques and Allende). Some other favorites books: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett, Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee, and Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina Garcia.
To be honest, I’ll read almost anything. I’ve got a gardening book, a biography of Beatrix Potter, and a just-finished Oprah book club book on my nightstand. (As an aside, I really need to learn my lesson on Oprah’s recommendations. Other than a few of the older books she recommends, I can’t stand her selections).
Wow, I’m sold – PICK MEEEEEE!!!
I’d love to read Flipping Out since I generally avoid mysteries too (maybe because I think they take themselves too seriously? I dunno, maybe I just have issues too…) Since Marshall seems funny, I think I’d like his version of a mystery much better than my previous experiences.
I tend to like general fiction too – humor is always good (especially cheesy girl humor), but I have to admit to a tendency to get sucked in to the “book club” type books filled with drama and tears.
Not a fan of romance novels or westerns. Not even a little bit.
Ooh, pick me, I love reading! I can’t say that I have a favorite genre. My book tastes are pretty eclectic. I just finished re-reading “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” which is admittedly a children’s story with some heavy grown-up themes. I love Dean Koontz, and if you’ve never read him before I highly recommend you start with “The Watchers.” It’s sort of a mild sci-fi book that I consider realistic fiction. He writes a lot about paranormal type events. I also loved the Twilight books and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Sounds awesome! I want it so gimme!
Love mysteries and you should really try James Patterson if you are interested in trying on the genre. “The Quickie” is a good read … Dean Koontz is another and you would probably love John Saul. Also like sci-fi but am too picky about it and tend to only read books by David Eddings, which would probably be sci-fi/fantasy.
I like coming of age type books and, like you, general fiction. I loved “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and also “Good in Bed” so I’m not sure if any of this fits a specific category??
He sounds good! I’d like to give him a shot.
I enjoy humor (like P.G. Wodehouse – a god among men), some chick lit, although I hate calling it that, and the classics, like Austen. I read a bit of everything except sci-fi (unless it’s Douglas Adams), fantasy, horror/thrillers, and westerns. Yuck.
I love me a good mystery…. dead bodies, police and suspects. Love.
I think his books sound awesome.
I usually read crime/law dramas and popular fiction and cannot stand romances and westerns.
I’d love to win a copy! I’m very intrigued and will be checking out this author. I read almost any kind of fiction – but especially murder, medical, and legal mysteries. The only genre I don’t care for is harlequin romance-type books. I do like historical romance, however – like the Diana Gabaldon series.
Pick me!
I love the humorous/mystery genre.
You should check out the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich (not her other stuff–just the mystery series that has a number in each title). Super-fast, easy read that make me LMAO.
What a great interview! I’m definitely intrigued now and hope I win this! I would say I generally read what you called the general fiction genre. I do enjoy a good memoir though.
i need a book! packed them up to sell the house. Berenstain Bears remain on the shelf!i read mostly fiction…recommendations and book sale finds and classics i missed. Nicholson Baker is very entertaining
Hi my name is Kelly and I have a book problem. Everywhere we go I buy more books. My 5 year old has even pointed out my problem to me. And I read just about anything, well – I have never read a Western, so I can’t say much about that one.
Lately I have been hooked on Steve Berry and James Patterson and either memoirs or true crime.
Second his suggestion of Robert Parker, great dialog!
Awesome review and interview! Read about Marshall on Chris’ site initially and am now even MORE interested. Seriously great post.
One genre which I have grown to LOVE are travelogues. Anything by Guy Deslisle is great also I recommend Asiaddict: A Cartoon Travelogue by Mats!?
have a good weekend!
I love mysteries and romances! And romantic mysteries! And today is my birthday! (Hello 38, I don’t like you, but since you are one of the dwindling numbers between me and the number 40, I’ll take you.) So Pick Me!
I never liked romances until I found Jayne Ann Krentz. Give her a try – Sharp Edges was the first one I read, and is still a favorite. Her female characters are strong and smart – my favorite kind of woman.
no no, pick me. I’d never amazon one-click this, knowing its a mystery..but i still want it :) I like fantasy – along Tolkien lines and anything remotely like it really.
