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Stranger Will
To William Lowson, impending fatherhood means an impending stain. His work as a Human Remains Removal Specialist, professionally cleaning the stains left from dead bodies, fuels this belief. His friend and mentor Mrs. Rose, an elementary school principal, nurtures and sympathizes with his cynicism, blaming his dilemma on an imperfect world. But she has a plan around this impediment: a group of strangers-a devout collection of kindred minds who have dedicated their lives to cultivating a unique idea of perfection, and she wants William to join. But once he is in can he get out?
188 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2010
4 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Caleb J. Ross
39 books192 followersMy fiction and nonfiction has appeared widely, both online and in print. I am the author of five books of fiction and one book about the video game What Remains of Edith Finch. I am a co-host of Tales of the Lesser Medium, a video game podcast that pokes fun at video game narratives.
I am also the creator of a YouTube channel that encourages people to not just play games but think games.
Visit my official website at www.calebjross.com
Subscribe to my newsletter at Games are Real
I am also the creator of a YouTube channel that encourages people to not just play games but think games.
Visit my official website at www.calebjross.com
Subscribe to my newsletter at Games are Real
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 24, 2011
Though it doesn't appear promoted as such, to me Stranger Will is the most upsetting sort of horror story. The monster is a school principal with a notion of learning that owes a lot to eugenics and a really intense sort of Darwinism.
I'm not sure I've ever encountered a protagonist as disturbingly pessimistic as William. His bleak perspective pervades the very fiber of the story. This book presents a worldview where children are a necessary casualty in the disturbing games of adults. If you have an aversions to the deaths of children or infants, you should probably stay the hell away from this book.
It's fitting that I read this book in tandem with Kafka, because it possess some of the same surrealist traits. All the actions are clear, I was never at a loss as to what was happening, but character motivations were bizarre and at times barely relatable, which just made it more disturbing. Most people do not pull out a gun when they're having difficulty driving their car. Most people do not set a pigeon on fire and let it run around the room on flames. Most people do not coat a tree in dangerous chemicals to teach children lessons.
It's a beautifully written book, and I now feel slightly traumatized.
I'm not sure I've ever encountered a protagonist as disturbingly pessimistic as William. His bleak perspective pervades the very fiber of the story. This book presents a worldview where children are a necessary casualty in the disturbing games of adults. If you have an aversions to the deaths of children or infants, you should probably stay the hell away from this book.
It's fitting that I read this book in tandem with Kafka, because it possess some of the same surrealist traits. All the actions are clear, I was never at a loss as to what was happening, but character motivations were bizarre and at times barely relatable, which just made it more disturbing. Most people do not pull out a gun when they're having difficulty driving their car. Most people do not set a pigeon on fire and let it run around the room on flames. Most people do not coat a tree in dangerous chemicals to teach children lessons.
It's a beautifully written book, and I now feel slightly traumatized.
April 20, 2011
William Lowson is about to be a father, and that scares the crap out of him. Most fathers-to-be would be worried about how they could potentially screw up their child after it’s born. But William is sure his child is already a goner, what with all the hazardous chemicals that cling to him from his work, of which his wife inhales the second-hand fumes. And besides, a baby will eventually be just another stain for someone to clean up, so could it really be worth it?
His elderly friend, Mrs. Rose, shares his concern. As principal of an elementary school, she sees what becomes of children that get left behind. But she is also the ringleader of a group that sends correspondence via messenger pigeon. William shoots these pigeons out of the sky for fun and collects their messages on his wall. But what do they mean? What is really going on in the town of Brackenwood? And what does Mrs. Rose want for the children of their town?
I’ll warn you up front, this story is dark. If you want a story with heroes and villains and spoonfed morality tales, go read something else. Stranger Will combines nihilism, existentialism, and cynicism, guided by a masterful use of dark wit, to produce the most chilling story of child raising and social engineering that I’ve probably ever read. Though the cast of SW is largely unsympathetic on the surface, they gain our sympathy by our realization that they are each an inescapable facet of ourselves, especially the parts that we hide from everyone else. In that way Stranger Will is a mirror, and in the reflection we see every hideous imperfection.
However, this is not some goth-boy polemic about depression and anarchy. Instead, it redefines hope and redemption into more realistic, bite-sized chunks. These characters may never find redemption, but in some way, they will be redeemed. The hope they cling to is not the kind we would want for ourselves, but it is what is left, and there is a possibility, no matter how bleak, for something good to happen.
William is a great character to follow through the story, especially since his occupation provides a nice ‘reference point’ for the story. His cynicism is contrasted by the optimism of his co-worker, Phillip, a man who cleans the same stains, who suffers his own maladies, yet still manages to assume the best in humanity. Throughout the story they play off each other quite well, and the scenes with them are some of the best examples of how Ross can really strike a chord with the reader in subtle, unexpected ways.
If there was anything this book lacked, it was page numbers. It was as if someone knew how I obsess over page numbers, every night checking to see how man left until the end of the book, and decided to mess with my head.
Missing page numbers aside, I highly recommend this book. There is a tone to Ross’s work that makes the experience real, and his surreal towns seem all too possible, which is what good literature should do.
His elderly friend, Mrs. Rose, shares his concern. As principal of an elementary school, she sees what becomes of children that get left behind. But she is also the ringleader of a group that sends correspondence via messenger pigeon. William shoots these pigeons out of the sky for fun and collects their messages on his wall. But what do they mean? What is really going on in the town of Brackenwood? And what does Mrs. Rose want for the children of their town?
I’ll warn you up front, this story is dark. If you want a story with heroes and villains and spoonfed morality tales, go read something else. Stranger Will combines nihilism, existentialism, and cynicism, guided by a masterful use of dark wit, to produce the most chilling story of child raising and social engineering that I’ve probably ever read. Though the cast of SW is largely unsympathetic on the surface, they gain our sympathy by our realization that they are each an inescapable facet of ourselves, especially the parts that we hide from everyone else. In that way Stranger Will is a mirror, and in the reflection we see every hideous imperfection.
However, this is not some goth-boy polemic about depression and anarchy. Instead, it redefines hope and redemption into more realistic, bite-sized chunks. These characters may never find redemption, but in some way, they will be redeemed. The hope they cling to is not the kind we would want for ourselves, but it is what is left, and there is a possibility, no matter how bleak, for something good to happen.
William is a great character to follow through the story, especially since his occupation provides a nice ‘reference point’ for the story. His cynicism is contrasted by the optimism of his co-worker, Phillip, a man who cleans the same stains, who suffers his own maladies, yet still manages to assume the best in humanity. Throughout the story they play off each other quite well, and the scenes with them are some of the best examples of how Ross can really strike a chord with the reader in subtle, unexpected ways.
If there was anything this book lacked, it was page numbers. It was as if someone knew how I obsess over page numbers, every night checking to see how man left until the end of the book, and decided to mess with my head.
Missing page numbers aside, I highly recommend this book. There is a tone to Ross’s work that makes the experience real, and his surreal towns seem all too possible, which is what good literature should do.
April 22, 2011
The authority that Caleb Ross brings to this story is unsettling. A haunting and touching story. I've never read anything by Caleb that I didn't like, and this book is some of his best work to date.
Merged review:
Caleb Ross writes lyrical prose that pulls you into the politics and morality of this story, Stranger Will. For most of us, children are the future, they represent hope and dreams. But in this novel they represent the fated, the already lost. Conspiracies only seem paranoid and insane if they have no base in reality. One of the most compelling images that has stuck with me in this novel, for years now, is the carrier pigeon, message tied to its tiny clawed foot, shot from the sky. The note stuck up on a wall, strings stretching from one place to another, one person to another, tying together layers of deceit, love, and failure. This is a novel you won't want to put down, and will compel you to check out more work by Caleb Ross. Keep a candle lit to keep away the stench, a light on to force away the dark forces, and a prayer in your heart that none of this comes anywhere near you. Or your children.
Merged review:
Caleb Ross writes lyrical prose that pulls you into the politics and morality of this story, Stranger Will. For most of us, children are the future, they represent hope and dreams. But in this novel they represent the fated, the already lost. Conspiracies only seem paranoid and insane if they have no base in reality. One of the most compelling images that has stuck with me in this novel, for years now, is the carrier pigeon, message tied to its tiny clawed foot, shot from the sky. The note stuck up on a wall, strings stretching from one place to another, one person to another, tying together layers of deceit, love, and failure. This is a novel you won't want to put down, and will compel you to check out more work by Caleb Ross. Keep a candle lit to keep away the stench, a light on to force away the dark forces, and a prayer in your heart that none of this comes anywhere near you. Or your children.
April 2, 2013
Welcome to the Perfect Edge Trifecta blog tour with Novel Publicity. I read the first book in our tour the day after the lovely Emlyn Chand emailed me my complimentary copy.
Then life got crazy.
Then Easter weekend got even more busy, and what should have been a four-day holiday (during which I thought I'd get 4 days to write. HAH.) turned into a different kind of lovely weekend.
One AWAY from the inter-nest. (Yup, gonna leave that title for the internet in there. It'll link back to the book.)
Just you wait
There were cats, and various amusing videos and moments between cousins, aunts, uncles and families. I miss the farm, and I miss the quiet perfection that exists outside the south-facing window no matter what the season.
I like wordplay, and thus, the title of our first book. You may see me wander around this review a lot as I'm just sitting down for the first time at my computer in a few days.
It (the inter-nest) is shiny and distracting. So is the new car I'm driving - a large part of the legitimate reason this review is late.
Plus, as I do with most reviews, I jump back and forth between the book, the highlights I've made and various pictures that come to mind. I think very visually. I can imagine rooms in sort of the same way Ahbed imagines rooms on Community. Stranger Will is written in such a way that an entire universe is created, and all the rooms and settings magically unfold with each word.
Part of the reason I loved this book was the visual nature of the writing. Even when Ross describes something totally metaphysical, like the concept of perfection, the prose is somehow stunningly descriptive. That, and it was something totally different and unexpected from what I thought it would be.
