Random thoughts...

[Sock Monkey]

So I want to be sensitive here, and not create drama, but I sat down and read the introduction to my copy of Blackwater last night. The introduction was written by an author named Nathan Ballingrud who I am not familiar with. I was struck by a few things with the introduction and it was fairly off putting.

The author specifically, at least from my perspective, interjects their activist agenda by including, as their first note on Perdido, AL that "It helps, for example, if you're white." in regards to the town portrayed in the story. This author does note the story takes place in the early 20th century.

This author then goes on to state as a flaw of the novel, which may have lead to it's lack of popularity at the time of initial publication, was the fact that the African American characters "...are all relegated to the background..,only to venture forth to perform folk magic or to react to the actions of their white employers.It's a disappointing omission, especially as their inclusion would have only deepened the impact of an already multi-layered novel.".

Again, I am not trying to create drama here, as we all have our own opinions, ideals, viewpoints, and all of those are valid and worthwhile.

What I am getting at is is seems odd, as an introduction, that this author would choose this moment to flavor the story with their opinion and ideals and to go as far to state, what they consider to be flaws, to the story. They are essentially providing a little backhanded commentary on the title they are introducing while interjecting a negative narrative that could sour the story for some.

Maybe I'm off base here. I don't know. Is it normal to point out flaws of a story you are introducing?

I should also state the introduction did note (not verbatim here) that this is a wonderful and sadly overlooked masterpiece of a novel from the early 1980's.

Thoughts anyone?

Ben, I think you bring up an interesting question about the purpose of an introduction and the impact it could have one's reading experience of the book itself. In my opinion, an introduction to a book should provide context or historical information on the book or author's history for the reader without spoiling any plot points or go too far into critical analysis. As a reader, I want to experience the book on it's own terms and make my own decision first. Afterward, I love to read some thought-provoking critical analysis, even if I disagree with it.

As for Mr. Ballingrud's introduction to Blackwater, I can only go off what you posted as I haven't read it myself, and from what you posted, it seems that Mr. Ballingrud went into "critical analysis" territory in his introduction. I can definitely understand the irritation as reading criticism about the book prior to actually reading the book highlights those issues and could possibly lessen the enjoyment of the book for the reader.

[mhatchett]

The world we live in right now. I ordered a book that was published years ago and is being reprinted and the Author/Publisher felt compelled to write an apology for some of the terms, language, etc used. The book was set around 1915-1920. At least they left the text intact......

[Ben Staad]

So I want to be sensitive here, and not create drama, but I sat down and read the introduction to my copy of Blackwater last night. The introduction was written by an author named Nathan Ballingrud who I am not familiar with. I was struck by a few things with the introduction and it was fairly off putting.

The author specifically, at least from my perspective, interjects their activist agenda by including, as their first note on Perdido, AL that "It helps, for example, if you're white." in regards to the town portrayed in the story. This author does note the story takes place in the early 20th century.

This author then goes on to state as a flaw of the novel, which may have lead to it's lack of popularity at the time of initial publication, was the fact that the African American characters "...are all relegated to the background..,only to venture forth to perform folk magic or to react to the actions of their white employers.It's a disappointing omission, especially as their inclusion would have only deepened the impact of an already multi-layered novel.".

Again, I am not trying to create drama here, as we all have our own opinions, ideals, viewpoints, and all of those are valid and worthwhile.

What I am getting at is is seems odd, as an introduction, that this author would choose this moment to flavor the story with their opinion and ideals and to go as far to state, what they consider to be flaws, to the story. They are essentially providing a little backhanded commentary on the title they are introducing while interjecting a negative narrative that could sour the story for some.

Maybe I'm off base here. I don't know. Is it normal to point out flaws of a story you are introducing?

I should also state the introduction did note (not verbatim here) that this is a wonderful and sadly overlooked masterpiece of a novel from the early 1980's.

Thoughts anyone?

[Ben Staad]

On a more somber note I just received word that a long time work colleague passed away from what appears to be a massive heart attack. May he rest in peace. He was right around my age and this was unexpected. Another cousin of mine is very good friends with his wife and I just can't imagine what his family is going through right now.

[Ben Staad]

Not a Suntup by any means, and I'm not sure it will make it past one reading, and it wasn't cheap...but I now have a low quality, expensive for what it is, HC reading copy of Blackwater. Pretty happy about it for some strange reason.

Blackwater.jpg

[RonClinton]

Here is an oldie but a goodie. How not to dispose of a dead whale. Curtesy of the Oregon State Highway Division.

Fun fact...I got married on the Oregon coast a half-hour south of that event.

Fortunately, the marriage has been far less explosive than the whale's fate.

[Martin]

Here is an oldie but a goodie. How not to dispose of a dead whale. Curtesy of the Oregon State Highway Division.

[Martin]

Thank you. She passed away this morning. I wasn't there but it's my understanding it was peaceful. May she rest in peace.

So sorry to hear this. May her loved ones find peace also.

[Ben Staad]

Thank you. She passed away this morning. I wasn't there but it's my understanding it was peaceful. May she rest in peace.

Unfortunately there will be many more tough days. There is probably nothing I can do to help from a distance but if there is anything please reach out.

[TacomaDiver]

Speaking of random music things - I saw this last night and thought it was pretty funny. Especially since my wife has this as a tattoo on her arm (well, not the song lyrics part.)
Screenshot 2021-08-21 at 11.45.58 AM.png
(Just in case - these are sort of the song lyrics to Rob Zombie's Dragula.)

[mulleins]

Just being Random - When Pink Floyds Another Brick in the Wall plays, why do I try to sing it with an English accent?

[RonClinton]

Yeah, the whole Puyallup River Valley and surrounding areas will be gone when/if Rainier erupts. Puyallup, Orting, Pacific, parts of Auburn and Kent. It will be an immense level of destruction.

Yes, I remember seeing a map a few years back that had the color-coded potential of a mild, moderate, and volcanic large event in relation to lahars, and regardless of degree, it was frightening.

[TacomaDiver]

I live about an hours drive from the remnants and destruction of Mt. St. Helens. The path of the lahars looked like another planet for several years after the eruption. Definitely something you do not want to be in the path of. When Rainier blows it will be much worse because of the population base in the path. Tacoma, Puyallup and several towns will be at least partially wiped off the map.

The Portland Vancouver area occasionally has small tornados. About 30 years ago I was working at the Cornelius Fred Meyer store and a tornado hit our parking lot. It picked one of our display sheds up and dropped it on the hood of a BMW. I thought it looked pretty funny. The owner of the car did not agree.

Yikes, I hope your Friday is better.

FWIW, the Puget Sound, your old stomping grounds, remains tornado-free…and thus far Mt. Rainier hasn’t vomited any lahars, but the week isn’t over yet.

Yeah, the whole Puyallup River Valley and surrounding areas will be gone when/if Rainier erupts. Puyallup, Orting, Pacific, parts of Auburn and Kent. It will be an immense level of destruction.

[mhatchett]

I have this one on pre-order as well. This will be my first purchase from their press. I do wish they had listed a publication date for this set. Am hoping that it will be sometime this year.

Me too on everything you said LOL!!

[sholloman81]

This is looking very interesting glad I ordered it.
http://www.haffnerpress.com/book/the...the-balladeer/

I have this one on pre-order as well. This will be my first purchase from their press. I do wish they had listed a publication date for this set. Am hoping that it will be sometime this year.