I went through a bunch of phases – dragon-heavy sci-fi/fantasy, the trashiest of romances I could get my hands on, mysteries, Harry Potter, etc. but I don’t really buy anything but reference books on architecture/residential design, writing, and photography these days.
I’m intrigued! Think it would be fabulous to win the book (especialy given that my brain doesn’t function as well these days, and although I have every intention of running to the store & buying it, I will most likely have forgotten before I can get my keys together!!) ktjenn@bellsouth.net
And BTW, I agree with him about YOUR writing – I’m so hooked – you’re great!!!
Oooh! Please toss my name in the hat! If you are into the mystery genre, check out authors Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child – Especially the “Pendergast” novels… Chuck full of awesomeness!
Ooh! I love mysteries. Diane Mott Davidson has a new one coming out that looks good. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of paranormal romance. Can I admit that without feeling like I stepped on the, “Are you a sparkly vampire?” train? True Blood has me reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels.
Damn, blog readers like free stuff:
junniper.j@gmail.com
Excellent interview — not just his answers, but your questions are great too. I don’t do mystery too often either but I’d check it out based on this entry.
I picked up his first two books from the library based on Beth’s recommendation… I, too, am not a big mystery fan per se, but I really enjoyed Karp’s books. I blasted through them, looked for the third at the library and was unable to find it. It was also not at my local bookstore… so… if you could, y’know, GIVE IT TO MEEEEE, that would be great! Thanks! :)
Mysteries are probably my favorite kind of books right now. They didn’t used to be, but as I get older, I’m just more fascinated with serial killers, etc. Good times! When I was in my 20’s is was all about Danielle Steele until I realized, after reading seventy-gillion of her books, that they were all the same! Hopefully I’ve gotten smarter as I age. I loved his responses to your questions as well. He recommended authors I read so I am adding him to my book journal and heading off to the library. (I like to read them, not buy and keep them…) Love your blog and following you on Twitter. You are not feeling anything as a mom of a son that I felt as well, you just express it better than I ever could. My son graduates from high school in two weeks, and yes, even teenagers can be great! Enjoy the ride.
I love, love, love mysteries and this one seems to be right up my alley as I am already FLIPPING OUT!!!
I love Patricia Cornwell novels – Forensic Pathology + mystery = lurve!
I am too lazy to go out and play the lotto but I jump at the chance for a free book. Doesn’t it endear me to your hear? No? Well….
I love fiction, memoirs and anything that has Zombies/Plages/Magic/King Arthur/Heroic Dog in it. In fact, I am going to sit down and attempt to write a book that includes all of those subjects. Wish me luck.
Holy jesus you got a lot of action on this post. You sell him and then he sells him! Would love to read his stuff now, thanks for sharing.
My first comment on your blog, which I read every day. Many thanks for the post on Marshall, I’ll totally check him out. Would like to now Officially Enter The Book Giveaway.
I love mysteries. I started reading them when I was in jr. high and I still love them. But not gimmick mysteries (quilts, recipes, dogs) — those things wrote themselves and it shows. Have you read Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood by Jennifer Traig? Sounds impossible but it’s her lighthearted memoir of growing up with undiagnosed OCD. Much funnier than I expected.
Thanks for your writing.
After reading this interview, I’d buy the book if I don ‘t win in.
Favorite genre? Do baby board books count?
Love to read, don’t do it as much since kids. One new author is a kids author, Daniel Pinkwater. My boys love his books about Irving & Muktuk, and I really like his Big Orange Splot. For me, I like the Kay Scarpetta mysteries by Patricia Cromwell and for shits and giggles, I like Lawrence Sanders’ McNally series. I would love to read Flipping Out, hint, hint, wink, wink, grovling if necessary!!!!!
I’m generally anti mystery, too. BUT, after reading what you, Chris and Beth have had to say about this book, I’d love to give it a try!
