Almond's latest book of essays started out as a larger project on Kurt Vonnegut. Fortunately, the publisher gave him the green light to explore other themes as well, including an obsessed blogger who started his blog because of his hatred for Almond.

In fact, I've run across other Almond hate. I had coffee with him a few days ago and I find absolutely no fault with his writing or his personality. I love that he tells it like it is and I got the impression that he's a good bullshit detector and calls people on it.

Bravo. We live in a society of wusses, including most writers who don't have the balls to dig deep and express themselves, even if it's not popular.

I'm very interested in why I should hate Almond, so if you're among those who dislike him, or know why people dislike him, please get in touch. I won't publish comments here unless you request it.

Now, to the book. I'm going to include a quote from his essay on page 51 that should pretty much sell you on buying the book. Remember, Almond is funny as fuck, and a must read for any writer or aspiring writer. I'll let the words speak for themselves.

"I mentioned above that i don't believe in talent, and what i meant by this is that a knack for language, the stuff identified early on by well-meaning high school teachers, is about as useful a predictor of literary success as shoe size. When students march into one of my undergrad workshops with talent, I regard them as doomed. They are likely to suffer the illusions that writing is about applause rather than humiliation."

Amen Mr. Almond. I've purchased every book you've written, even the ones you confided that embarrassed you, but I want to get inside your head and I know I'll be inspired.

Literary love,

Tony DuShane