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07.30.07 Book Reviews
Just in time for, well, the last two months of the baseball season, we've got "The Natural." I wrote this review on a computer that was struck by lightning.
06.12.07 Book Reviews
It's been tough sledding over here when it comes to book readin', but today we've got a review of J.M. Barrie's "The Admirable Crichton." A few more will hopefully follow in relatively short order.
05.18.07 Book Reviews
The reviews have been few and far between lately, but we're back with Hermann Hesse's "Demian."
04.01.07 Book Reviews
"The Rum Diary" by Hunter S. Thompson. I never liked rum myself, but this book's enough to get me to give it a second chance.
03.04.07 Book Reviews
I hope everyone is sitting down, but I read a book. Will wonders never cease? Here's the long promised review of Pearl S. Buck's "The Good Earth." I should have some others on the way, including reviews of such authors as Hunter. S. Thompson, Hermann Hesse, and Henry James.
01.09.07 Book Reviews
Hey, I finally read a book! With any luck, we'll get back to a regular schedule soon. But here's a look at Sir Thomas More's "Utopia."
01.03.07 NEWS
"Honest John Churchfield," a collection of the first five Churchfield stories, is now available for purchase online. It's 200 pages and will set you back about $15, including shipping and handling. But if you ever enjoyed the reviews and stories here on 70 proof, the best way you can support me and the site is by purchasing the book. I could also use some help in spreading the word, so don't be scared to tell your friends. And now that the book is done, I should be able to get back to a regular review schedule. Next up will probably be Sir Thomas More's "Utopia." As always, thank you very much for your time and continued support.
Buy your copy of "Honest John Churchfield"
11.10.06 Book Reviews
We step outside fiction this week and take a look at Thomas De Quincey's "Confessions of an English Opium-Eater." Pass the ketchup.
10.29.06 Book Reviews
After numerous recommendations, I finally got around to reading Patrick Suskind's "Perfume." And something smells fishy.
10.18.06 Book Reviews
We're back with "Parnassus on Wheels" by Christopher Morley. Wow, two books in two days. It's like old times around here.
10.16.06 Book Reviews
Sorry again for the lack of reviews lately. But here's a look at "A House to Let," which was a collaboration between Charles Dickens and friends.
09.24.06 Book Reviews
Hey, I finally read a book! Here's "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens.
09.17.06 "Honest John Keeps a Date" (text version 14k)
While I'm still trying to find time to review books and finish the current Churchfield adventure, I didn't want everyone to think I've completely neglected the site, so here's a quick little Churchfield story. That "A Tale of Two Cities" review is on the way. Honest.
by Michael Menser Dell
09.07.06
Once again, I'm sorry for the lack of updates. I'm still having some health issues. But I started "A Tale of Two Cities" yesterday, so I might be able to have a review up in a few days.
Also, in light of my recent troubles, I'm once again inspired to get published. And I don't feel like waiting around. So I need help. I need to find a publisher. Someone out there has to know somebody who knows somebody. If not, I'll probably just start my own publishing house, which, of course, will require investors. Dig deep.
Anyway, please email me at dell1921@comcast.net if you have any ideas. Thanks.
08.26.06 "Honest John Finds True Love" (text version 20k)
Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I've been having some health issues and haven't been reading much at all. In the meantime, here's the next installment of "Honest John Finds True Love."
Chapter Five, Part One: Churchfield travels to Blackpool to investigate the disappearance of Lowry Cain.
by Michael Menser Dell
08.13.06 Book Reviews
This week we've got John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." And I will hug him and squeeze him and name him George.
08.13.06 Top Ten
The top ten has been updated.
08.01.06 Book Reviews
F. Scott Fitzgerald never finished "The Love of the Last Tycoon." For that reason alone, I never wanted to read it. But the time has come.
07.24.06 Book Reviews
"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding delves into the heart of man and finds nothing but nightmarish evil. It's the feel-good hit of the summer.