William's inner voice is well, very real. It is what we imagine to be strange, but one day figure out that all people have the same hopes and fears at some baser levels. Note that choice in word, it's intentional. Caleb J. Ross' treatment of language is masterful, and sublime. I'm trying (to expand my language ideas), but if I'm failing, please let me know.
The subject matter is not easy. While exact situations were nothing like my own experiences, they did evoke similar emotions to my own feelings of motherhood, fatherhood, life and all the horrible things that can happen to people. They also made me think about all the polar opposites of those. Rather than be consumed by one train of thought, I was introduced to very real characters, and a wonderful story line that allowed for a conversation to take place in my own head about much more difficult concepts and constructs.
There's a very real plotted story and a beautifully nested over arcing philosophical discussion evoked within these pages. It reminded me so much of Phil Jourdan and Praise of Motherhood, I had to follow-up. I knew it wouldn't be a difficult read, but I also had a feeling it might be worth it.
Perfect Edge intrigued me. They're a small publishing house who, in their own words, are
The day the email came, I rushed to open Stranger Will . Somehow I knew it would be the book I wanted to read even though I couldn't quite remember what exactly it was about.
I knew I didn't want just another mystery, or something 'easy' to read. Once again, in book land, I always get what I want. Or I have enough choices to find something close.
I always get what I want in my star trek dreams toos.
Thank you Caleb Ross, your book was exactly what I was looking for. Everyone else - go look him up then read everything you can find. Follow him everywhere, become his fan and help him do what he was born to do. Stranger Will is worth it.
About the Book - About the Author - Prizes!!!
Welcome to Novel Publicity's first ever publishing house blog tour. Join us as three new titles from Perfect Edge--we're calling them the Perfect Edge Trifecta--tour the blogosphere in a way that just can't be ignored. And, hey, we've got prizes!
About the book: The child he loves. The idea of a child, he’s beginning to understand, is where everything will go wrong.
William works as a human remains removal specialist, removing stains left by the dead. Whether by a bloody crime scene or a quiet domestic death, William is reminded each day of the frailty of human life. As his fiancée, Julie, nears term with their first child William becomes increasingly desperate for a way to overcome his belief that to birth is to kill. But Mrs. Rose, an elementary school principal and messenger pigeon hobbyist, nurtures William’s depressive outlook and claims to have a way to prove that William’s hesitancy to accept fatherhood is not only natural but necessary.
In this novel of impending fatherhood, an idealistic teacher recruits a pliant protégé to join her group of Strangers – a devout collection of kindred minds who have dedicated their lives to cultivating a unique idea of perfection.
But joining is easier than leaving.
Stranger Will explores the human urge to reproduce via one man’s struggle to understand his role as a father. As Rob Roberge, author of More than They Could Chew and Working Backwards from the Worst Moment of My Life, says “This is an original—unlike anything you’ve ever read before.”
Pick up your copy of this Literary/ Psychological/ Horror through Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Barnes & Noble.
There are other people who should read this book, or at least read about the author, or check out the website - so read the rest of this!
That's really only there because I don't like the way wordpress deals with images after embedded youtube content. :S Grrr. (Unless there's a border around the image come to think of it, but I don't put borders around the books or author pictures.) Wait, we're not dealing with my imperfections! Read about this instead . . .
About the author: Caleb J. Ross has a BA in English Literature and creative writing from Emporia State University. His fiction and nonfiction has appeared widely, both online and in print. He is the author of five books of fiction and is a core contributor to The BookTube Vidcast, a columnist at ManArchy Magazine, and is the creator of The Burning Books Channel, a YouTube channel featuring humorous book reviews, literary skits, writing advice, and rants. Connect with Caleb on his website, Facebook, GoodReads, or Twitter.
About the prizes: Who doesn't love prizes? You could win either of two $25 Amazon gift cards, an autographed copy of Stranger Will, or an autographed copy of one of its tour mates, Angel Falls by Michael Paul Gonazelz or The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork. Here's what you need to do...
Enter the Rafflecopter contest
Leave a comment on my blog.
That's it! One random commenter during this tour will win a $25 gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers can be found here. The other $25 gift card and the 3 autographed books will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Perfect Edge Trifecta tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck!
Perfect Edge Books was founded in late 2011 to unite authors whose books weren't "obviously" commercial. Our books tend to sit in various genres all at once: literary fiction, satire, neo-noir, sci-fi, experimental prose. We believe that literary doesn't have to mean difficult, and that difficult doesn't just mean pointless. We prefer to cultivate a word-of-mouth approach to marketing, and keep production as simple as we can. Learn more at www.PerfectEdgeBooks.com.
Learn more about Stranger Will's tour mates HERE.
Notes about liveblogging
I want a better way to archive this, whether it's screen shots, or simply creating a new post each update (which would actually be nicer for tweeting.) Either one though requires various amounts of offline work pulling things together in a coherent manor.
When I write, I don't often write in a straight forward manor. I also don't write the beginning ends or middles in order. Rather, I think from a larger perspective, and while it's all a stream of consciousness, it also happens to be a convenient way to proofread multiple times.
Dr. Who is far to distracting to be able to write a review to. :P
This is what I think can become some sort of hybrid online live book club. I like the idea of conversing (Thanks Leah!) while writing a review. Whether it's with friends near or far, online seems to be the place we meet most often, and I'm really glad it's about books.
They keep us all in line, whether we use them as a tool to cope with every day life or just to spend a few hours on a far off planet located in the depths of our own mind.
There's no recipe, only the knowledge that we ate various glorious forms of turkey, perogies, stuffing pie and cake and cinamon rolls and my mom's famous buns. I can't make them. I SUCK at using yeast. I'm convinced I somehow ruin it. My mom's dinner buns are perfection. If I ever learn I'll share - and LOUDLY.
Then life got crazy.
Then Easter weekend got even more busy, and what should have been a four-day holiday (during which I thought I'd get 4 days to write. HAH.) turned into a different kind of lovely weekend.
One AWAY from the inter-nest. (Yup, gonna leave that title for the internet in there. It'll link back to the book.)
Just you wait
There were cats, and various amusing videos and moments between cousins, aunts, uncles and families. I miss the farm, and I miss the quiet perfection that exists outside the south-facing window no matter what the season.
I like wordplay, and thus, the title of our first book. You may see me wander around this review a lot as I'm just sitting down for the first time at my computer in a few days.
It (the inter-nest) is shiny and distracting. So is the new car I'm driving - a large part of the legitimate reason this review is late.
Plus, as I do with most reviews, I jump back and forth between the book, the highlights I've made and various pictures that come to mind. I think very visually. I can imagine rooms in sort of the same way Ahbed imagines rooms on Community. Stranger Will is written in such a way that an entire universe is created, and all the rooms and settings magically unfold with each word.
Part of the reason I loved this book was the visual nature of the writing. Even when Ross describes something totally metaphysical, like the concept of perfection, the prose is somehow stunningly descriptive. That, and it was something totally different and unexpected from what I thought it would be.
He agrees that a blessing is a fair request considering the hostile nature of a life—where birth and death are the only guarantees. Faith embodies a certain level of helplessness and what if not helpless is he? He accepts that a blessing might be appropriate—he’s extinguished every other possibility for Julie’s conversion. She is a mother already, happily stitching plans into white fabric so that they can be hung, adored, and regarded as the end result of love.
Caleb J. Ross (2012-12-19T00:00:00+00:00). Stranger Will (Kindle Locations 120-123). Perfect Edge Books. Kindle Edition.
William's inner voice is well, very real. It is what we imagine to be strange, but one day figure out that all people have the same hopes and fears at some baser levels. Note that choice in word, it's intentional. Caleb J. Ross' treatment of language is masterful, and sublime. I'm trying (to expand my language ideas), but if I'm failing, please let me know.
The subject matter is not easy. While exact situations were nothing like my own experiences, they did evoke similar emotions to my own feelings of motherhood, fatherhood, life and all the horrible things that can happen to people. They also made me think about all the polar opposites of those. Rather than be consumed by one train of thought, I was introduced to very real characters, and a wonderful story line that allowed for a conversation to take place in my own head about much more difficult concepts and constructs.
There's a very real plotted story and a beautifully nested over arcing philosophical discussion evoked within these pages. It reminded me so much of Phil Jourdan and Praise of Motherhood, I had to follow-up. I knew it wouldn't be a difficult read, but I also had a feeling it might be worth it.
Perfect Edge intrigued me. They're a small publishing house who, in their own words, are
....seek[sic] books that take on the crippling fear of other people, the question of what's correct and normal, of how life works, of what art is.
Our authors disagree with each other; their styles vary as widely as their concerns. What matters is the will to create books that won't be easy to assimilate. We take risks, not for the sake of risk-taking, but for the things that might come out of it.
I like it. In fact, I've become quite enamoured with their entire site, and put their other books on my GoodReads want to read shelf. I have read other Phil Jourdan books, and when I noticed him on the site with the other authors in this tour, I knew I had to have a copy of everything written by every other author. (I have big dreams I know, and probably an addiction to literature.)
The day the email came, I rushed to open Stranger Will . Somehow I knew it would be the book I wanted to read even though I couldn't quite remember what exactly it was about.
I knew I didn't want just another mystery, or something 'easy' to read. Once again, in book land, I always get what I want. Or I have enough choices to find something close.
I always get what I want in my star trek dreams toos.Thank you Caleb Ross, your book was exactly what I was looking for. Everyone else - go look him up then read everything you can find. Follow him everywhere, become his fan and help him do what he was born to do. Stranger Will is worth it.
About the Book - About the Author - Prizes!!!
Welcome to Novel Publicity's first ever publishing house blog tour. Join us as three new titles from Perfect Edge--we're calling them the Perfect Edge Trifecta--tour the blogosphere in a way that just can't be ignored. And, hey, we've got prizes!