I think *I* have a crush on Marshall Karp now! What a great interview.
I avoid political nonfiction (and really any nonfiction) like the plague. See also romance novels and scary stuff. I tend to gravitate toward science fiction and regular old novels but have found that I really enjoy first novels with a strong narrative. Just try telling that to the poor person working at Barnes & Noble and they’ll roll their eyes at you for being such a pretentious prick. Works much better at small bookstores. :)
I think you need to write the book you’ve been thinking of writing. I’d buy it I promise! As for recommendations I liked Dance of The Dissadents Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s a partial autobiography about finding the feminine side of religion. Normally I don’t go in for that stuff but I liked it.
I don’t like paranormal/vampire stuff either but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christopher Moore – fricken hilarious and thoroughly enjoyable!
I generally try to stick to history books and biographies, but I venture out into good old fashioned smut paperbacks when I’m on the dock at the lake. I really need to strech my reading boundaries. I’m going to Vegas next week, and FLIPPING OUT sounds like a lovely read while poolside at the MGM. Plus, with a dresserful of books in the garage, and overflowing bookshelves in our condo, why wouldn’t I need another book!!! Please?
Oooh, that book sounds great. Well, actually the author sounds great and maybe I’ll give the old mystery genre a try since he sort of undid a bunch of stereotypes I had by being so damn witty. Yeah, I’m like you. I really don’t get into mysteries. I’m more of the historical fiction, memoirs and general fiction type. I do have the guilty pleasure of those books with the high heels on the front now that I’m breastfeeding and can sit and read trashy fiction in the rocker while the baby nurses.
Anyway, you caught my interest with this interview. I might have to give the book a go.
Hrm, I LOVE mysteries… but I also read a ton of other stuff. Lately, I’ve been stuck in a young adult fantasy/fiction loop though – _Flipping Out_ seems like it would be a great title to break out of it.
I love epic fantasies (like George RR Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice series) as well as general fiction, historical fictuion and some biographies (about interesting people at least).
And… May 4th just happens to be my birthday… so good day!!! (pick me!)
Ooooh!! Pick me pick me! :)
I like reading! I like fantasy and general fiction but I’ll read anything.
Good timing for me to see what others are reading. I’m nursing my second child right now and read while I nurse – which is ALL. THE. TIME. Seriously, I’ve been through 3 books this week. I need to expand my horizons and now have a whole list of authors to check out – and of course Marshall Karp, which I’d love to win! Thanks!
I don’t often comment on popular blogs (how’s THAT for a backhanded comment?! — but I figure with scores of comments, no one cares what I have to add), but today I asked for book suggestions on my own blog so couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help with the one category I know. In fact, I go a little crazy if I go too long without a good serial killer!! (Yes, I fear that’s very, very twisted….)
I tend to divide mysteries into three categories: (1) classic, (2) melancholy, and (3) page-turner. Classic (think anything set before the 20th century, and most anything British) tends to dominate the “best of” lists, but it’s not my thing. My favorites are what I think of as “modern melancholy” — think detectives with a bit of flaw to them finding ways to deal with the darkness of their work. My holy trinity of writers covers this category — Dennis Lehane, Michael Connelly, and T. Jefferson Parker. Modern snappy is similar, but more page-turning — there are dozens of popular choices, but my favorites are Harlan Coben, Jonathan Kellerman, Lisa Gardner, and Tess Gerritsen.
Sounds like Flipping Out is a good one too; look forward to checking it out!
Please, please, pretty please pick me!! It sounds like a great book and I don’t have any spare cash to go buy it!!
I’ve read mysteries since I was a kid, even though I never figure out whodunit…and now that I’ve heard so much about the Lomax and Biggs books in one week (thanks to Chris, then Beth and now You), I can’t wait to read them!
I always avoid sci-fi, it’s just not my thing. I was deathly afraid of “scary” things like ghosts and vampires until I started watching things like Ghost Hunters and reading the Twilight books. I love memoirs, too – I just checked TWO out of the library.
