Joe R. Lansdale

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RichardX

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2006
1,737
4,434
I just started reading some of his books but have been aware of him via the Bubba Ho-Tep movie which was a blast. I've found his books readable but lacking any kind of depth. Mostly just a narrative of this happened and then that happened. Maybe by coincidence the two books I've read are written in retrospect by the main the characters later in years. Pleasant Sky and The Bottoms. I find them enjoyable but nothing I would read twice.
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
30,011
127,446
Spokane, WA
I just started reading some of his books but have been aware of him via the Bubba Ho-Tep movie which was a blast. I've found his books readable but lacking any kind of depth. Mostly just a narrative of this happened and then that happened. Maybe by coincidence the two books I've read are written in retrospect by the main the characters later in years. Pleasant Sky and The Bottoms. I find them enjoyable but nothing I would read twice.
You need to try one of his 'Hap & Leonard' books, they're a blast! Quick, razor-sharp dialogue, great characters and good stories to boot.
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
30,011
127,446
Spokane, WA
Just finished Joe's Edge Of Dark Water and it is awesome! One of his best novels in a while. Lots of tension and Joe's still able to make you laugh out loud at some of the situations and/or dialogue.
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
30,011
127,446
Spokane, WA
Lansdale never disappoints. Never. I've read everything of his I can get my hands on, was fortunate enough to finally meet him over the summer. A very humble and sweet man.
I've met him once years ago. He was pretty cool. The only thing I don't like about his books is the use of the 'n' word. I get that it's a word that is used a lot (unfortunately) in the area of the country in which he sets most of his books, but I still don't like it. The man can definitely tell a good story.
 

kingricefan

All-being, keeper of Space, Time & Dimension.
Jul 11, 2006
30,011
127,446
Spokane, WA
I'm very unsure where too start with Lansdale..... I got The Drive-In cheap on Kindle. Is that a good Place??
The Drive-In will give you a taste of his fun side as it's rather tongue in cheek with some sci-fi and horror thrown in. Bit it's not his best. If I were you I would try out one of his Hap & Leonard novels as they're ones with his best dialogue and storylines.
 

Kurben

The Fool on the Hill
Apr 12, 2014
9,682
65,192
59
sweden
The Drive-In will give you a taste of his fun side as it's rather tongue in cheek with some sci-fi and horror thrown in. Bit it's not his best. If I were you I would try out one of his Hap & Leonard novels as they're ones with his best dialogue and storylines.
Thanks for the tip. Do they need to be read in order? Or can you just take one of the bunch?