About the book: The child he loves. The idea of a child, he’s beginning to understand, is where everything will go wrong.William works as a human remains removal specialist, removing stains left by the dead. Whether by a bloody crime scene or a quiet domestic death, William is reminded each day of the frailty of human life. As his fiancée, Julie, nears term with their first child William becomes increasingly desperate for a way to overcome his belief that to birth is to kill. But Mrs. Rose, an elementary school principal and messenger pigeon hobbyist, nurtures William’s depressive outlook and claims to have a way to prove that William’s hesitancy to accept fatherhood is not only natural but necessary.
In this novel of impending fatherhood, an idealistic teacher recruits a pliant protégé to join her group of Strangers – a devout collection of kindred minds who have dedicated their lives to cultivating a unique idea of perfection.
But joining is easier than leaving.
Stranger Will explores the human urge to reproduce via one man’s struggle to understand his role as a father. As Rob Roberge, author of More than They Could Chew and Working Backwards from the Worst Moment of My Life, says “This is an original—unlike anything you’ve ever read before.”
Pick up your copy of this Literary/ Psychological/ Horror through Amazon US, Amazon UK, or Barnes & Noble.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMWznU...]
There are other people who should read this book, or at least read about the author, or check out the website - so read the rest of this!
That's really only there because I don't like the way wordpress deals with images after embedded youtube content. :S Grrr. (Unless there's a border around the image come to think of it, but I don't put borders around the books or author pictures.) Wait, we're not dealing with my imperfections! Read about this instead . . .
About the author: Caleb J. Ross has a BA in English Literature and creative writing from Emporia State University. His fiction and nonfiction has appeared widely, both online and in print. He is the author of five books of fiction and is a core contributor to The BookTube Vidcast, a columnist at ManArchy Magazine, and is the creator of The Burning Books Channel, a YouTube channel featuring humorous book reviews, literary skits, writing advice, and rants. Connect with Caleb on his website, Facebook, GoodReads, or Twitter.About the prizes: Who doesn't love prizes? You could win either of two $25 Amazon gift cards, an autographed copy of Stranger Will, or an autographed copy of one of its tour mates, Angel Falls by Michael Paul Gonazelz or The Sound of Loneliness by Craig Wallwork. Here's what you need to do...Enter the Rafflecopter contest
Leave a comment on my blog.
That's it! One random commenter during this tour will win a $25 gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers can be found here. The other $25 gift card and the 3 autographed books will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Perfect Edge Trifecta tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck!
Perfect Edge Books was founded in late 2011 to unite authors whose books weren't "obviously" commercial. Our books tend to sit in various genres all at once: literary fiction, satire, neo-noir, sci-fi, experimental prose. We believe that literary doesn't have to mean difficult, and that difficult doesn't just mean pointless. We prefer to cultivate a word-of-mouth approach to marketing, and keep production as simple as we can. Learn more at www.PerfectEdgeBooks.com.
Learn more about Stranger Will's tour mates HERE.
Notes about liveblogging
I want a better way to archive this, whether it's screen shots, or simply creating a new post each update (which would actually be nicer for tweeting.) Either one though requires various amounts of offline work pulling things together in a coherent manor.
When I write, I don't often write in a straight forward manor. I also don't write the beginning ends or middles in order. Rather, I think from a larger perspective, and while it's all a stream of consciousness, it also happens to be a convenient way to proofread multiple times.
Dr. Who is far to distracting to be able to write a review to. :P
This is what I think can become some sort of hybrid online live book club. I like the idea of conversing (Thanks Leah!) while writing a review. Whether it's with friends near or far, online seems to be the place we meet most often, and I'm really glad it's about books.
They keep us all in line, whether we use them as a tool to cope with every day life or just to spend a few hours on a far off planet located in the depths of our own mind.
There's no recipe, only the knowledge that we ate various glorious forms of turkey, perogies, stuffing pie and cake and cinamon rolls and my mom's famous buns. I can't make them. I SUCK at using yeast. I'm convinced I somehow ruin it. My mom's dinner buns are perfection. If I ever learn I'll share - and LOUDLY.
April 7, 2013
THIS BOOK IS OMG awesome!
ANYWAY... WARNING, I use the F-word four times (which I thought I was restraining myself) and ASS twice.. but I don't think one of them counts, and a couple of the FUCKS were wonderful alterations according to my friends.. so I am down with it! CARRY ON!F is for a frightening experience (and the F-word)
This review rated M for mature as in Facebook said I swear more than 89% of all my friends. I am making sure I live up to their assessment in this review, and I promise, like Catch-22, it needs to be in here. I am still going "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot what did I just finish reading? WAIT not reading EXPERIENCING?!" Now, I am going to do something different, I am going to rate it first...
Five hundred million Bottles of Awesomesauce - there is nothing more, not even bacon at this point
If language offends you ... I really wanted to apologize ahead of time but I can't! I tried to write this straight, but I can't! I am still dealing with dropped jaw syndrome! So...*shrugging shoulders* this book would probably not be something you could handle if the occasional fuck bothered you anyway. It takes balls to take this book on! And I know a lot of you have them, so strap them on ladies and hitch them up, gentlemen and take it on, you will NOT be disappointed. Do not eat before you read, hug your children and be happy with your decision to breed and enter a world that extrapolates to the extreme 'WHAT IF" and, what the fuck! and most importantly? Be careful what you wish for, sometimes someone really can grant your wishes, even if you didn't mean it!
Ever read one of those books that sticks to you brain pan like duct tape on a shaved cats ass.. oh wait that may not mean something to all of you ummm OK that sticks like extra strength duct tape, let's leave it at that! It is the foundation for a myriad of messed up bad dreams and unsettled sleep for the last week. I am deeply and quite deliciously disturbed by this. It has darkness in it, it oozes and gushes epically awesome frightening darkness. All manner of messed up people live in this town where our protagonist Will now lives. And he is in charge of cleaning up behind their worthless lives.
He has a f-ed up but necessary job, he is a human remains removal expert. Car accidents, decomposing bodies stuck to their E-Z chairs... its.. fragrant and ripe with festive insanity. But the bodies are not there just what is left behind. We all wonder what kind of mark we will make in this world and I do not think any of you imagine it will be the puddle of decomp jelly where your fat ass fell asleep watching Jeopardy and stuffing Ho-hos in your gullet. Or spread across the scene that can be hosed away on the interstate. Give up your dreams and forget about clean underwear because it won't matter at this point.
NOTHING I have read can compare to this except maybe the Story of the Eye by Georges Bataille. Georges may have a 21th century brainchild in Caleb J. Ross and Georges is called the "metaphysician of evil," specializing in blasphemy, profanation, and horror."
Throughout all of this Will is dealing with a pregnant fiance whom he is trying to convince to be rid of the child of before term or if at term to give up. It is full deep imbibing metaphors to immerse your psyche in. It has dark, cruel comedy, he is pretty much a top-notch prick to his fiance and shes obsessed with the belief everything he does and comes in contact with is a health risk to the unborn child. The cleaning supplies he uses coats his clothes, the cigarettes he chain smokes, now outside for her. Well for him, because he does not want to deal with her complaining. I haven't read a book like this, ever!
Yet, just when I hate this guy, just when I start climbing on my fancy feminist fuck-off wagon? He does something showing heart. He feels bad.. he doesn't talk about what he has to do or what his cleanup will be. He convinces himself it is because he doesn't want to deal with her wrath but there is a part of him that is soft enough to remember why they are together. At least that is my warm fuzzy place I have to think about so when he lights a bird on fire and I am right back on the feminist fuck-off wagon I do not pull both guns.
My mouth is still hanging open when I think back on what I read. There is one scene that will forever be burnt into my soul, wait a lot more than one..but the first really horrific scene is a house which has a perfectly maintained lawn in a neighborhood of perfectly maintained lawns and houses, but this house? It is falling to pieces like a forgotten and neglected elderly family member. There was so many symbols seeping from pipes and filling up the basement. Melville would have had a field day with the symbolic iconography in just the kitchen alone. I.. I... I want to tell you so much but I am afraid if I do you would miss out on the shock, which like my swear words is necessary Oh Em Gee try it for yourself, seriously! *mouth hangs open, head shakes, looks at the cat and whispers..." Seriously Asrielle, maybe I better take the squirrel in residence some folks may come after me but then again some folks may be sending me pounds and pounds of bacon!"
Now, I have to leave you here. I probably could go on another 1ooo words because I have not even gone back over in my brain what happens a bit before you hit the halfway mark, or the playing catch with one of the short-bus kids and a decomposing racoon. (do not even go there, there is no way I can be politically correct while trying to explain this. Plus, the short-bus kid? He captures the heart of Will along with me!) Just trust me. Oh and I did not mention the twisted idea of a fairy godmother who leads all this merry mayhem. I would choose her as a fairy godmother mind you she is more like Satan's spawn of a godmother!
I recieved this book as part of a Novel Publicity Tour for a fair and honest review. I do not think it gets more honest than this... I then went and bought it for five of my friends and demanded under pain of death to read or I would send the ninja squirrel assassin, Fred, to their house..
February 7, 2013
I already had a sense of apprehension when I bought this book. I know Caleb, you see. I've read a fair amount of his work and one thing I know: his characters give me the willies. So having read the opener a little while back, I had a pretty good idea what I was getting into.
Stranger Will doesn't disappoint. It delivers a story which stirs up subject matter that's thought provoking and uncomfortable. William, the central character is - as the title suggests - a strange fellow (though the reason for the title is even stranger), and I often found myself bemused by his traits. Despite his pessimistic view on life, he has a curious sense of humour (if not a bit inappropriate) which made for an interesting personality. But the most beautiful and tragic (tragic because it comes too late) part of the story is his dawning realization in the latter part of the book that he has a lot more to understand about himself and what he actually, deep down, really believes.
Will isn't the only trouble character in the book. His closest friend has issues, but the real star of the book for me (because she is so sinister) is the woman that takes him under her wing. But it's more like the win of a vulture than a hen.
Yes. A fascinating story with unusual characters and plot turns that I just didn't expect.
A satisfying read with a satisfying ending.