Don’t usually like mysteries. Tried to read the #1 Ladies Detective Agency and didn’t get past page five. Though, this author sounds kick ass. I’d love to peruse his book, just to read more of his smart ass remarks.
When I was a kid I would grab any book at the library – no real criteria (well, always went for fiction) – sometimes a cool sounding author name, or cool title or that it was next to an author I already liked…
But as an adult my reading tends to follow the same pattern as my eating – I like the familiar. What won’t give me a headache or make me sick – (eating, not books) (altho I guess books could induce both) – I’m the person who would go to Italy and look for Applebees or McDonalds.
That said (you’re already tuning me out, I can tell) – I like to read what I know I’ll enjoy. Maybe it’s because I don’t have much time to read and don’t want to waste is on something I’d hate. I know I often miss out on a lot I would enjoy (this Marshall Karp sounds like someone who writes books I will love…I can already tell)…I love Dick Francis, Sue Grafton and well, of course the Harry Potter books. I tend to stick with mysteries even if I don’t qualify for MENSA.
I don’t like them if they are too graphic/too violent (I know…murders are violent – but you know I prefer the Matlock/Monk level of violence where it never gets too icky).
As far as the advice to write what you know…I’d also say write what you don’t know. Let’s hope Marshall does if his books include murder. :)
kim
[...] http://www.sundrymourning.com/2009/04/30/flipping-out-over-marshall-karp/ [...]
I love mysteries. And funny.
Oops! Didn’t read the last comment before posting, and thought I had until Monday. Sad!
I love mysteries and have run through so many and would love to have a new favorite author! ;)Wink;) Flipping Out sounds like my kind of perfect afternoon read!
I wasn’t a big fan of mysteries until recently, save a junior-high obsession with Agatha Christie. Then I picked up one of a series, about some detectives in Amsterdam, and am completely hooked. The author’s name is Janwillem van de Wetering, and the books are this awesome mix of Zen and relaxed European-ness and jazz-playing detectives. Other than that, I read general fiction, as you said, but I barely get through a book a month these days…
I was going to comment anyway, but since there’s a free book involved – EVEN a mystery – here’s my address: lauralyzer@gmail.com.
I usually avoid mysteries as well, and I can tell you EXACTLY why: it’s because I can’t stop thinking of the writer cackling away to him/herself at exactly how damned _clever_ he/she is being, planting these seemingly innocent and unrelated clues and then suddenly tying them all together in a great big Package Of Answers that you TOTALLY should have seen coming, you great big doofus, HAHAHAH look at how much smarter I am than you! AND you paid money for this book! I WIN!
Just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. But then again I have issues. I don’t even like surprise parties, because it meant someone else knew what was really going on and I didn’t. Sense the theme?
If I win the book, I’ll give it to my mother-in-law. She’s obviously way more well-adjusted than I am.
LOVED the interview! I kept that unread in my feed reader until I could really focus on it, worth the 3 day wait. Just wish I had taken his book suggestions (and HIS name) to the library when I went yesterday.
I love mysteries. And I never figure them out by the end. I just enjoy reading as the characeters figure it out. Seems to have more a point to reading it, there’s something to figure out at the end. I also like the general action novel…and sometimes a cheesy romance.
intlulu at yahoo d o t com
Faves: fiction, bios, short story/short essay, travel writing (give me a story about somebody who sailed around the world or got into some freakishly surprising experience in the middle of nowhere and I’m happy as a clam), humor and every once in a while some sci fi. Never really got into romances, westerns or most detective/mystery stuff. LOVED the Dexter books though. Definitely interested in trying Flipping Out.
Debs – zacgal AT xtra DOT co DOT nz
I mostly read auto-biographies.
