One for the Trouble

Book Slam #1

by Patrick Neate (Editor), Jon McGregor, Patrick Ness

'Varied, clever, memorable and impressive ... Book Slam has always been a force for literary good and One for the Trouble is no exception. The book is being billed as an 'annual': may this be the first of many.' Alice Fisher - The Observer

One for the Trouble – Book Slam Volume One is the first publication from the UK’s premier literary event. Editor Patrick Neate approached eighteen Book Slam alumni, from household names like Irvine Welsh and William Boyd to newcomers like Kate Tempest and Sophie Woolley, to take a song title for inspiration for a new short story or poem. Simon Armitage’s poem, for example, reflects hauntingly on the suicide of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, while award-winning young adult author, Patrick Ness, stretches his skills with a darkly comic take on ‘Let Me Entertain You’. The resulting collection is unique, diverse and thoroughly entertaining. One for the Trouble provides a perfect snapshot of the very best contemporary British writing.

The book, with its cloth bound, foil embossed cover, is a thing of considerable beauty that has been immaculately conceived by the brilliant Robi Walters. Only 1500 copies have been printed and each are individually numbered, and signed by every short story writer.

Full Contents:

1. Grave Architecture (Pavement, 1995) by Richard Milward
2. New Gold Dream (Simple Minds, 1982) by Hari Kunzru
3. New Dawn Fades (Joy Division, 1979) by Simon Armitage
4. Comeback Girl (Republic Of Loose, 2005) by Irvine Welsh
5. I'm Going Slightly Mad (Queen, 1991) by Bernardine Evaristo
6. The Bed's Too Big Without You (Sheila Hylton, 1981) by Kate Tempest
7. When I'm Sixty-Four (The Beatles, 1967) by Joe Dunthorne
8. Tears of a Clown (Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, 1967) by William Boyd
9. The Message (Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 1982) by Paul Murray
10. Ascension (John Coltrane, 1966) by Roger Robinson
11. Violet Stars Happy Hunting! (Janelle Monáe, 2007) by Helen Oyeyemi
12. I Read My Sentence … (Radka Toneff, 1986) by Don Paterson
13. Let Me Entertain You (Robbie Williams, 1998) by Patrick Ness
14. Bank Holiday (Blur, 1994) by Luke Wright
15. I Am the Walrus (The Beatles, 1967) by Sophie Woolley
16. That Summer Feeling (Jonathan Richman, 1984) by Jon Ronson
17. Underground (Ben Folds Five, 1995) by Tim Key
18. Endless Art (A House, 1992) by Jon McGregor

About Book Slam:
‘Book Slam has single-handedly dragged the London literary scene into the 21st century.’ Hari Kunzru

‘Book Slam is an amazing and unique phenomenon — an incredible boon for readers and writers — we’re all very lucky to have it in our world.’ William Boyd

Genres: Fiction, Poetry, Short Stories, Anthologies, Audiobook, 21st Century

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2011

Reviews

[HillbillyWizard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to take a break from my deep research into survival guides for the Trumpocalypse. According to Alex Jones the correct nomenclature for his conspiracy theories is "Key Intel". Well my key intel, Mormon upbringing and organic paranoia brought on by years of LSD-25 in the 80's tells me that I should hope for the best but prepare for the worst. But like I said I needed a break from that, so I finished this tremendous, primal concept masterpiece of short stories that includes my favorite British author, Jon Ronson and favorite Scottish author, Irvine Welsh. But alas it's like methadone for a junkie and just makes me yearn for a new full length expose' from Ronson or a Novel by Irvine.

[Vylūnė · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. Great game of associations. The beggining of each piece makes a reader curious and anticipating to learn how one or another title was interpreted.
2. If there is a possibility, going for the audio book is strongly recommended. Most of the pieces are read by the authors who give that authentic emotions, narrative pace, etc to the text.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read (and stumbled upon) this book because of Patrick Ness. I love his work and was desperate to read new material from him (short story, so be it). I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated each short story or poem in this collection.

[Toria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting stories going for new styles or etc, some not so interesting. Read this because I'm an Oyeyemi fan. The one with the comedian and the imaginary pet ant, and the one with the Russian clown, also stick in my brain.

[Katy Derbyshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY nicely done anthology of exciting British writing.

[BAM who is Beth Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent collection of short stories.

[Angus McKeogh · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sampling of Patrick Ness. Great stuff. Everyone else is their usual great self.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this anthology, there are so many new (to me) authors I'm determined to read a lot more from. I'm surprised it has so little ratings on Goodreads.

[Blow Pop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review tba

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a anthology. It ranges from pretty good to ok. Probably only worth it as a rarities collection if you're a fan of any of the featured writers.