07.18.06 Book Reviews
It's always a banner day at 70 proof when we discuss Dostoevsky. Here's a look at another one of his masterpieces, "The Idiot." Of course, now I have to think of a new title for my autobiography.
07.06.06 Book Reviews
Alice returns in "Through the Looking-Glass." Hopefully she's accompanied by a parent or guardian.
07.02.06 Book Reviews
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" is a testament to Lewis Carroll's love of children. Wait, that doesn't sound good at all...
06.28.06 Book Reviews
Next up is Jean Toomer's "Cane," a collection of poetry and prose examining racial acceptance and personal freedom.
06.21.06 "Honest John Finds True Love" (text version 9k)
Chapter Four: Churchfield packs for his trip.
by Michael Menser Dell
06.12.06 Book Reviews
We swing by the theater to visit Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House." Norway, Norway, strong and proud.
05.26.06 Book Reviews
"The Possessed" by Fyodor Dostoevsky has political revolutionaries, existential debate, and my undying admiration.
05.07.06 "Honest John Finds True Love" (text version 15k)
Chapter Three: Honest John gets an unexpected ally in his search for Lowry Cain.
by Michael Menser Dell
04.29.06 Book Reviews
Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights" is like a party in my brain, and everyone's invited.
04.12.06 Book Reviews
This week we've got George Orwell's "Animal Farm." And just between you and me, keep an eye on those pigs.
04.01.06 Book Reviews
It's rare that 70 proof reviews the works of living authors, but this week we'll look at "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison. But don't sweat it, I'm sure we'll be back reading the dead soon enough.
03.26.06 "Honest John Finds True Love" (text version 20k)
Chapter Two: Opium dens are nice to visit, but...
by Michael Menser Dell
03.20.06 Book Reviews
Thar she blows! I got your "Moby-Dick" right here.
03.07.06 "Honest John Finds True Love" (text version 17k)
In the first Honest John Churchfield novel, everyone's favorite gin-soaked detective investigates the disappearance of a famous musician. All apologies not needed. Things have never been so swell.
by Michael Menser Dell
02.21.06 Book Reviews
Finally, after much delay, here is the promised "Gulliver's Travels" review. We should be back to a normal schedule from here on out, unless I run off and get married again.
02.04.06 "Honest John Steals the Show" (text version 56k)
When a night at the theater turns deadly, good ol' Honest John Churchfield saves the day. And that review of "Gulliver's Travels" is on its way. No, seriously. I mean it. Why would I lie?
by Michael Menser Dell
01.17.06 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 386k)
Here's the entire novel pieced together in one nifty file. It's also worth noting that the chapter order has been slightly changed. For an explanation of the changes, and a brief discussion of the overall work, please go here.
by Michael Dell
01.10.06 Dear Readers...
Remember how I started reading Shakespeare to impress a girl? Well, I married her. I married the
hell out of her. So that's why the updates have been kind of slow lately. But things should be back to normal soon. How long can a honeymoon last? I'm guessing it'll end around the same time the gin does. But keep visiting the site, because I believe upcoming reviews will include "Gulliver's Travels," "Moby-Dick," and several books on marriage counselling.
01.05.06 Book Reviews
"Fifteen men on the dead man’s chest, Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!" Pirates, rum, drinking songs... it's either a review of "Treasure Island" or the story of how I met my wife.
12.27.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 8k)
Chapter Sixteen: Here it is, the final chapter of our story. I'll post the entire novel, all stitched together in one file, next week, along with commentary on its construction.
by Michael Dell
12.22.05 Book Reviews
We conclude our extended look at the works of William Shakespeare with "Twelfth Night." Cross-dressing hasn't been this much fun since "Bosom Buddies."
12.19.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 4k)
Chapter Fifteen: Only one more chapter left after this. So suck it up.
by Michael Dell
12.16.05 Book Reviews
Okay, we're almost done with Shakespeare. I promise. Here's a look at "King Lear."
