We're still talking about the Tonys?
So this is what it takes for the Tonys to be relevant in popular culture. Tune in next year when Vince Neil is attacked onstage by a bear.

The potential for smack talk is exponentially greater with Carcassone than Catan. But both are equally fun.

Yeah, I'm going to have to sit this one out. Geek Love was brutal enough and I just don't get McCarthy (Lord knows I've tried).

I'll second Clockers, for all the reasons you're saying. Mystic River by Dennis Lehane might be a good choice too.

Might I suggest…
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem

Underneath that cover is some pretty awesome noir art printed on the case.

Being consistent in your principles doesn't necessarily apply when you're fuckin' insane . Arty rejected "norms" but that didn't stop him from sleeping with them. But you're right that Lick makes no sense, probably because not enough time is spent on her character.

Girl Anachronism:

Hollow and bothersome
"But my experiences within that world were mostly hollow and bothersome. "

I'm not speaking for Zach, but for me, I thought the whole mechanics of the cult was pretty hard to swallow. I mean, we've got a large, national cult of people systematically chopping off limbs and having their torsos shipped off to rest homes around the country, and the only real opposition/investigation to this is…

I saw Chick as the only character that was capable of anything resembling empathy and goodness, and was systematically broken down by the Arturism cult (This book is really beyond cynical). The nurse seemed to me to be the plot moving device when in came to the cult.

Plus the nurse was the first real specific instance where Arty steps on his Dad's toes when it comes to running the Carnival. But I would have liked a little more backstory on her too.

Oly's love of Arturo kept her from interfering with events that eventually led the destruction of her family. I think killing Miss Lick was an act of redemption for her. It would certainly explain her resistance in feeling any empathy for Miss Lick.

I felt a little let-down by the violent and sudden ending too, but I don't think you could do it any other way. Reading this book was lot like watching a small child shaking up a closed 2-liter bottle of soda, if that makes any sense.

I just finished Carter Beats the Devil last week, unaware that his new book was coming out this week! Double prizes!

Corey Doctorow

Carter Beats the Devil. And sweet Jesus is it good.

Yeah sorry about that, but on the plus side, You were only a few clicks away from EW's 8,687 stories on Twilight. Next time I'll tinyURL more responsibly.

Tetris? Never heard of it. You must be talking about Hatris

Enjoy that cupcake.