Stranger Will doesn't disappoint. It delivers a story which stirs up subject matter that's thought provoking and uncomfortable. William, the central character is - as the title suggests - a strange fellow (though the reason for the title is even stranger), and I often found myself bemused by his traits. Despite his pessimistic view on life, he has a curious sense of humour (if not a bit inappropriate) which made for an interesting personality. But the most beautiful and tragic (tragic because it comes too late) part of the story is his dawning realization in the latter part of the book that he has a lot more to understand about himself and what he actually, deep down, really believes.
Will isn't the only trouble character in the book. His closest friend has issues, but the real star of the book for me (because she is so sinister) is the woman that takes him under her wing. But it's more like the win of a vulture than a hen.
Yes. A fascinating story with unusual characters and plot turns that I just didn't expect.
A satisfying read with a satisfying ending.
May 7, 2011
In this story, a cult of aspiring "strangers" work shifts dressed as bums on park benches adjacent to a school playground as part of their indoctrination, while the specially-chosen children in their eyeline learn life lessons of their own from their shared leader, Mrs. Rose. She's a charismatic Tyler Durden type (both mentor and antagonist) with utopian dreams but dystopian methods who guides our William through the not-so-traumatic experience of losing his unborn child.
That William never wanted to bring a child into this awful world to begin with — even in his fiancée's last trimester — will make most readers squirm. The point is repeatedly driven home as Will derives much of his outlook from his experiences as a crime-scene cleaner, but these are also what lends the novel its unique quality: the more flawed the character, the greater the possible arc for redemption. We are so repulsed by his refusal to praise the miracle of Life, until we meet other kindred spirits who put his own beliefs in perspective and challenge him to embrace greater ideals. At this point Will becomes more identifiable and sympathetic as he befriends a child at the park who sparks the conflict within him.
While the themes and literary devices employed in the book are reminiscent of Chuck Palahniuk's early work (it's also the May selection for discussion at Chuck's site's book club), the prose stylings are pure Ross. Dark, disturbing imagery combined with great sensory detail and a grotesque wink now and then. We smell the toxic chemicals of his trade that infuse Will's entire existence, from wardrobe to vehicle to house. His infected dog bite that festers throughout the story has us scratching at our own arm. He does a masterful job of putting the reader in Will's head, especially given that the story is written in third-person (a fact I had to verify just now, so close is the point of view to the protag). This is not a beach read; bring it to the doctor's office or stash it wherever you hide your smokes from your old lady. Discuss it with your friends via carrier pigeon.
As for criticisms, Otherworld Publications is a young press, evident in some editorial errors like typos and such, and hopefully they'll correct these in future editions. Also, sometimes the cult ideologies that pervade the narrative seem to be in direct opposition to one another, though I think this is probably true to the spirit of those who subscribe to such belief systems, and having that debate play out actually helps us see the conflicts more clearly.
That William never wanted to bring a child into this awful world to begin with — even in his fiancée's last trimester — will make most readers squirm. The point is repeatedly driven home as Will derives much of his outlook from his experiences as a crime-scene cleaner, but these are also what lends the novel its unique quality: the more flawed the character, the greater the possible arc for redemption. We are so repulsed by his refusal to praise the miracle of Life, until we meet other kindred spirits who put his own beliefs in perspective and challenge him to embrace greater ideals. At this point Will becomes more identifiable and sympathetic as he befriends a child at the park who sparks the conflict within him.
While the themes and literary devices employed in the book are reminiscent of Chuck Palahniuk's early work (it's also the May selection for discussion at Chuck's site's book club), the prose stylings are pure Ross. Dark, disturbing imagery combined with great sensory detail and a grotesque wink now and then. We smell the toxic chemicals of his trade that infuse Will's entire existence, from wardrobe to vehicle to house. His infected dog bite that festers throughout the story has us scratching at our own arm. He does a masterful job of putting the reader in Will's head, especially given that the story is written in third-person (a fact I had to verify just now, so close is the point of view to the protag). This is not a beach read; bring it to the doctor's office or stash it wherever you hide your smokes from your old lady. Discuss it with your friends via carrier pigeon.
As for criticisms, Otherworld Publications is a young press, evident in some editorial errors like typos and such, and hopefully they'll correct these in future editions. Also, sometimes the cult ideologies that pervade the narrative seem to be in direct opposition to one another, though I think this is probably true to the spirit of those who subscribe to such belief systems, and having that debate play out actually helps us see the conflicts more clearly.
April 4, 2013
Stranger Will grabbed my attention because it seemed like quite a different take on literary fiction than I typically read. After reading the cover blurb I remember thinking...carrier pigeons? Joining what exactly? Why would it be hard to leave the group?
Author Caleb Ross engagingly and consistently uses rich descriptive language throughout the novel..."William saunters through the mudroom door, the engine of his bioremediation cleaning van still ticking in the driveway. He flicks a spent cigarette filter deep into the weeds overtaking the house's north wall. Seen through romantic eyes the abode could be a cottage, but William suffers from universal practicality..."
The novel is centered around provocative social issues such as societal and personal pressures couples feel to reproduce and have children of their own, abortion, and the idea of a society of "perfect human beings." "William continued, however, using magazine articles, newspaper headlines, tabloid clippings, medical journals, and bar graphs all supporting his theories regarding the eminent turmoil associated with 'bringing a child to term in a world like ours.'"
Main characters in Stranger Will were chock full of human character traits --
William: Serious, depressed, mundane husband with emotional baggage from his own childhood, employed as a stain removal specialist, self-designated sleuth with stolen paper messages.
Julie: Quietly resilient wife, former waitress, chock full of maternal instinct, somewhat lazy.
Mrs. Rose: Elementary school principal, keeper of messenger pigeons, ambitious, demanding, opinionated, and controlling "adoption" advocate.
Frank - Fellow stranger - "It sounds like a title the way he says it: Stranger -- with a veiled mysticism. It comes out as a tactile breath, heavy, built with smoke."
In actuality, this book hooked me from the beginning and absolutely held my attention. I loved the quirkiness and excellent writing. This book will appeal to readers who like unpredictable books, psychological/horror, or odd characters (by "odd" I mean Geek Love by Katherine Dunn).
Teasers:
For a second William hears footsteps decrescendo, but they stop. Then, breaking the sky, the raccoon soars back over the fence and hits William on the cheek before falling into the stained grass. He tastes decay.
The bell rings and the children infiltrate the playground like maximum coverage is an inborn reaction. They cover sand pits and the soccer field, swings and the concrete basketball court in three frames of an instructional slideshow: Empty. Full. Organized.
Paul, the tapeworm.
Author Caleb Ross engagingly and consistently uses rich descriptive language throughout the novel..."William saunters through the mudroom door, the engine of his bioremediation cleaning van still ticking in the driveway. He flicks a spent cigarette filter deep into the weeds overtaking the house's north wall. Seen through romantic eyes the abode could be a cottage, but William suffers from universal practicality..."
The novel is centered around provocative social issues such as societal and personal pressures couples feel to reproduce and have children of their own, abortion, and the idea of a society of "perfect human beings." "William continued, however, using magazine articles, newspaper headlines, tabloid clippings, medical journals, and bar graphs all supporting his theories regarding the eminent turmoil associated with 'bringing a child to term in a world like ours.'"
Main characters in Stranger Will were chock full of human character traits --
William: Serious, depressed, mundane husband with emotional baggage from his own childhood, employed as a stain removal specialist, self-designated sleuth with stolen paper messages.
Julie: Quietly resilient wife, former waitress, chock full of maternal instinct, somewhat lazy.
Mrs. Rose: Elementary school principal, keeper of messenger pigeons, ambitious, demanding, opinionated, and controlling "adoption" advocate.
Frank - Fellow stranger - "It sounds like a title the way he says it: Stranger -- with a veiled mysticism. It comes out as a tactile breath, heavy, built with smoke."
In actuality, this book hooked me from the beginning and absolutely held my attention. I loved the quirkiness and excellent writing. This book will appeal to readers who like unpredictable books, psychological/horror, or odd characters (by "odd" I mean Geek Love by Katherine Dunn).
Teasers:
For a second William hears footsteps decrescendo, but they stop. Then, breaking the sky, the raccoon soars back over the fence and hits William on the cheek before falling into the stained grass. He tastes decay.
The bell rings and the children infiltrate the playground like maximum coverage is an inborn reaction. They cover sand pits and the soccer field, swings and the concrete basketball court in three frames of an instructional slideshow: Empty. Full. Organized.
Paul, the tapeworm.
April 30, 2012
STRANGER WILL by Caleb J. Ross is art through prose. Every line is finely crafted. Each sentence suitable for quoting. The story itself is brilliant and unique. I have given high praise to earlier short story collections from Caleb J. Ross and his first full length novel has me absolutely enamored with the writer.
Reading STRANGER WILL could take an iron constitution if your a parent. In typical Ross style he claws with rusty nails at the wonders of parenthood and finds that microscopic shred of nasty little thoughts that get buried deep within your being. That is when he really goes to town and incubates those dirty little ideas and culls a vibrant petri dish of twisted emotions. You don't just read a Caleb J. Ross story, you evolve through it.
STRANGER WILL also serves as a philosophical work. The arguments all revolve around the idea of perfection. Those ideas are argued brilliantly from all sides. It's truly amazing when all those arguments are coming from the one voice of the writer. I often found myself drawing parallels from this book to the classic Philosophical tome, ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE. That sentiment alone could be the biggest compliment I could pay this book.
This is without a doubt a 5 star read. I know I will be left haunted by it for quite some time. This is the type of story that should one day be studied in college literature and/or philosophy classes. It is a marvel to read and I can not place enough emphasis on the need for anyone who breathes to read this.
Reading STRANGER WILL could take an iron constitution if your a parent. In typical Ross style he claws with rusty nails at the wonders of parenthood and finds that microscopic shred of nasty little thoughts that get buried deep within your being. That is when he really goes to town and incubates those dirty little ideas and culls a vibrant petri dish of twisted emotions. You don't just read a Caleb J. Ross story, you evolve through it.
