While I was in Toronto I ended up buying books. I love books and I love reading; in fact, one thing I'm excited about in the new house is that the main tv will be downstairs and the living area will be on the main floor.
So anyways, I was really excited to see the book 20th Century Ghosts, a compilation of short stories by Joe Hill. I've come across Joe Hill's stories in a few anthologies and really enjoyed them. Now that I've read this latest compilation, I have to say that Joe Hill is one of the best writers I've come across in a long time. The stories and situations stay with me long after I'm finished reading. I've even caught myself thinking about the stories and situations, asking myself things like, "How cool would it be if inflatable people existed?" or "What if you could create tunnels that led to other worlds?" Most things I read don't stay with me like that.
Although many of his stories have a horror bent to them, not all do. Some of them are more fantasy-based, some are just snapshots of life. Some are sweet and reflective and others are deeply unsettling. This man is a very, very talented writer. I want to read everything he's written because the worlds he creates are so compelling. I want to know whether his novels are as good as each of his short stories.
Interestingly, his father is Stephen King (the writer). Stephen King is good; Joe Hill is better. Much better. If you like fantasy-type or horror stories at all, give Joe Hill a try. You won't be disappointed.
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