R E A D I N G  L I S T

 

What do writers read? Does one have to be well-read to be able to write? Possibly yes. Possibly no. Possibly maybe. But whatever the case, here's what I'm currently reading or have recently read... 

 

May 2014: ANNO DRACULA - JOHNNY ALUCARD (Kim Newman, Titan Books)

I was first introduced to the Anno Dracula series back in 1992 with the release of the first book called, erm, Anno Dracula set in 1888. Fascinated by the Dracula story anyway, I was drawn into the new and tangible world Newman created in resurrecting Bram Stoker's undead creation. Now, three sequels later, Newman places his world mainly against the backdrop of the 1980s, using previously published works and expanding them into this single volume. Whether it has the coherence certainly of Anno Dracula itself and the first sequel The Bloody Red Baron is debatable but it's a great read all the same. 

 

May 2014: A BRIEF GUIDE TO STAR TREK (Brian J Robb, Robinson)

Surprisingly informative and an easy read, this 'unofficial' guide traces the history of the show from 1964 through all its incarnations, up to and including JJ Abrams' 2009 movie. A good place to start learning about Star Trek, if one is so inclined in such things. Otherwise, for the fan, a tome that may not teach you anything you don't already know.

 

June 2014: ZEALOT - THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS OF NAZARETH (Reza Aslan, Random House)

Not a book that preaches, as far as I'm concerned, but one that places a Biblical figure in an historical context. This in itself is a mammoth task, and Aslan himself agrees that historical fact conflicts with what is taught and preached. It's likely caused some controversy since its publication but that's the nature of religion. I loved this book immensely. No, I'm not religious but I enjoy reading about the mysticism of religion. I entered into a correspondence with Reza Aslan as a result. 

 

June 2014: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (Glen A Larson & Robert Thurston, Futura)

The original novelisation of the first two episodes of the classic series. Great stuff and far more accessible that the 21st century reboot (which I have to say I've never got past halfway through watching Season 2, but I keep trying!). This 1978 novelisation expands on the Galactica history, using Adama's journals as a framing tool. Good old fashioned 70s sci-fi. JJ Abrams take note.

 

Currently: PINCHER MARTIN (William Golding, Faber & Faber)

 

Next: THE KESTREL SAGA I - THE ARMY OF LIGHT (Stephen Fender, Jolly Rogers Productions)