The Instruction Manual: Andy Riverbed says, Get drunk! On wine, on virtue, whatever it may be that you choose.

So classes have begun. I think this is my second week, but I could be wrong. It might be my third. I'm kinda excited, but I haven't been feeling too hot lately. Oh well, that's life. But I am proud of myself, because this summer has been the summer in which I've read the most. Something I always say I'll do, but never do. Either I'm strung-out, locked up, or maybe some other circumstance. Reading is good, so for today's post, along with footage of last Sunday night's extravaganza, I will post my Summer Read List '08. Maybe I can do this every year, or maybe also in winter.

Andy Riverbed Summer Read List '08

Songs of Insurgency – Spencer Dew

A very enjoyable short shorts collection. I cannot recall any piece in this collection being longer than five pages. Fun narratives with interesting manners of transmitting themes, this book was sent to me by Matt DiGangi, head-honcho at The Thieves Jargon. First book I read this summer. I had kinda began it last semester, during which I received the book, but actually completed it between work breaks at the beginning of summer, when I wasn’t either numbing my brain at the University of Florida Survey Research center, or being exploited for shitty hours and shitty pay at Domino’s Pizza.

Down where the Hummingbird goes to Die – Justin Hyde

Another book sent to me by the great DiGangi. Justin Hyde, in my opinion, is of the best poets writing right now. I read most of the stuff claimed by his name. I’ve been missing his frequent postings in The Jargon forum. I really hope this man continues writing and evolving, because I’d love to get his second and third collection in due time. This collection, in specific, is a one-sitter. I finished it up, in like, forty-five minutes, and I’m a slow reader.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Tao Lin

Another awesome book from a currently writing writer, I think Tao Lin is funny as Hell. I think Hell, if it were to exist, would be a sad place. Tao Lin’s writing is very sad. Therefore I think it’s safe to say: being sad and being funny is the same thing. I think everybody who enters my new, sad/funny, lonely apartment has to deal with finding out about Tao Lin. They usually say, “That’s cool,” but they could be lying. I don’t know. I like to take people at face-value.

you are a little bit happier than me – Tao Lin

Second Tao Lin book of the summer for me. Reilly lent it to me. It actually belongs to Chris. I know this because after spending hours contemplating not giving the book back to Reilly, because it was a first edition version of the collection, I opened the first page and saw Tao Lin’s dedication to Chris. So of course, I felt really bad inside my melodramatic soul and called Reilly that instance and cried my confession to him over the phone. He told me, “Andy Riverbed, it’s okay. I’ll take your confession and we will all love you, forever.” Yes, it is true, that is what Reilly told me, but he did not allow me to keep the book.

Aliens of Affection – Padgett Powell

An awesome short story collection, I was in need of reading Powell’s work. I’m stoked because I’m currently taking a creative writing class with this man. My fave of the collection: Chihuahua and Aliens of Affection respectively from the story, All Along the Watchtower. Sinkhole was good too. I liked the overall feeling this collection left me with when I was done. Currently I’m working on Powell’s first story collection, Typical.

Edisto – Padgett Powell

Second Powell book I read this summer, and his first novel from 1984. It’s based in South Carolina in the 80’s, I think, and is pretty funny. Touches a lot on class and race issues, I feel, and also a tad bit on gender and sexuality, but I could be wrong. It was a very fun read.

Candela – Rey Emmanuel Andujar

First all-Spanish book I’ve read in more than four years. Very fun and gritty and passionate. It’s a pulp-type storyline based in the urban landscape of the Dominican Republic. A lot of slang, a lot of street, a lot of sex, some violence, and a bit of drugs. This is a real cool book, and if anyone likes reading in Spanish, they should get it. It’s published by Alfaguara, which in the Latin side of the world is like being published by Harcourt or whatever. I actually know Rey Emmanuel personally, not that I’ve ever been to his birthday party or anything, and he told me his books were being translated into English. So think about that.

The Knockout Artist – Harry Crews

My introduction into the world of Harry Crews, and I can definitely say I don’t regret it being this title. This book is fucking awesome and if I had a Best Book Read All Summer by Andy Riverbed Award, then this book would get it. After taking me through the depths of misery and loneliness and worthlessness, Harry Crews inspired me. I think it’s difficult to say, but I will say it: the ending of this novel is uplifting. When Eugene starts thinking NO and leaves with his new boxer to an unknown future, because he leaves to nothing and would rather have nothing than everything offered to him, the finale to this novel is uplifting.

A Feast of Snakes – Harry Crews

Supposedly one of Crews’ most popular novels, this is a quick read. It is also gnarly as fuck and Duffy Deeter wins best character in my book. Joe Lon is cool and all, but Duffy Deeter is the shit. This was the second Crews’ books that I’ve read and I wanna read the Gospel Singer, which is his first novel. Eitherway, lesson is: Harry Crews is the shit.

Matt Jasper– Noo Journal (editors)

I downloaded this pda chapbook and printed it, and think it’s really funny, and really cool.

I, Axl – Ben Myers

An online and continuing poetic endeavor being composed by the man of letters, Ben Myers, is funny and I’ve been periodically checking it out to read what’s new with the biography of Axl Rose. I swear to god there are some really funny verse chapters. Ben Myers himself told me he was having nightmares and deep feelings of guilt as he channeled the enigmatic Axl Rose to put down the words he’s put down. Truly, I need to say, that Ben Myers is no coward, but one of the most courageous writers I’ve ever met; once again, not that I’ve been to his birthday or anything like that.

Gravity’s Rainbow / Mason & Dixon (split chapbook) – Shane Jones & Chris Killen

With only twenty in the existence of the universe, I am very proud to own one of these very special split chapbooks. The poems in this collection are funny and self referencing at times. They are very fun and playful, and motivated me to email Shane Jones to tell him I like his style. I also like Chris Killen’s, but I don’t know his email. I like both of these writers a lot, and what I’ve seen of them online is always good, and they seem motivated and I hope they do great and wonderful things with their careers and time.

I read other stuff along with these books and collection. I'm almost done with Gabriel Garcia Marquez's Collected Stories, which was given to me by my father when I began my in and outs of mental institutions when I was about nineteen. It means a lot to me now. The stories are sentimental, kinda how I've been feeling lately. I feel like I'm ripping him off, or something. I've also read pretty much everything that comes out from the best webzine in the effing world, The Thieves' Jargon.

This past Sunday The Wayward Council had a benefit show in which I read along with The Jammy Dodgers, Laserhead, Milkbag Homeboy, and I don't recall if anyone else. It was very fun. A kid named Rio de la Muerte, which means, River of Death, recorded my reading. He wants everyone to know that he's back in town. You should tell everyone you know, as well, that Rio de la Muerte is back in town. Thank you Rio de la Muerte, for recording me and being back in town.

I also did some "covers" of other small press poets from the recently released Agua #1 from Scintillating Publications. Thanks to Joseph V. for sending me that shit.

Rio de la Muerte's Preshow Footage