STRANGER WILL also serves as a philosophical work. The arguments all revolve around the idea of perfection. Those ideas are argued brilliantly from all sides. It's truly amazing when all those arguments are coming from the one voice of the writer. I often found myself drawing parallels from this book to the classic Philosophical tome, ZEN AND THE ART OF MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE. That sentiment alone could be the biggest compliment I could pay this book.
This is without a doubt a 5 star read. I know I will be left haunted by it for quite some time. This is the type of story that should one day be studied in college literature and/or philosophy classes. It is a marvel to read and I can not place enough emphasis on the need for anyone who breathes to read this.
March 9, 2013
This dark story about an unwilling soon-to-be-father starts off promisingly. Will, a pessimistic crime-scene cleaner, is trying to convince his very pregnant girlfriend to give their baby up for adoption. The world being evil and Will being mentally unstable, this makes perfect sense for him, though not so much for Julie, the long-suffering girlfriend. I would have happily read a novel about a couple coming to terms with becoming parents. What happens if one parent doesn't want the kid? How does it affect the relationship? There's an interesting novel right there. Unfortunately for me, Ross doesn't explore these issues. Very little backstory is given, and the characters exist in a vacuum with no relatives, friends or co-workers around to react to the escalating madness (well, there's hapless Philip but he doesn't leave an impression). The relationship between Will and Julie is baffling. There are no clues as to how they ended up in this balance of terror. Julie throws the occasional punch, but why she doesn't pack her stuff and run like hell is a mystery.
Ok, so this isn't supposed to be kitchen-sink realism. But it's not a philosophical treatise either. Will is caught up in a sinister plan orchestrated by an evil elementary school principal, and lots of comments about the state of the world and the ethics of procreating are dropped, but there is nowhere for them to land. Instead, there is gore and horror, which could have been great, but the macabre aspects just seem to be there for shock value.
A very odd mix of ingredients, this one.
Ok, so this isn't supposed to be kitchen-sink realism. But it's not a philosophical treatise either. Will is caught up in a sinister plan orchestrated by an evil elementary school principal, and lots of comments about the state of the world and the ethics of procreating are dropped, but there is nowhere for them to land. Instead, there is gore and horror, which could have been great, but the macabre aspects just seem to be there for shock value.
A very odd mix of ingredients, this one.
March 26, 2013
well this was an unexpected hit with me.! i follow Caleb on youTube, and 2 months ago he gave away copies of his book for review, and i received a copy! GO ME!!
i read this book, and im not gonna lie, i had mixed feelings the whole book. I guess i feel like the lead character suffered from a long undiagnosed mental illness and needed help, before the murders, before the messages, hell before he got married.
i also understand that im probably one of the few people that will feel that way.
i hated the wife, loved the friend, regretted the lead, but most of all i liked the book.
I think this book was successful for many reasons but the most important is:
1. i want to read more of Caleb's books.
then END!
Video Review.....aaah i think so
i read this book, and im not gonna lie, i had mixed feelings the whole book. I guess i feel like the lead character suffered from a long undiagnosed mental illness and needed help, before the murders, before the messages, hell before he got married.
i also understand that im probably one of the few people that will feel that way.
i hated the wife, loved the friend, regretted the lead, but most of all i liked the book.
I think this book was successful for many reasons but the most important is:
1. i want to read more of Caleb's books.
then END!
Video Review.....aaah i think so
Want to read
April 11, 2011When my book club picks a book, it's because it's a really great book and we think all of the club will all enjoy reading a discussing it. Never and I do mean Never do we select a book to disect.
So my guess is this will be one that will be a favorite!
So my guess is this will be one that will be a favorite!
April 16, 2011
Dark, dark, dark. And beautiful.
April 11, 2013
If I could use just a few words to attempt to describe Stranger Will, I would choose:
•UNIQUE
•DARK
•PHILOSOPHICAL
•A-MUST-READ
Stranger Will was truly one of the best books I have read, in quite some time. I don’t re-read books very often but this is one book in which I plan to do just that. Why? Because there are SO many layers contained within this story, so many meanings, and so many things to think more about. A second read, would be an opportunity to pull back some additional layers… layers you can’t help but to have missed the first read through and even then… I think it is quite likely that you would still not reach the ultimate core of Stranger Will.
The author Caleb J. Ross, is definitely unique with his style, yet at the same time, his writing reminds me of other great authors such as:
•Chuck Palahniuk (author of Fight Club, Survivor, and Choke)
•Augusten Burroughs (author of Running With Scissors, Possible Side Effects, and Magical Thinking)
•George Orwell (author of Animal Farm and 1984)
Caleb J. Ross has a way of telling an edgy, odd story, with a serious dark side. He creates and brings to life, characters who you’d be afraid to know.
Stranger Will makes you think about those frustrating types of questions, those questions that don’t seem to have the black and white answers you so desperately crave for them to have.
The main character William, is an insecure, depressed and cynical character, whose job as a human remains removal specialist has contributed to his lack of enthusiasm he is exhibiting for his unborn child. According to William…
He cleans the dead from the world and what’s one more child? Just another body that someone will one day have to clean from the road.
and
“Just a parasite, Julie,” he takes a sip of coffee, cold but he keeps his face straight. “Tapeworms, children, we could all use fewer of them.”
His fiancée Julie, seems to deal with William’s resistance to their fetus, which is already very well-established within her, by continuing to cross-stitch, shop for baby clothes, pick out names (one for a boy, one for a girl), sing lullabies and stay calm. Julie clearly feels she is already a mother. William on the other hand, continues to search for any solution in which they will not be the ones expected to give this child what little he believes that they can offer it. Those that feel desperate for solutions, often come to their solutions in dangerous and immoral ways.
There were so many things that intrigued me about this novel, including…
•William’s employment as a human remains removal specialist. His job is to remove the ‘stains’ that human lives leave behind.
•The personality contrast between William and his co-worker, Philip. “Philip believes people deserve chances. William believes that people are the exact reason chances don’t work.” The dynamic between the two is riveting.
•Mrs. Rose, the elementary school principal and the bizarre lessons she is teaching to not only her students but to many adults as well, including William. Even more astounding, is her philosophy behind these lessons. “Mrs. Rose has taught William many things, one of which is that the world is not worth fighting against. The world knows what it is doing.” and “Mrs. Rose taught William that children are a second chance and that second chances are exactly what keep us from believing that we need only one.”
•Messenger pigeons and messages that are intercepted and how they can form their own story.
•The different meaning, purpose and value that the individual characters have for life and where that ultimately brings each of them in the end.
•The ability and need that some have to control and what that means. How is that accomplished? What is lost by those who are controlled? What may be gained and what may be lost by a group that is under a method of organized control? What is lost be the one doing the controlling?
If you are one who likes to ponder the meaning behind things – you will enjoy this book.
If you like dark, twisted, bizarre and sick characters – you will enjoy this book.
If you enjoy the writing style of Chuck Palahniuk, Augusten Burroughs or George Orwell – you will enjoy this book.
If you like a book that makes you think and then makes you think again – you will love this book.
I highly recommend Stranger Will to all adult readers.
I am very much looking forward to following Caleb J. Ross’s writing career, for he is a noteworthy, significant and truly brilliant writer of our times.
Some of My Favourite Quotes
William admires her will power, though he could do without her drive to use it against him.
When two strangers meet in the woods, they don’t pass by with a nod. They don’t pretend something greater lies just ahead. They smile at company and make room for a few words.
A body, a simple lump of blue skin, black hair, and features, sits molded to the corner. Not a stain, not a mess, but a real human being. Her eyes roll toward the light. In a final stretch for good news, William turns to Philip and shrugs. “At least most of her blood is still in her body.”
I’ve seen the desert our world has become, shredded with bullet holes in apartment buildings where nothing but filth exists. I’ve cleaned it from walls with a toothbrush stolen from the deceased’s bathroom. I’ve believed in a world with good intentions for too long.
“She also told William that people who use the word fascinating, usually aren’t.”
“Keep an animal locked up with nothing to do and eventually it will realize it is imprisoned.”
Though he’s known for days that these games teach survival, he sees now that these skills are not the school’s primary motive. Where once he saw a small tiff, children being as children will be, he sees now a gang initiation, or extermination of the weak, not for survival but to prove dedication. Where once a group of children might play rhyming games, clapping hands, smiles and chants, they now share blood via severed fingers and cut palms.
“What, I ask you, is less pleasurable to endure than permanence?”
“It might be years from now that these kids look back and realize that they’ve been controlled their entire lives, but it will happen. They might hate me, you, and all the others, but they will understand control — they will realize their life. It might take therapy, it might happen behind a giant oak desk in a corner office, but it will hit them, and they will have an entire childhood of proof.”
We live above defeated generations and search for all the ideas they must have missed.
William looks again, before the sun disappears, across his home, his life with Julie, and fits everything into graves.
She had been enduring his rants for months, staying strong to her familial ideal, and here was the end to what he had wanted all along: his weak fiancée fighting up hills of dirt dug in search of her child.
…he has the power to steer outcome. The trick is to keep anyone else from believing it.
***********************************************************************************************
If you have enjoyed my review of STRANGER WILL, please visit my blog: http://growinguplittle.wordpress.com/
•UNIQUE
•DARK
•PHILOSOPHICAL
•A-MUST-READ
Stranger Will was truly one of the best books I have read, in quite some time. I don’t re-read books very often but this is one book in which I plan to do just that. Why? Because there are SO many layers contained within this story, so many meanings, and so many things to think more about. A second read, would be an opportunity to pull back some additional layers… layers you can’t help but to have missed the first read through and even then… I think it is quite likely that you would still not reach the ultimate core of Stranger Will.
The author Caleb J. Ross, is definitely unique with his style, yet at the same time, his writing reminds me of other great authors such as:
•Chuck Palahniuk (author of Fight Club, Survivor, and Choke)
•Augusten Burroughs (author of Running With Scissors, Possible Side Effects, and Magical Thinking)
•George Orwell (author of Animal Farm and 1984)
Caleb J. Ross has a way of telling an edgy, odd story, with a serious dark side. He creates and brings to life, characters who you’d be afraid to know.
