AltWeeklies Wire
If You're Not a Diehard David Cross Fan, 'I Drink' Will Likely Disappointnew
There are a few brilliant moments ("A Free List of Quirks for Aspiring Independent Filmmakers," "Ask a Rabbi," "Heaven," "Things to Do When You Are Bored"), but I Drink for a Reason is kind of underwhelming.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
09-28-2009 |
Nonfiction
'Courtroom Cowboy' is a Rich, Rewarding Readnew
Along with the court cases, Cipriano introduces us to Jim Beasely the man, a remarkable, evangelical trial lawyer who flew fighter jets, hunted big game and was so committed to work, he was unable to vacation, despite a love of fishing and owning a huge boat.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
01-05-2009 |
Nonfiction
Much-Praised Legal Thriller 'A Cure for Night' Traffics in Stereotypesnew
A large number of the characters in Justin Peacock's book are African–American. The plot pivots around them. There is no story without them. If they read as caricatures -- and offensive ones, at that -- how can this book be successful?
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
10-20-2008 |
Fiction
Why Do Books Like 'Zombie Haiku' Exist?new
Here's how I imagine it happened: Zombie author/Ohio youth pastor Ryan Mecum said to his friends, over nachos, "What kind of haiku would you write if you were a zombie?"
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
08-04-2008 |
Poetry
Faye Flam Flubs the Sexy in 'The Score'new
Her sex column, Carnal Knowledge, was probably some of the least interesting writing Flam did in her career, yet here she takes actual content from the column, then squeezes it into a haphazard trajectory.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
07-14-2008 |
Nonfiction
Porn Star Bobby Blake on Racism and Religionnew
Blake's a puzzle, writing frankly about unsavory aspects in his life, but he's also quite serious, talking about racism in the industry, gay marriage, life on the down-low and the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the black community.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
06-30-2008 |
Nonfiction
'Loose Girl' isn't Satisfyingnew
Rather than a compelling tale of modern sexuality, Loose Girl is a milquetoast rendering of crappy sex and icky moments.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
05-27-2008 |
Nonfiction
Joe Matt's 'Spent' Isn't as Good as Pornnew
Joe Matt's newest graphic novel is the most unflattering self-portrayal -- addicted to pornography, misogynistic and disgustingly self-absorbed -- ever essayed in comics.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
10-01-2007 |
Fiction
'Exit Wounds' Reveals the Dissaffected State of Present Day Israelnew
A soldier tells a cabbie that his estranged father may have died in a suicide bombing in Rutu Modan's latest graphic novel.
Philadelphia Weekly |
Liz Spikol |
08-27-2007 |
Fiction