Ok so far there are ~208 comments (yes I’m that jobless)…So probability of me winning the book is 0.48%. But then again Sundry specifically said to leave your email-address in the comment area(”Just leave me a comment, include your email address, and I’ll randomly pick a winner”),This implies(it does even if you say it doesn’t) that the email address must be included as part of your comment….(muhaha! leaving it in the email-address field doesn’t count muhahaha!),So my probability of winning just got jacked up to 11.1%……(1/9)(you forget how jobless I am)….On second thoughts, for taking the trouble to count all them comments and tabulating the result of me winning, sundry just abuse your “I’ll randomly pick a winner”-power an award me the book :) … oh yes: “kaushikgopal at gmail.com” muhahahah!
Sounds like a book I’d like to read!
Great books for those who might not usually read a genre (in this case, science fiction) are the Miles Vorkosigan books by Lois McMaster Bujold. They have really exciting, compelling stories, great characters and they’re so much fun. But I’ve never read mysteries and I’d love to try this one. I hope I win!
This book sounds great, and already love the author. I read a ton of great books but mostly the common who did it.. also Jodi Picoult is one of my all time favs.
Would love a new book! You sure know how to write a review. If I don’t win, I’m definitely going to have to buy it. Vicki
I am you basic, every day, chick lit lover. I love funny books and mysteries. Lately, I’ve been really into memoirs as well.
I generally avoid mysteries, though I’m not quite sure why since I’ve enjoyed the ones I have read. After reading this interview I’m putting this one on my to-read list even if I don’t win – I love his wit!
Oooh, oh oh, me, pick me, over here, no down it bit, down a bit more… yep, here! Please, please, please pick me! I’m looking for a new author and this sounds just about…perfect. hmmm … books. Gotta love a good book and boy, can I recommend a few!
Oh wait… mail to NZ might be a bit costly. Oh well. Maybe next time!
:o)
@Caroline – the Vorkosigan books would be top of my recommendations list. And for a light mystery/humour how about Janet Evanovich? the Stephanie Plum series (I’m talking the ‘one for the money’ upto ‘Thirteen’ something books not the novellas) are great.
And why don’t more people read Terry Pratchett? Sheesh…
I’ll read anything including the back of a cereal box or shampoo bottle. Am I also letting on that I like to read and eat and read and um, the opposite of eating?
I discovered Marshall Karp by accident and really loved his first 2 Lomax and Biggs books. I’m delighted that he’s getting so much buzz.
I’d love to win the latest book. I haven’t read it yet. Here’s my email address: micki.reid@gmail.com
Have you read the Sookie Stackhouse vampire books that the HBO series True Blood is based on? They are light and fun (for vampire books).
Thanks!
I’d love the opportunity to try out a mystery, and this one sounds really good. I love general fiction (Fannie Flagg comes to mind as a favorite), historical books (Jane Austen), and SciFi.
My e-mail address is:
akseymour@yahoo.com
I hope it’s not too late to enter! I love mysteries, but I also read fantasy (started with Madeline L’Engle as a child) & have recently been on a kick of non-fiction math/econ/business kind of books like “Freakonomics”, “A Drunkard’s Walk”, & “Sway”.
I don’t know if it’s too late to enter but I’m not even lying when I say mysteries. That wasn’t a suck-up answer!
Hope I’m not too late.
I generally go for general fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, and non-fiction on topics that interest me (Fast Food Nation, Nickel and Dimed, Michael Pollan, etc).
Just can’t get behind so-called Chick Lit. Most of it anyway!
Am I still eligible?
Fave book topics: general fiction; humor; memoirs
I read until I’m in a drooling coma at night too. (usually about 5.2 seconds)
Goodness, that’s a lot of responses already! I used to read a lot. Now, I can’t even make time to read the books that my book club is reading. But I do listen to book CDs that I get from the library. I like your phrase “general fiction”; my taste is whatever catches my eye reading the back cover.
I love mysteries! I just read a great book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, it was an awesome read and I am really looking forward to the sequel. I can’t wait to check this book out, thanks for the review!
I’m either buying it for my mom for Mother’s Day, or winning it here…come on lucky dice!