Stranger Will makes you think about those frustrating types of questions, those questions that don’t seem to have the black and white answers you so desperately crave for them to have.
The main character William, is an insecure, depressed and cynical character, whose job as a human remains removal specialist has contributed to his lack of enthusiasm he is exhibiting for his unborn child. According to William…
He cleans the dead from the world and what’s one more child? Just another body that someone will one day have to clean from the road.
and
“Just a parasite, Julie,” he takes a sip of coffee, cold but he keeps his face straight. “Tapeworms, children, we could all use fewer of them.”
His fiancée Julie, seems to deal with William’s resistance to their fetus, which is already very well-established within her, by continuing to cross-stitch, shop for baby clothes, pick out names (one for a boy, one for a girl), sing lullabies and stay calm. Julie clearly feels she is already a mother. William on the other hand, continues to search for any solution in which they will not be the ones expected to give this child what little he believes that they can offer it. Those that feel desperate for solutions, often come to their solutions in dangerous and immoral ways.
There were so many things that intrigued me about this novel, including…
•William’s employment as a human remains removal specialist. His job is to remove the ‘stains’ that human lives leave behind.
•The personality contrast between William and his co-worker, Philip. “Philip believes people deserve chances. William believes that people are the exact reason chances don’t work.” The dynamic between the two is riveting.
•Mrs. Rose, the elementary school principal and the bizarre lessons she is teaching to not only her students but to many adults as well, including William. Even more astounding, is her philosophy behind these lessons. “Mrs. Rose has taught William many things, one of which is that the world is not worth fighting against. The world knows what it is doing.” and “Mrs. Rose taught William that children are a second chance and that second chances are exactly what keep us from believing that we need only one.”
•Messenger pigeons and messages that are intercepted and how they can form their own story.
•The different meaning, purpose and value that the individual characters have for life and where that ultimately brings each of them in the end.
•The ability and need that some have to control and what that means. How is that accomplished? What is lost by those who are controlled? What may be gained and what may be lost by a group that is under a method of organized control? What is lost be the one doing the controlling?
If you are one who likes to ponder the meaning behind things – you will enjoy this book.
If you like dark, twisted, bizarre and sick characters – you will enjoy this book.
If you enjoy the writing style of Chuck Palahniuk, Augusten Burroughs or George Orwell – you will enjoy this book.
If you like a book that makes you think and then makes you think again – you will love this book.
I highly recommend Stranger Will to all adult readers.
I am very much looking forward to following Caleb J. Ross’s writing career, for he is a noteworthy, significant and truly brilliant writer of our times.
Some of My Favourite Quotes
William admires her will power, though he could do without her drive to use it against him.
When two strangers meet in the woods, they don’t pass by with a nod. They don’t pretend something greater lies just ahead. They smile at company and make room for a few words.
A body, a simple lump of blue skin, black hair, and features, sits molded to the corner. Not a stain, not a mess, but a real human being. Her eyes roll toward the light. In a final stretch for good news, William turns to Philip and shrugs. “At least most of her blood is still in her body.”
I’ve seen the desert our world has become, shredded with bullet holes in apartment buildings where nothing but filth exists. I’ve cleaned it from walls with a toothbrush stolen from the deceased’s bathroom. I’ve believed in a world with good intentions for too long.
“She also told William that people who use the word fascinating, usually aren’t.”
“Keep an animal locked up with nothing to do and eventually it will realize it is imprisoned.”
Though he’s known for days that these games teach survival, he sees now that these skills are not the school’s primary motive. Where once he saw a small tiff, children being as children will be, he sees now a gang initiation, or extermination of the weak, not for survival but to prove dedication. Where once a group of children might play rhyming games, clapping hands, smiles and chants, they now share blood via severed fingers and cut palms.
“What, I ask you, is less pleasurable to endure than permanence?”
“It might be years from now that these kids look back and realize that they’ve been controlled their entire lives, but it will happen. They might hate me, you, and all the others, but they will understand control — they will realize their life. It might take therapy, it might happen behind a giant oak desk in a corner office, but it will hit them, and they will have an entire childhood of proof.”
We live above defeated generations and search for all the ideas they must have missed.
William looks again, before the sun disappears, across his home, his life with Julie, and fits everything into graves.
She had been enduring his rants for months, staying strong to her familial ideal, and here was the end to what he had wanted all along: his weak fiancée fighting up hills of dirt dug in search of her child.
…he has the power to steer outcome. The trick is to keep anyone else from believing it.
***********************************************************************************************
If you have enjoyed my review of STRANGER WILL, please visit my blog: http://growinguplittle.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2013
Stranger Will is a very unique and amazing book. On my journey through this novel, I felt it touch many different genres: literary fiction, horror, mystery, drama, psychological, crime and probably even more that I can't think of right now. Stranger Will is deep an fascinating and I don't know how I can ever write a review living up to the book itself.
This is very typical for a Perfect Edge book, it has multiple layers. It's so worth being re-read again and again because there's so much more to discover behind the lines.
In the beginning, it was really hard for me to figure out where this book was going to. I mean, usually the plot has a recognizable direction. Stranger Will kept opening up new dimensions, one by one, raising more questions and increasing my confusion to an almost unbearable point. Additionally, it was gruesome, bloody and outrageously blunt. But you know what people do when they see an accident on the other side of the road, or when they encounter a person that is crippled or misshapen in some way? They simply can't look away!! Of course, they know it's not right to stare, it will probably lead to nothing and in the end all that's left is a bitter thoughtfulness. That's exactly how it felt reading this book.
So I had to keep reading. And even though, the confusion lit up and many questions were answered, the vague uneasiness stayed. I would never call it an easy or even comfortable read.
There is not one likeable character in this book which was the author's intention, I assume. We have Will, who really does seem like a stranger to the reader (and sometimes to himself), as a character that is not easy to accept.
So, he doubts the decision to keep the child even though his fiancée Julie is already in her seventh month and the pregnancy far too progressed to change their minds. Will always tries to butt out of difficult situations by day-dreaming or gazing out of the window. Maybe he's afraid to be a father because of his own father, a jail guard, who was a true tyrant. I also wondered about Julie and why she put up with his attitude. Why couldn't she just walk away from him?
Doesn't sound like a happy relationship now, does it? In case, you're wondering... yes, the atmosphere is just as dark and depressing throughout the whole book. Stranger Will is so fascinating in a very morbid way. Then there is Mrs. Rose, the mysterious elementary school headmistress whom I first thought of as some kind of Mrs. Robinson but whose sickening role becomes clearer towards the end of the book.
An almost congenial figure is Phil, Will's seemingly best friend and colleague. Yet, he closes his eyes to everything that is really going on around him that I just want to scream in his face "Wake up and STOP being so nice!"
This explains a lot of his behavior yet cannot make me like him. There are more characters and I can't talk about all of them. I wanted to give you an impression of this book's complexity and depth, yet also of its disturbing sides.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes to walk new paths with their reading, to experience new emotions, who enjoys the occasional psychological horror. Stranger Will touches many emotionally heavy topics and doesn't deal with them in a light way: abortion, marriage and relationships, community, grief, apathy and many other philosophical questions.
Go ahead and start your own journey through Stranger Will so you can join the discussion!
This is very typical for a Perfect Edge book, it has multiple layers. It's so worth being re-read again and again because there's so much more to discover behind the lines.
In the beginning, it was really hard for me to figure out where this book was going to. I mean, usually the plot has a recognizable direction. Stranger Will kept opening up new dimensions, one by one, raising more questions and increasing my confusion to an almost unbearable point. Additionally, it was gruesome, bloody and outrageously blunt. But you know what people do when they see an accident on the other side of the road, or when they encounter a person that is crippled or misshapen in some way? They simply can't look away!! Of course, they know it's not right to stare, it will probably lead to nothing and in the end all that's left is a bitter thoughtfulness. That's exactly how it felt reading this book.
So I had to keep reading. And even though, the confusion lit up and many questions were answered, the vague uneasiness stayed. I would never call it an easy or even comfortable read.
There is not one likeable character in this book which was the author's intention, I assume. We have Will, who really does seem like a stranger to the reader (and sometimes to himself), as a character that is not easy to accept.
William believes that people have learned to endure life because any attempt otherwise is rectified by disease, by violence, by age, by a shotgun to the face in a dilapidated house the neighborhood wants demolished. By digoxin to the heart. What right, he wonders, does he have to introduce a child to this?
So, he doubts the decision to keep the child even though his fiancée Julie is already in her seventh month and the pregnancy far too progressed to change their minds. Will always tries to butt out of difficult situations by day-dreaming or gazing out of the window. Maybe he's afraid to be a father because of his own father, a jail guard, who was a true tyrant. I also wondered about Julie and why she put up with his attitude. Why couldn't she just walk away from him?
She confessed her hatred of smoke too late, likened the stink to William's own breath, how it hung for days and dug itself in her clothes, how it was dangerous for the baby. That was Julie's grand reveal; William was already poisoning the baby with his breath.
Doesn't sound like a happy relationship now, does it? In case, you're wondering... yes, the atmosphere is just as dark and depressing throughout the whole book. Stranger Will is so fascinating in a very morbid way. Then there is Mrs. Rose, the mysterious elementary school headmistress whom I first thought of as some kind of Mrs. Robinson but whose sickening role becomes clearer towards the end of the book.
"People change and grow but not toward something. We influence people, William, but only to show that we can really do nothing. How else would they know if we didn't show them?"
An almost congenial figure is Phil, Will's seemingly best friend and colleague. Yet, he closes his eyes to everything that is really going on around him that I just want to scream in his face "Wake up and STOP being so nice!"
Phil has a soul made stable only by another.
This explains a lot of his behavior yet cannot make me like him. There are more characters and I can't talk about all of them. I wanted to give you an impression of this book's complexity and depth, yet also of its disturbing sides.
