Funny Money is James Swain’s second Tony Valentine novel after Grift Sense (my review here), and unfortunately it hits a pretty serious sophomore slump.
While not a terrible novel per se, Funny Money feels like Swain tries to bite off too much, going from the more breezy Grift Sense to a darker and more violent feel. Pieces of the plot also feel grafted on, like Valentine’s romance with—of all things—a professional wrestler, which comes off really strained.
Funny Money is a bit of a let-down, but still worth reading to follow the adventures of Tony Valentine.
Posted Sunday, 15 January, 2006 by Nic Lindh
Another book roundup, including some stellar athletes and soldiers, what might be the most jaded, soul-weary protagonist ever, and some grimdark fantasy.
The Internet is getting creepy, and Nic is breaking out his tinfoil hat after newspaper paywalls push him over the edge.
Nic is tired of tech sites obsessing over Apple’s financials and business strategy. So very tired.
Nic reads a book about the processed food industry and is incensed.
Computers are complicated. This brings out the irrational in people.
Nic proposes the loan word Rechthaberei be incorporated into American English.
The Core Dump is back! Books were read during the hiatus. Includes The Coldest Winter, Oh, Myyy!, Tough Sh*t, The Revolution Was Televised, The Rook, Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore, Gun Machine, Fortress Frontier, Standing in Another Man’s Grave, and The Memory of Light.
This site will return in February.
From a true patriot to a world-weary detective, a dead god, and a civilization about to sublime from the galaxy, this book roundup spans the gamut. Includes Where Men Win Glory, Wild, Inside the Box, The Black Box, Three Parts Dead, Red Country, and The Hydrogen Sonata.
Springsteen gives a concert in Phoenix. It’s fantastic.