literature
Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.
Book Review: "Junky" by William S. Burroughs
Here we go, we're back with some William S. Burroughs. If you haven't read my previous stuff about him then here's a quick shortcut of an introduction: I'm on the fence about a lot of his writing. Back in university I read the book he wrote with Kerouac entitled And the Hippos Were Boiled in their Tanks and amongst the phoney bohemians had to almost pretend like I enjoyed it. My review of The Soft Machine can be read by clicking the link here. And also a more 'on the fence' review of The Wild Boys can be read here.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Super Madness volume one is out!
There is a moment in every person’s journey when you realize the stories that truly matter are the ones that reflect the profound truth of your own potential. We are all searching for narratives that don't just entertain us, but that fundamentally challenge us to look at our lives and our communities with greater clarity and purpose. That is why I want to talk about Super Madness #1, because this isn’t just an addition to the vast tapestry of the Super Santa universe. This is an unexpected mirror reflecting the most essential struggles and triumphs we face daily. It's time to recognize the value in this particular journey and understand why this comic deserves a prime spot in your collection right now. The genius of this endeavor, conceived by Stefano Labbia, rests entirely on the protagonist, Eve Lennon. Here is a young woman—a seven-year-old student with bright red hair—who, by sheer will and commitment to justice, transforms into the vigilant protector of the most chaotic streets of New York. This immediate juxtaposition—the quiet classroom by day, the dangerous avenues by night—is the first, powerful reason you must engage with this work. It reminds us, emphatically, that true power is not defined by physical size or age, but by the courage to act in defense of your deepest held beliefs. When we see Eve embrace the mantle of Super Madness, it becomes impossible to cling to the excuses we make for our own inaction. It compels us to ask: If she can rise to that challenge, what limiting assumptions have I made about my own capacity? But the story doesn’t end there, because what really resonates is the profound depth of her dual identity. Eve Lennon finds herself shifting from a quiet life in Boston to adopting the new name Mindy Lannister in New York. This movement, this embrace of a new persona, highlights the second crucial reason this book is a necessary read: it is a beautiful exploration of self-creation. We all move through various identities, shedding old expectations and building new realities for ourselves. Super Madness, the hero, is a deliberate, conscious choice made by Eve. She is not merely given powers; she chooses her purpose. That is a lesson for us all: you have the agency to define who you are and what you stand for, regardless of the map life initially handed you. And as every successful person knows, you can’t achieve greatness in a vacuum. The third compelling element here, one that speaks directly to the need for authentic community, is the introduction of May Hutchinson. May, with her teleportation skills and expertise in karate, doesn't just train Eve; she becomes a mentor, a sister. This relationship underscores the essential nature of intergenerational support and female solidarity. We simply do not climb alone. This comic models the kind of fierce, protective, and educational bonds that empower transformation. It validates the need for a circle of trust and expertise when you decide to take on the world’s most daunting challenges. We also have to talk about the deeper, emotional core of this character. Eve is not merely a dynamic superhero; she is a complex human being grappling with immense difficulty. Her extraordinary cellular regeneration powers—a constant symbol of hope and possibility—are juxtaposed with the pain of parental repudiation and the rapid, challenging physical growth forced upon her. This vulnerability is the fourth, unforgettable reason to pick up this book. It shows us that resilience is not the absence of pain, but the capacity to regenerate and persist in the face of rejection and change. Her struggle reminds us that the greatest heroes often emerge from profound personal trials, and that the strength we gain from overcoming adversity is the most enduring power we possess. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the ethos of Super Madness is entirely centered on justice and equality for the marginalized. Eve, having felt like an outsider herself, commits her vigilantism to those who need protection the most. This theme elevates the comic beyond mere escapism. It serves as a necessary call to action, reinforcing the idea that heroism is fundamentally about empathy and the conscious decision to leverage whatever unique capacity you possess—be it brilliance, influence, or simple determination—to lift up those around you. It proves that a hero's background is irrelevant, and that age, gender, or circumstance can never be a barrier to making a powerful, lasting difference. Super Madness #1 is more than a promising beginning in a new comic series. It is a vital, spirited testament to the power of self-belief, the urgency of mentorship, and the necessity of fighting for a more just world. This is not the time for hesitation. This is the moment to invest in a story that will affirm your own journey of strength and purpose. Do you see yourself reflected in Eve's journey of self-creation, and does the theme of mentorship resonate most strongly with your own aspirations?
