January Magazine says it likes The Dread Crew, and we didn't even have to goop them first.
Kate Inglis' The Dread Crew is a good book -- sure it is, and we’ll get to that in a moment. But before you ever experience the story, you see that it really is a pretty book. One I think my father might have selected for me, with all the other circumstances being right. There’s something lasting and promising and deliciously old-timey about the cover and binding of The Dread Crew. And that’s all right, because Inglis and her band of merry men deliver on all of those promises.
The Dread Crew is a tale of imagination and friendship. ... This is a spirited tale, gorgeously rendered. A debut work from a confident writer I feel sure will delight us again in the future.
January Magazine is one of the most respected book-related publications on the Web. Founded by author Linda L. Richards and graphic artist and photographer David Middleton in 1997, January has grown steadily, adding various sections and offshoot publications in the intervening years. January is perhaps best known for the author interviews it has published, including exclusive interviews with Salman Rushdie, Dennis Lehane, Margaret Atwood and many others. Over the years, January Magazine has become known for its sharp writing, art and editing as well as an arrogant style that frequently underscores the publication's independence from the publishing industry.
Click here to read January Magazine's complete review.
January Magazine ::: In many ways it feels as though we at January Magazine evolved the format that has become associated with blogging. A decade ago, when everyone else was still loading up Web sites with Java applets and other additions that offered a lot of sizzle but not much steak, we found ourselves almost entirely concerned with content: great writing, well edited; top art; super photos. At that time we envisioned a Web site about books and authors and reading that would grow more rich and intellectually valuable over time.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Reader Comments (7)
A few days ago, en route from hand-warming guilty pleasures at both Second Cup AND Dairy Queen before I strolled on home, I carefully pushed open the blue Woozles door, into the warmth and welcome that is impossible to not feel. It was fairly crowded, parents shepherding children with eyes filled with glee at the treasure abounding in such a magical store. Several minutes after I slipped myself into the hubbub, I nearly gave up on searching for your book. Not for ever, of course, but I was disheartened enough to ask a staff member for directions and ergo admit defeat in my search. (Generally a cardinal sin, in my book.) I had wiggled back and forth through the throng browsing in the seemingly-narrow midsection of the store, when--
I turned in defeat, and there it was.
And oh Kate, it was waiting there, the front copy resting slightly ajar as if eager hands had just set it down for a moment. I read your dedication and you nearly brought tears to my eyes, and I never thought I'd be the type of person who would cry in the middle of Woozles. Flipping to the back and your author blurb I read two boys, again two boys two boys two boys and back to the front where it said three boys, black and white, three three three, and it starts with three and ends with two was what I thought, laid out as such an over-simplified equation. And I thought of your baby, with minstrels and chocolate and written for eternity into this lovely book and I counted what notes I had on me that day - two fives, and a handful of quarters - and I thought I'll be back, possibly after Christmas when I've... you know. Recovered. Which will be soon, and I'll return home with bag fluttering happily in the wind and curl up in bed with warm socks and the curtains open, on a pirate hunt.
Consider this an assurance that we - the world outside of your cheery home, complete with spielzimmer and funny poop - are looking after your books, taking them home with us to love and keep warm.
Ells, I'm speechless. This was just so beautiful... I felt like I was spying on you. :)
Let me know if you have any issues getting the book - Woozles might be out by now, I don't know. I've got a few here. Chapters Bayers Lake is also apparently shipping in whatever's left from more remote stores. Really. Let me know, okay? And thanks so much for sharing this. xo
Oh golly Kate, will you ever stop rockin' the house? (Metaphorically speaking, of course) Can't wait to dive in to your adventure once I return from my travels. I just can't imagine the wonders that await. Although at the same time, I couldn't expect anything less.
Note for other commenter Ells: Beautiful, thank you!
(First, I just noticed that I somehow managed to not proofread my final comment and, in a display of true brilliance, didn't realize that I'd combined two sentences to describe the BLUE door, rather than the pink door and blue walls, as any Woozler remembers. Whoops.)
Anyhow, I went back yesterday, an extra twenty slipped into my wallet and my bag double-checked for book-carrying space. It was warm and bright and cozy, emptied significantly to about three other browsers. I kept your words in mind, that they might be out, and when I arrived at the shelf they'd previously been on, there was another book in its place.
Sinking heart: check.
Turning away: check.
Your book must have some magnetic effect on my eyeballs or something, since I had shifted disappointedly backwards and suddenly saw it once more. Seven copies this time, stacked cheerfully at the opposite end of the shelf below its previous location.
The one that came home with me is the first one I picked up, with the sticker not covering too much of the beautiful illustrations. I must confess that I also purchased some Silly Putty, the cool kind that changes shade with warmth. It seems Woozles transforms me back into an eight-year-old, except better, because now I have money and am not quite so easily distracted.
Usually.
Yay! I'm so happy you have it, Ells. And god. Just.. yikes. I hope so much it's worth the knashing, and earns its keep on your shelf.
Sounds like a great book & your website is a riot. Fantastic. Ya gotta crazy wild terrific imagination & sense of humor. My grandmother was from Nova Scotia - Joggins & later Springhill. She told me tales about the Bay of Fundy, the strange tides & her evil Aunt Clara. Like you, I live near the sea (though my town is terribly haunted) & write books for kids. I started writing stories for my grandson & got carried away.
One of my key characters (2nd book) is a pirate. He happens to be dead but that doesn't dampen his 'spirits'. I had a blast writing the dialogue for the old boy. I also like crazy character names - nothing like getting a good laugh & comment from a reader.
Best of luck with your book, your writing & photography. DE
Thanks, Dave - what a great name. Aunt Clara. Even an evil one. Especially then. Likewise on the luck to you! Thanks for saying hello.