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes to walk new paths with their reading, to experience new emotions, who enjoys the occasional psychological horror. Stranger Will touches many emotionally heavy topics and doesn't deal with them in a light way: abortion, marriage and relationships, community, grief, apathy and many other philosophical questions.
Go ahead and start your own journey through Stranger Will so you can join the discussion!
May 30, 2011
Having loved Ross’ collection of short stories, Charactered Pieces, I greatly anticipated reading his first novel. I was not disappointed. Again, he takes the reader out of his or her comfort zone. The theme of this book reminded me of a strange incident.
In the fall of 2003, I was seven months pregnant with my first child when I visited San Francisco for the fourth time. In the previous three trips, I noticed the homeless population, but didn’t dwell too long on the issue as I live in a city with a similar problem. However, this time, I became acutely aware of a deep hatred by many of the homeless for pregnant women and parents in general. I was verbally harassed by a couple of homeless men and given a roundhouse kick to the shin by a homeless woman. I was among the despised, a group many called “breeders.”
This prompted many thoughts for me about cruelty and a desire to end a species. I thought of pregnant victims like Sharon Tate, her hands desperately covering her abdomen and begging the stabbers not to hurt her baby, and Laci Peterson with her husband as her murderer. I read an article of a pregnant woman in San Francisco who was followed by a homeless man and beaten in her apartment. He then covered her in red paint. Fortunately, her husband found her in time to save both mother and baby with an emergency delivery. While some people regarded me as an appealing example of motherhood, I now knew I was also regarded as a repulsive agent in continuing an already burdening overpopulation. I tried to understand this latter concept, but I was incapable. I could not think of my unborn daughter as a drain on resources; I had already bonded with her. I loved her.
This memory resonated throughout my reading of Stranger Will. The protagonist, William Lowson, an impending father, makes no secret of his extremely serious doubts about bringing a child into this world. Fortunately for him, he meets kindred spirits who share his ideology. Yet, like many great characters in literature, William grows and even displays a glimpse of paternal nature for a child, Eugene. Even in all his darkness, I hoped for William to escape the existential nightmare of Ross’ city of Brackenwood. I wanted to believe there was a city beyond it, free of the absolute cruelty in pursuit of perfection. Then, I remembered San Francisco. In fear, I thought about the potentiality of that segment of the homeless population if organized and resourceful enough to take their ideology to an elevated level. I thought about all the vulnerable pregnant women and the doubts of their maternal abilities. We are not too far removed from the world Ross has created in Stranger Will.
With ease, Ross seems to dare you to turn the page. Chapter Eighteen is gut-wrenching. It reminded me of footage of Shias parading while flogging themselves. The children used soft, harmless cat-o-nine tails to emulate the self-flagellation they would later truly and painfully enact in their maturity. Ross is not so gentle with his children characters demonstrating their faith nor does he coddle his readers. His writing is fearless. The courageous reader will not be dissatisfied.
I welcome the author to my humble blog, Le Salon Annex, on his extensive blog book tour, “Stranger Will Tour for Strange,” on October 26, 2011.
In the fall of 2003, I was seven months pregnant with my first child when I visited San Francisco for the fourth time. In the previous three trips, I noticed the homeless population, but didn’t dwell too long on the issue as I live in a city with a similar problem. However, this time, I became acutely aware of a deep hatred by many of the homeless for pregnant women and parents in general. I was verbally harassed by a couple of homeless men and given a roundhouse kick to the shin by a homeless woman. I was among the despised, a group many called “breeders.”
This prompted many thoughts for me about cruelty and a desire to end a species. I thought of pregnant victims like Sharon Tate, her hands desperately covering her abdomen and begging the stabbers not to hurt her baby, and Laci Peterson with her husband as her murderer. I read an article of a pregnant woman in San Francisco who was followed by a homeless man and beaten in her apartment. He then covered her in red paint. Fortunately, her husband found her in time to save both mother and baby with an emergency delivery. While some people regarded me as an appealing example of motherhood, I now knew I was also regarded as a repulsive agent in continuing an already burdening overpopulation. I tried to understand this latter concept, but I was incapable. I could not think of my unborn daughter as a drain on resources; I had already bonded with her. I loved her.
This memory resonated throughout my reading of Stranger Will. The protagonist, William Lowson, an impending father, makes no secret of his extremely serious doubts about bringing a child into this world. Fortunately for him, he meets kindred spirits who share his ideology. Yet, like many great characters in literature, William grows and even displays a glimpse of paternal nature for a child, Eugene. Even in all his darkness, I hoped for William to escape the existential nightmare of Ross’ city of Brackenwood. I wanted to believe there was a city beyond it, free of the absolute cruelty in pursuit of perfection. Then, I remembered San Francisco. In fear, I thought about the potentiality of that segment of the homeless population if organized and resourceful enough to take their ideology to an elevated level. I thought about all the vulnerable pregnant women and the doubts of their maternal abilities. We are not too far removed from the world Ross has created in Stranger Will.
With ease, Ross seems to dare you to turn the page. Chapter Eighteen is gut-wrenching. It reminded me of footage of Shias parading while flogging themselves. The children used soft, harmless cat-o-nine tails to emulate the self-flagellation they would later truly and painfully enact in their maturity. Ross is not so gentle with his children characters demonstrating their faith nor does he coddle his readers. His writing is fearless. The courageous reader will not be dissatisfied.
I welcome the author to my humble blog, Le Salon Annex, on his extensive blog book tour, “Stranger Will Tour for Strange,” on October 26, 2011.
April 5, 2013
In William Lowson's life, there is no room for error. The world he now lives in leaves a lot to be desired. His job as a Human Remains Removal Specialist means he spends most of his time cleaning up the stains left behind by the dead. His wife, Julie, doesn't really like the idea of his doing so, but she'll put up with things because it's their only means of getting ahead. Not to mention that she's also pregnant, and hoping for a better life.
For William, the thought of being a father is daunting at best. Deep inside, he doesn't want to have a baby. Most especially in the cold, bleak world he and his wife inhabit. Unfortunately, the baby is well on its way, and they must make the best of things if they're to give birth to a healthy baby boy or girl.
An unexpected accident lands him in the middle of a group intent on making the perfect life. In their eyes, William is a great specimen in which to make their sordid dreams and ideas come true. In his mind, they've given him a way to get rid of the guilt and uncertainty that clouds his mind every moment of every day. Most especially when it comes to Julie and their baby.
The accident changes things in more ways than one. Julie's in the hospital, oblivious to the world around her. Mrs. Rose is intent on making him see the good he'll be able to contribute to the cause at hand, even though she knows he's not quite accepting of how things really are. William wants nothing more to set himself free from all that ails him. Finding a way out, unfortunately, may never be likely.
I found this story to be quite dark and gory. At times, it was also mind-boggling. The story centers around William and the choices he makes throughout his life. Choices that will make or break him. Unfortunately, the paths he treads aren't always the correct ones, and he ends up fumbling his way along in the most horrific ways. I sort of feel sorry for Julie and all that she's endured because of William's awkward decisions. It's a pretty gruesome read. Definitely recommend it.
For William, the thought of being a father is daunting at best. Deep inside, he doesn't want to have a baby. Most especially in the cold, bleak world he and his wife inhabit. Unfortunately, the baby is well on its way, and they must make the best of things if they're to give birth to a healthy baby boy or girl.
An unexpected accident lands him in the middle of a group intent on making the perfect life. In their eyes, William is a great specimen in which to make their sordid dreams and ideas come true. In his mind, they've given him a way to get rid of the guilt and uncertainty that clouds his mind every moment of every day. Most especially when it comes to Julie and their baby.
The accident changes things in more ways than one. Julie's in the hospital, oblivious to the world around her. Mrs. Rose is intent on making him see the good he'll be able to contribute to the cause at hand, even though she knows he's not quite accepting of how things really are. William wants nothing more to set himself free from all that ails him. Finding a way out, unfortunately, may never be likely.
I found this story to be quite dark and gory. At times, it was also mind-boggling. The story centers around William and the choices he makes throughout his life. Choices that will make or break him. Unfortunately, the paths he treads aren't always the correct ones, and he ends up fumbling his way along in the most horrific ways. I sort of feel sorry for Julie and all that she's endured because of William's awkward decisions. It's a pretty gruesome read. Definitely recommend it.
May 31, 2011
Where to begin, where to begin... I guess I should start by saying that my rating is actually a 2.5, not a 2.
This book had quite a few beautiful moments both in the imagery and dialogue. Mrs. Rose, especially, had a number of quotes that really impacted me to where I would have to put my book down for a minute to really digest what had just been said. Overall, there was major character development.
That being said, I found the plot surrounding the well-developed characters to be less than stellar in regards to its own development. I felt a good portion of the dialogue was unrealistic and lacked the traditional flow of conversation to the extent that it would distract me from the setting and scene, thus losing me in the process. Often, the scene felt rushed and incomplete, which--given the complex nature of the ideology and story--made reading, understanding, and becoming invested in the novel very difficult. I would actually have to go back and reread sections to make sure I didn't miss something because the tone and/or the setting didn't come close to matching my mental image. In order to accurately convey all of the ideas swarming throughout this novel, Stranger Will should actually be about twice as long as it is currently.
Also, there were typos. And I don't just mean one or two typos (which I normally wouldn't whine too much about); I mean typos out the wazoo. Towards the end, the typos only seemed to get worse and more noticable, a couple times with multiple errors in a single sentence.
While the plot was seriously lacking in its development and execution, I do have to say, however, that this is unlike anything else I have read. I sure couldn't have come up with something so beautifully twisted and brilliant. Caleb Ross' otherworldly ideas and ways of thinking have definitely captured my attention. So props to him on that one.
This book had quite a few beautiful moments both in the imagery and dialogue. Mrs. Rose, especially, had a number of quotes that really impacted me to where I would have to put my book down for a minute to really digest what had just been said. Overall, there was major character development.
