Just a gentle reminder-- see you tomorrow at 8PM eastern.
Discussion Group January 23rd....Last Breath by Joe Hill (20th Century Ghosts)
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I hope no one minds if I jump the gun a bit on this. I won't be around later to participate.
"We were told you have an exhibition here? That this is some kind of scientific museum?"
Alinger showed them the smile again, and the father's right eyelid began to twitch helplessly.
"Ah. You misheard," Alinger said. "You were expecting a museum of science. This is the museum of silence."
This is one of my favorite Joe Hill stories. What a unique and creative idea. We all know that a lot is said in silence.
Alinger visually reminded me of this guy, actor Angus Scrimm:
And if you noticed, a collector in Paris was named Scrimm (he collected Enrico Caruso's last breath)-- more than likely an homage to Angus?
Joe had a video game connected to this story. It was really fun. But I can't find it. I don't know how to find it. If any of you talk to Joe through his twitter or blog, maybe you could ask him to share that. It's a shame such a creative work of art isn't still available. Someone worked really hard on that. I wish I could give that person(s) credit. And it is not Final Breath. This is directly related to the story and collecting famous people's last breaths.
I'm thinking Alinger got his housewife last breath to add to his collection after all. And quite unsettling that the son was so on board with the possibility.
Come now, you don't think he handed that doctor bag to Alinger to save a life, do you? He handed it to him to collect a life. Or the last gasp of one.
"We were told you have an exhibition here? That this is some kind of scientific museum?"
Alinger showed them the smile again, and the father's right eyelid began to twitch helplessly.
"Ah. You misheard," Alinger said. "You were expecting a museum of science. This is the museum of silence."
This is one of my favorite Joe Hill stories. What a unique and creative idea. We all know that a lot is said in silence.
Alinger visually reminded me of this guy, actor Angus Scrimm:
And if you noticed, a collector in Paris was named Scrimm (he collected Enrico Caruso's last breath)-- more than likely an homage to Angus?
Joe had a video game connected to this story. It was really fun. But I can't find it. I don't know how to find it. If any of you talk to Joe through his twitter or blog, maybe you could ask him to share that. It's a shame such a creative work of art isn't still available. Someone worked really hard on that. I wish I could give that person(s) credit. And it is not Final Breath. This is directly related to the story and collecting famous people's last breaths.
I'm thinking Alinger got his housewife last breath to add to his collection after all. And quite unsettling that the son was so on board with the possibility.
Come now, you don't think he handed that doctor bag to Alinger to save a life, do you? He handed it to him to collect a life. Or the last gasp of one.
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….spot on Deej!....I'm strapped into the Broadcast headsets today, so I'll drop my dime now by simply saying that this is one creeptastic story......it lingers...….
Wonder if the boy will "listen to" his mom's last breath. Joe certainly has a way with his stories.
No one ever left once they had been spotted; in the battle between anxiety and social custom, social custom almost always won.
That story is seriously creepy. And I think Alinger finally got his housewife breath.
Two guys who could write creepy tales, Roald Dahl and Poe had a spot in the museum.
That story is seriously creepy. And I think Alinger finally got his housewife breath.
Two guys who could write creepy tales, Roald Dahl and Poe had a spot in the museum.
The way Hill described the museum and Alinger ("gaunt" hands) I would be surprised if this story wasn't partly influenced by Needful Things.
Doc Creed -- would you like to pick a story for next week?
I choose "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" by J.D. Salinger. Here is a link.
Dagnabbit! I'm sorry I missed this. I'll try to get on early in the morn and chime in. I'm tired and need to get on to bed. See ya with sun!
Everyone has already said what I wanted to say. This is such a creepy story. Really stays with you. The museum made me think of the oddity museum in AHS: Freak Show, in the description of it. Definitely a museum to avoid, even for me.
Here I am, fashionably late again!! 
As many have said, an unsettling tale to stay with you for a while. Joe has a way about him, doesn't he?
This. Throughout the story, you get the idea that the son is the most invested in the concept and exhibits. I'm of the opinion that he may be the next curator of the museum of silence!
Yes! Me, too!
As many have said, an unsettling tale to stay with you for a while. Joe has a way about him, doesn't he?
Agree that this is a very creepy story that stays with you. I read it yesterday afternoon and woke up thinking about it this morning.
It is almost a romantic idea, to capture someone's last breath. But it is more macabre than romantic. What did the poor housewife hear to unsettle her so much she blindly walked into the street to meet her own demise? Were there any grateful for a happy life well lived last breaths in the museum or were they all sad and traumatized?
And the son handing over the bag at the end was the creepiest touch of all.
Great story!
It is almost a romantic idea, to capture someone's last breath. But it is more macabre than romantic. What did the poor housewife hear to unsettle her so much she blindly walked into the street to meet her own demise?
Were there any grateful for a happy life well lived last breaths in the museum or were they all sad and traumatized? And the son handing over the bag at the end was the creepiest touch of all.
Great story!
Good insights!Agree that this is a very creepy story that stays with you. I read it yesterday afternoon and woke up thinking about it this morning.
It is almost a romantic idea, to capture someone's last breath. But it is more macabre than romantic. What did the poor housewife hear to unsettle her so much she blindly walked into the street to meet her own demise?
And the son handing over the bag at the end was the creepiest touch of all.
Great story!
Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
What? I missed this one - sorry - I'll have to read this short story and report back
Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
I guess you and I will have to sit in the corner for punishment (or write lines on the board)
Neesy
#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
All I found was something called "One Final Breath" re games.