Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
3/5
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author
Will Weinke
When I asked Charles Martin what his goals as a writer were, he simply replied “To help define an entire age of literature.” I informed him that, with the modern world’s growing literacy rates, the...view moreWhen I asked Charles Martin what his goals as a writer were, he simply replied “To help define an entire age of literature.” I informed him that, with the modern world’s growing literacy rates, the chances of doing that were, quite possibly, a billion to one. He gave me that infuriating grin of his and replied, “I like those odds.”As a person, Charles is likeable in small doses, funny in his own way, and surprisingly reliable. As a writer, he is flawed, but ambitious. I do my best to smooth out his rough patches, ground his more eccentric ideas, bring practicality where there is only conceptual fog, and remind him that he is no longer writing for his own gratification, but for the readers willing to consume our increasingly odd projects.And I feel justified in allowing for a touch of pride in the results.It is my humble opinion that our novels are worth your attention and what follows is an earnest attempt to match you with the ideal starting point for our work.When we lost a close friend to a senseless accident, “the dominant hand” (2008) arose organically from our collective grief. If you like the stained beauty of college town rock clubs, and are fascinated by end-of-the-world cults, this book should enter your collection.“Edward and the Island” (2010) was a concerted effort to get at the root of both our own failed relationships with Christianity. If you dig the mythic fantasy of C.S. Lewis, but can also stomach the image of God as a cold and detached jerk, by all means secure your copy today.“Deviants” (2012) was a concerted effort to get at the roots of others successful/unsuccessful attempts at non-monogamy. If sex comedies about complex and, at times, twisted relationship dynamics are your thing, then who am I to judge?“Pets” (2013?) emerged when Charles decided he was suddenly interested in making money. We intended to write a novel in the spirit of a Syfy Channel movie of the week, but instead we stumbled into a high-minded apocalypse book—again. Does still have loads of exotic and entertaining deaths at the hands of various members of the animal kingdom.The Wonderboy Serials (2011-12) grew out of our love of dime novels as well as a curiosity of the potential of the eBook market. It’s a dark superhero story that is actually a series of character sketches, none of which are the actual superhero. If you like reading a novel in 60 page increments and don’t find superhero-as-social-metaphor stories tiresome, then this is the series for you!The success or failure of these projects as well as Charles’ endgame of being a literary figure of great import will be judged by history. In the present, I earnestly feel our works are, if nothing else, interesting and worth several moments of your time.- Will Weinkeview less