That being said, I found the plot surrounding the well-developed characters to be less than stellar in regards to its own development. I felt a good portion of the dialogue was unrealistic and lacked the traditional flow of conversation to the extent that it would distract me from the setting and scene, thus losing me in the process. Often, the scene felt rushed and incomplete, which--given the complex nature of the ideology and story--made reading, understanding, and becoming invested in the novel very difficult. I would actually have to go back and reread sections to make sure I didn't miss something because the tone and/or the setting didn't come close to matching my mental image. In order to accurately convey all of the ideas swarming throughout this novel, Stranger Will should actually be about twice as long as it is currently.
Also, there were typos. And I don't just mean one or two typos (which I normally wouldn't whine too much about); I mean typos out the wazoo. Towards the end, the typos only seemed to get worse and more noticable, a couple times with multiple errors in a single sentence.
While the plot was seriously lacking in its development and execution, I do have to say, however, that this is unlike anything else I have read. I sure couldn't have come up with something so beautifully twisted and brilliant. Caleb Ross' otherworldly ideas and ways of thinking have definitely captured my attention. So props to him on that one.
January 18, 2014
So, I really enjoyed this book. The only reason i only gave it 4 stars in stead of 5? The language. As I am not a native english speaker I found the language quite complicated at times. Knowing the writer though (he's on booktube) that totally makes sense to me, he's superintelligent :P this book is much darker than i expected, much deeper too. At the beginning of the story i couldn't really relate to the maincharacter, but i believe that's exactly what the writer wanted, to show us a person with warped views, because of the circulstances of his youth and job. It might also have something to do with me being a woman with a big wish for children, opposite from william in that. The story is very versatile to me. Ot that it wa complicated or too many plotlines, but the story throws a light on several 'issues' in our community, which i found interesting. This one will make you think. I really enjoyed the characterdevelopment, i wishhhheeeddd for that to happen throughout the story :P i'm also really happy with the ending, i don't like 'all ends well' endings.. And eventhough the maincharacter ends up doing good, he doesn't end up well, if that makes any sense :p i cried too, the trigger for the characterchange was so adorable, i loved it. There is pain and horror in this story and it shows the flaws in society, ugly things that shouldn't be, but are. Eventhough it makes me think 'could things like this be going on in the real world?' I still have hope, because of the maincharacter. It's not a depressing book, but not a happy book eather. It's realistic, i think, not describing the durt in this world prettier than it is, but not overly depressing everything either. Not something i would usually read, but i like!
If you want to watch the video-review I did about this book, you can click here.
If you want to watch the video-review I did about this book, you can click here.
April 2, 2013
Wow. I love dark horror, but this was a step beyond. I literally had to make sure the lights were on. The author is definitely either messed up or extremely talented. I think he is extremely talented. He created a world so dark and vivid, that it was beyond what ever I could have imagined it was about. The main character is jacked up. He has more issues then I don't know who. He job is to clean up crime scenes. How gross is that? Not only does he know what probably happened, but he also gets it in his head. There were times he had to deal with body parts. He doesn't want his child to be born. Okay a lot of men don't. However the author takes this to a scary level that I am not going to spoil in this review.
I also wanted to discuss the writing style. The images that the author wrote about were, and still are, fresh in my mind as though I am in the book seeing what the characters see.
There is also concerns about the chemicals that William uses as par of his job. Are they safe for a baby? Are they safe for his wife? for him?
I am giving this book a 5/5 because I am afraid of Mrs Rose! lol I am seriously giving this book a 5/5. I have not read such psychologically dark horror in a very, very, long time. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. I am definitely keeping an eye on this writer!
I also wanted to discuss the writing style. The images that the author wrote about were, and still are, fresh in my mind as though I am in the book seeing what the characters see.
There is also concerns about the chemicals that William uses as par of his job. Are they safe for a baby? Are they safe for his wife? for him?
I am giving this book a 5/5 because I am afraid of Mrs Rose! lol I am seriously giving this book a 5/5. I have not read such psychologically dark horror in a very, very, long time. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own. I am definitely keeping an eye on this writer!
April 7, 2013
This was an uncomfortable book for me to read, but then I never expected it to be otherwise once I read the blurb. The darkness surrounding the story and characters in this novel is not the usual darkness I explore in fiction - the vampires and and monsters of urban fantasy and horror were no where to be sen, yet this felt darker at times – even horrific. It’s grounding in reality made this much more compelling, but also difficult to digest. I did so in chunks and punctuated by other, more easy reads.
The language used by this undeniably talented author was beautiful, gritty, and well, a little bit mental. The character development surged forward – thoroughly and deeply, and the twisted plot only served to frame his intense journey of the seeping mental decay (or at least that’s what I gleaned from it) of Will – a man who cleans up the stains of death for a living, and who takes the deviant advice of the unfathomable Mrs Rose, regarding getting rid of his major issue – the impending birth of his unborn child.
I didn’t like any of the characters – non of them inspired empathy or understanding – which would normally put me off a book. Stranger got away with this though, because of its utter originality and although not typically enjoyable, it did pull me through my comfort zone, and the authors use of language inspired my imagination.
4/5
The language used by this undeniably talented author was beautiful, gritty, and well, a little bit mental. The character development surged forward – thoroughly and deeply, and the twisted plot only served to frame his intense journey of the seeping mental decay (or at least that’s what I gleaned from it) of Will – a man who cleans up the stains of death for a living, and who takes the deviant advice of the unfathomable Mrs Rose, regarding getting rid of his major issue – the impending birth of his unborn child.
I didn’t like any of the characters – non of them inspired empathy or understanding – which would normally put me off a book. Stranger got away with this though, because of its utter originality and although not typically enjoyable, it did pull me through my comfort zone, and the authors use of language inspired my imagination.
4/5
April 7, 2012
Caleb J. Ross has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I actually read I Didn't Mean To Be Kevin first and blew through it and then quickly bought Stranger Will next (it's been on my to-read list for a while).
As a father myself, to two children, this book was very gut-wrenching from the get go in only the way a parent can be by William's complete disdain for his unborn child. I hated him at first and wondered how completely fucked up someone could be like him.
As the book progresses you see the change in William through the series of twisted events and I was still left wondering how the man from the beginning was the man at the end.
Stranger Will is a dark and twisted tell that only Caleb J. Ross could fabricate. The prose is beautiful and it's hard to put down. A great read that everyone should read.!
As a father myself, to two children, this book was very gut-wrenching from the get go in only the way a parent can be by William's complete disdain for his unborn child. I hated him at first and wondered how completely fucked up someone could be like him.
As the book progresses you see the change in William through the series of twisted events and I was still left wondering how the man from the beginning was the man at the end.
Stranger Will is a dark and twisted tell that only Caleb J. Ross could fabricate. The prose is beautiful and it's hard to put down. A great read that everyone should read.!
July 14, 2014
Parts of this book felt very Palahniuky at times. But, good Palahniuk, old Palahniuk. The whole carrier pigeon thing, the "strangers", Mrs. Rose, the charismatic, cultish leader who's able to influence followers to buy into her strange, controversial life philosophy (a la Tyler Durden, Princess Brandy Alexander, or Fertility Hollis). This book, however, has none of the humorous, satirical elements of a Palahniuk novel. It's more of a moving portrait of a man losing his way and trying to reign his life back in as it slips from his grasp, being forced to rethink his whole philosophy on life and death along the way.
June 25, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book despite the horrific subject matter. Ross is a brilliant writer and has a wonderful way with language, but I felt the book ended rather abruptly. I wanted more loose ends to be tied, but was left wanting and filling in the blanks on my own. Despite that, I'll definitely be reading more of his work to see what else he has to offer. I finished last night but I'm still having a hard time deciding on how many stars for this review: I'm going with four, but it was close. Probably more like a 4.4 out of five. ;)
May 27, 2011
Fantastically written. A truly unique and disturbing book.
Stranger Will tells the tale of William, who cleans the stains left by dead bodies. Will's fiance is pregnant and Will can't imagine bringing a child into such a messed up world. Not for the weak-stomached, Stranger Will is a tale of impending parenthood, control, decisions and consequences.
Hear our full spoiler-free review at:
http://www.bookedpodcast.com
Stranger Will tells the tale of William, who cleans the stains left by dead bodies. Will's fiance is pregnant and Will can't imagine bringing a child into such a messed up world. Not for the weak-stomached, Stranger Will is a tale of impending parenthood, control, decisions and consequences.
Hear our full spoiler-free review at:
http://www.bookedpodcast.com
on-hold
July 12, 2011I made it about 20 pages into this very dark book when I had to set it down. I can already see where this book is headed and I'm not sure if I can go there right now, especially as a relatively new father. It doesn't help that I think that the main character, William, is a jerk. I'm curious about what happens later in the book but will have to pick it up later.
May 6, 2011
I recieved this book through First Reads.
I have to be honest and say this is probably not a book I would have picked up off the shelf.
I was hooked from the beginning and loved this book! :)
Thank you Caleb J. Ross for sending me this book. I would LOVE to see a zombie novel from you. I think you could make an awesome one with your care to details :)
I have to be honest and say this is probably not a book I would have picked up off the shelf.
I was hooked from the beginning and loved this book! :)
Thank you Caleb J. Ross for sending me this book. I would LOVE to see a zombie novel from you. I think you could make an awesome one with your care to details :)
March 12, 2013
I went into this book knowing nothing except the character was going to have a baby. I don't mind dark books, but this just wasn't my cup of tea. At no point in the book did I like the main character (not saying I have to like him to enjoy the book). Even when he tried to do good I still didn't like him... In the end I give the book a 3.5 not because of the writing, that deserves a 4 .
November 21, 2011
Dark and disturbing, just the way I like it. The writing is masterful, the literary techniques light so the reader barely notices them as they enjoy the story itself. I wish I knew someone who'd read it so that I could discuss it with them, that's how much I enjoyed it.
July 25, 2012
Wow. Talk about a complex book. I liked that I never knew what to expect, the book wasn't predictable at all, the writing is beautiful, and the story original. Definitely recommend it.
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