This recommendation from Lady macBeth...

It Takes a Cemetery
By S.J. Chambers

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be raised in a cemetery? Neil Gaiman’s newest young adult tale, THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, explores just that. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s THE JUNGLE BOOK, GRAVEYARD follows the development of Nobody “Bod” Owens, an orphaned baby who escapes his house while his family is murdered and wanders into the neighboring graveyard (which is only referred to as “the graveyard”). The ghosts of Bod’s family follow him to the cemetery gates, but cannot enter because spirits are only allowed where their bodies are interred. So, the dead mother appeals to the cemetery residents to protect her vulnerable baby from their murderer. The graveyard adopts him, grants him “the way of the graveyard” and raises him as the dead’s own.
Bod ages with each chapter, creating a lovely structure where each episode reads like a short story while building onto the novel as a whole. Like most precocious and lonely children, Bod gets into many threatening situations--from an antagonizing babysitter to kidnapping goblins--but most from the living who want Bod dead.
I’ll resist specifics, because the novel was a swift read and filled with subtle nuances and surprises that my enthusiasm could ruin. But the book is light enough for children and dark enough for adults, making THE GRAVEYARD BOOK a choice holiday gift.

To peruse the book: http://www.amazon.com/Graveyard-Book-Neil-Gaiman/dp/0060530928/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225641405&sr=8-1

To peruse the author: http://www.neilgaiman.com/

Kasey Lansdale Sings To My Soul

If there's any justice in this world, singer/songwriter Kasey Lansdale should have a $1M recording contract as of last Tuesday. This young lady sings classic country with the heart & soul of Patsy Cline...but Patsy makes me cry and Kasey makes my soul soar (which I badly needed this weekend after the profound disappointment of the new 007 flick; arguably the worst Bond movie ever, which, ironically, is now shaping up to be the biggest, most successful 007 in history ).

But don't take my word for it: go to www.kaseylansdale.com and experience the Lansdale experience for yourself.

So, when do we get the album Kasey?

Phil Nutman, Atlanta, GA (and who has finally decided he likes Mondays)

Welcome To The End Of The World

Up Against The Wall is back from the grave...

After months of hard work, contemplation -- and repeated requests from readers and My Faithful Contributors, the Web-based arts & pop culture digest magazine that Takes No Prisoners (Kill 'em All; Let God -- Whoever She is -- Sort 'em Out) IS BACK WITH A VENGENCE.

While this is MY Blog (you lucky people) expect contributions from some of the best folk I know: Dr. Piers Locke (licensed Elephant driver & long-winded, pretentious anthropological bon vivant); Dr. Kate Laity (cool, hot, smart honorary Scandinavian); Dr Roger Danchick (wordy old Jewish Hippie, but I love him...), Selena Chambers (aka Lady MacB...wash your hands, honey...) and maybe an occasional "celebrity" or two...

Since I am about to disappear to a friend's birthday bash, I'll keep this short (but tomorrow I rip producers Michael G. Wilson & Babrara Broccoli new ones for totally f**king up 007 by making the WORST Bond movie of all time...be afraid... be VERY afraid...).

Luv n bullets,
Phil