literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
Best Gothic Novels
Like reading spooky, atmospheric stories with a touch of mystery and romance? Apparently, you’re not alone. Gothic novels, which encompass all of these characteristics, have been around for more than 200 years. The gothic genre was originally named for the medieval style of architecture of the same name, because gothic novels were set in these creepy locations. Think castles with hidden doors, dark cellars, and secret passageways. Modern gothic novels take place in any setting, but are still true to the sinister mystery of the original genre. Let’s take a look at a mixture of historic and modern gothic novels—the top gothic novels you’ll want to be sure not to miss. However, be careful if you haven't read any of them, as this piece contains spoilers.
By Patricia Sarkar8 years ago in Geeks
'Semi-Tough' Was an Easier Read
Michael Ritchie's film adaptation of Dan Jenkins' raucous, ribald and satiric look at football fanaticism in Dallas was a heavy favorite going into production. The novel’s savvy view of pro football in the 1970s, at the dawn of pop culture, acknowledged with a sly wink the absurdity of approaching anything as superficial as pro football with a religious aura of seriousness. Aging running back Billy Clyde Puckett (Burt Reynolds), receiver Shake Tiller (Kris Kristofferson) and Barbara Jane Bookman (Jill Clayburgh), who've grown up together in Big D football, are wild and edgy characters. Dan Jenkins' Super Bowl scenario, featuring a stoned-out bash with members of each team the night before the game, made Semi-Tough look unstoppable, looking to visualize the life behind the closed doors of the football elite.
By Mike Mavenful8 years ago in Geeks
Remembering 'Looking for Mr. Goodbar'
People are always asking for movies that stand the test of time. Movies that were made and feel like another era, but are so authentic that they could not be recreated today. These are the classic films like The Godfather, Ordinary People, or Apocolypse Now. I still have almost every VHS tape, laser disc, DVD, and Blu Ray I ever bought. It's a good thing too, because films like Looking for Mr. Goodbar are not easy to find. Sure you can watch it on YouTube until the Russian site that loaded it up to a channel gets shut down for copyright issues but that doesn't feel right. Back in 1977 when it was still a novel idea to successfully adapt a film from a book, and the only sequel was Rocky II, the classic Looking for Mr. Goodbar launched the career of the Dalai Lama's favorite male lead, Richard Gere. Unfortunately the movie does not compare to the book, and after re-watching the film recently I have taken it off my list of movies that stand the test of time. But I highly recommend reading the book.
By Mike Mavenful8 years ago in Geeks
Comic Books Vs Leather Bound Hard Covers: Can GEEKS Appreciate Classic Literature?
Let’s all get real and try to face up to the plain, geeky facts: Geeks are sizzling red hot today. They’re all the cool, nerdy rage. Geeks seem to define - or perhaps elegantly redefine - much of everything these days. High tech gadgets, cool, game changing business startups and much of global pop culture all are now heavily influenced by a decidedly geeky kinda vibe. If you're a Geek, you're in exceptionally good company. You are also an appreciator of classic literature - whether you know it or not.
By Will Stape8 years ago in Geeks
Best Fantasy Graphic Novels for Kids
Reading children’s books is fun. Reading children’s graphic novels is even more fun. A major benefit of having kids (or nieces and nephews) is that you get to enjoy all sorts of things that you’re supposedly too old for: eating cotton candy, telling knock-knock jokes, playing Pac-Man, coloring, dressing up for Halloween. What, you already do all those things? Great, then you’ll have absolutely no shame in enjoying all these great fantasy graphic novels for kids. I MEAN, buying them for the kids in your life. Sometimes you just want a break from the intensity of adult books though, you know what I mean? When the sex, violence, and tragedy of Watchmen is getting to be too much for you, pick up one of these and let the childhood nostalgia wash over you as you get lost in a safer, happier world.
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Geeks
Madaya Mom: How Marvel's Latest Comic Profiles A Real-Life Superhero
As starvation and death plunge the Syrian mountain town of Madaya into despair, a mother fights to keep her family alive. Since the town is under siege by the Assad regime, access to fuel, food, and electricity is extremely limited. Except for the occasional humanitarian aid truck, no one can enter; no one can leave. Even journalists have been unable to enter since the siege began; Assad’s regime is operating a complete media blackout. But that doesn’t mean that the story of Madaya can’t be told. During two weeks in January, ABC News communicated via text messages and phone calls to get first-hand descriptions of what conditions in Madaya are like from a woman nicknamed “Madaya Mom” and her family, and now ABC News journalists Xana O’Neil and Rym Montaz and Marvel Comics illustrator Dalibor Talajic have teamed up to tell the story of a family (who remains nameless for their own protection) struggling for survival in an online graphic documentary available to read here.
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Geeks
The Funniest Harry Potter T-Shirts
This is a pretty solid list of the funniest Harry Potter t-shirts out there, which makes me ask myself, "WHY is this all there is?" I mean really - the Harry Potter series has HUGE potential for developing funny t-shirts (which I firmly believe are one of the three most important components of anyone's wardrobe, along with "comfortable pants" and "at least one jacket that makes you look like you're ready to fly a B-52"). The business opportunity's out there, people. Somebody get busy. I personally would like to request a shirt depicting the scene where Voldemort hugs Draco. Most. awkward. hug. EVER. (What about the part where Ron forgets that he doesn't actually have a wife? What about the part where Ron dances with Professor McGonagall? What about his entire relationship with Lavender and how she calls him "Won-Won?" What about everything that Ron has ever said or done, on a t-shirt?)
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Geeks
The Best Dieselpunk Books
If you’re looking for a recipe for your next great read, look no farther. Violently stir together gears, gadgets, nuclear powered airships, atomic bombs, robots, DNA experiments, washed-up astronauts, and biotech, then season to taste with a generous sprinkling of Nazis. Read until after midnight and don’t stop until you’ve slaked your hunger for the very best dieselpunk books in the genre. Enjoy!
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Geeks
Actual Sci Fi and Fantasy Classes That Get You College Credit
While your mom might question how watching Battlestar Galactica could possibly be considered educational, a whole bunch of college professors have somehow managed to convince their department chairs that your mom is wrong. (Just about the Battlestar Galactica thing. Otherwise, moms are always right.) Sure, it’s deeply meaningful and has a lasting effect on culture and taps into truths about who we are as human beings, but it’s also FUN. Marvel at the stupefying genius of the academics who made it possible for you to get credit for reading Hitchhiker’s Guide and doing your final project on cyborgs--if you’re lucky enough to go to the universities that offer them. (Of course, this list don’t include the many Science Fiction Literature or Fantasy Literature classes you can take at colleges all over the country. You’ve probably got a decent shot at finding one of those.)
By Sarah Quinn8 years ago in Geeks