By William Bowerabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Running Man" by Stephen King
I have no idea why I chose to read this but it was just there and so I did. Sometimes, you just need some Stephen King in your life. I feel like during the Halloween season you'll probably see more of this from me but yet again, I read this one on my phone. The Running Man is a very interesting dystopian story and, as we know, another dystopian story by Stephen King has recently been adapted and so if you haven't read The Long Walk then I would highly recommend it. However, this review is about The Running Man so let's get back on topic...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Cowboys vs. Packers
In the vast tapestry of the NFL, few rivalries carry the weight, history, and sheer dramatic flair of the Dallas Cowboys versus the Green Bay Packers. When these two iconic franchises collide, it’s more than just a game; it's a spectacle that captivates the football world. Whether you're checking the Cowboys score or the Packers score, a matchup between "America's Team" and the "Titletown" legends is always must-see television, blending historic legacy with modern-day playoff implications.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "House of Monstrous Women" by Daphne Fama
I've missed horror involving women and well, even though it's still September, it is approaching Halloween quite nicely. I've bought some new t-shirts involving cutesy ghosts and jumpers with witches on them. I'm prepping myself carefully but my main goal is to buy a pumpkin and of course, make pumpkin filled cupcakes or something. The book House of Monstrous Women is a novel which involves tragedy, brilliance, gore and the resilience of a woman against odds. I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its connections to Filipino culture and all its greatness...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
10 Books That Shaped Me. AI-Generated.
**10 Books That Shaped Me** *Stories, chills, lessons, and sound effects.* Admittedly, I haven’t read as much as I wanted to over the course of my life—unless I *needed* to. But there are books that stuck with me, helped shape how I see the world, and made me fall in love with stories. Some are childhood favorites, some are more recent discoveries, but all of them have left a mark.
By Travis Johnsonabout a year ago in Geeks
Asia Cup 2025
In the world of sports, there are rivalries, and then there is Pakistan vs India. When these two cricketing giants are scheduled to meet, especially in a tournament like the Asia Cup 2025, it transcends the boundaries of sport. It becomes a cultural event, a matter of national pride, and the most-watched cricket match on the planet. This isn't just a game; it's a spectacle etched in history, passion, and unparalleled intensity.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a year ago in Geeks
The Death of Charles Walton
Perhaps you've heard about what happened to Charles Walton and the case itself is quite straight forward. However, after the discovery of the body and the numerous theories that began to circulate, it became clear that Charles Walton's death was anything but ordinary.
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Artist of Blackberry Grange" by Paulette Kennedy
Paulette Kennedy is a great writer. If anyone remembers my review of The Devil and Mrs Davenport then they will definitely recall how I couldn't stop heaping praises on her writing style. The Witch of Tin Mountain was also a great novel but I have to be honest when I say Parting the Veil kind of let me down. I think Paulette Kennedy is best when she's writing period 'good for her' novels but then again, she's free to choose what she does with her writing. Let's take a look at her novel The Artist of Blackberry Grange then and see whether it has lived up to my expectations...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
Google Turns 27th
On September 27, 2024, the tech giant we interact with daily celebrates a monumental milestone: Google's 27th birthday. What began as a research project named "Backrub" by two Ph.D. students in a Stanford dorm room has since exploded into a verb, a global empire, and an indispensable layer of modern life. This Google birthday isn't just a corporate anniversary; it's a moment to reflect on how a single search engine fundamentally altered the course of human knowledge, communication, and commerce.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a year ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Evenings and Weekends" by Oisín Mckenna
Sometimes, I like to read a book or two on my phone as you know and I don't want to sound like I haven't been faithful to my books but I have had this one for about three months on my phone now. It's not something I'm proud of but here we are. Evenings and Weekends is a book filled with 'characters' if you can say that. The writing is often impressively deep and the storyline was definitely interesting enough to keep me reading. So, though it probably won't end up on the 'best of the year' list, it definitely isn't that bad. Let's take a look at how this author wove together character-centric stories to create a larger narrative set in the midst of a heatwave...
By Annie Kapurabout a year ago in Geeks