12.14.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 6k)
Chapter Fourteen: Who doesn't like crackers?
by Michael Dell
12.11.05 Book Reviews
Have you ever had the desire to tame a shrew? Well, Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" is here to help. Now if only someone could tell me how to tame a chimp.
12.07.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 15k)
Chapter Thirteen: Time for "Fun with Narrative." Remember Chapter Eleven? Well, here's the same scene from a different perspective. And we're in the home stretch. Only three more chapters to go after this one.
by Michael Dell
12.03.05 Book Reviews
In Shakespeare's "All's Well That Ends Well," a woman won't give up on the man she loves, even though he despises her. I have a similar sort of relationship with tequila.
11.30.05 Book Reviews
"Much Ado About Nothing" is either Shakespeare's best comedy or a painfully accurate
description of my life.
11.29.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 10k)
Chapter Twelve: Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and regret. Lots and lots of regret.
by Michael Dell
11.28.05 Book Reviews
"The Two Gentlemen of Verona" or "The Two Longtime Companions of Verona"? Only Shakespeare knows for sure.
11.25.05 Book Reviews
Shakespeare's "Love's Labours Lost" leaves a lot to be desired... except in alliteration.
11.24.05 Book Reviews
We're going to keep the Shakespeare theme rolling for at least the rest of November. Next up is "The Merchant of Venice." Although, if you or someone you love is Jewish, you may want to skip this one.
11.23.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 20k)
Chapter Eleven: The purchasing of a thesaurus, a wonderful suggestion for a new Slush Puppy flavor, and one painfully awkward meeting with a lost love.
by Michael Dell
11.22.05 Book Reviews
Here's a quick look at Shakespeare's "Othello." When I was a child, I seem to recall there being a board game called "Othello." Hmm, did Shakespeare ever write a play called "Uncle Wiggly"?
11.20.05 Book Reviews
To be or not to be, that is the question. And the answer can be found at the bottom of a gin bottle. At least that's what I'm hoping. In the meantime, here's a look at William Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
11.12.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 35k)
Chapter Ten: Much like a rose needs sun and rain, friendship often blooms with the aid of alcohol and depression.
by Michael Dell
11.08.05 Book Reviews
70 proof doesn't normally review plays, but this week we'll take a look at two works by William
Shakespeare, "Macbeth" and "The Tempest." And I think we all know why. Yes, that's right, I've been talking to college girls again.
11.05.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 23k)
Chapter Nine: Need some suggestions for a first date? Try the DMV and the library. Good times, good times.
by Michael Dell
11.02.05 Book Reviews
Grab your straw hats and corn cob pipes, we're headin' off down the Mississippi with "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." I'll bring the moonshine.
10.28.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 54k)
Chapter Eight: Public awkwardness, house vodka, and fun with pumpkins.
by Michael Dell
10.23.05 Book Reviews
Nikolai Gogol's "Dead Souls" is one of the most influential books in Russian literature. It's also slower than a tax refund.
10.16.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 6k)
Chapter Seven: Traditions and mindless superstitions are all that separate us from the animals.
by Michael Dell
10.15.05 Book Reviews
In what I believe is 70 proof's first excursion into nonfiction, here's a look at "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin.
10.10.05 Book Reviews
Evelyn Waugh returns with "A Handful of Dust." And for those of you who don't know, Evelyn Waugh was, indeed, a man. But he was once married to a woman named Evelyn. That is some wild, wild stuff. They must have saved a ton of money on stationery.
10.05.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 78k)
Chapter Six: Memories of a girl and plenty of Jager. Lots and lots of Jager.
by Michael Dell
10.02.05 Book Reviews
Just when I thought my life coulnd't get more boring, along comes Samuel Beckett's "The Unnamable."
09.26.05 Book Reviews
I finally got around to reading Samuel Beckett's "Malone Dies." And, thankfully, the Malone of the title is not Sam Malone.
09.18.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 50k)
Chapter Five: Malloy eats a snow cone, drinks lots of gin, and meets a girl. There's also a swell joke about "Mork and Mindy." And those aren't real easy to find these days.
by Michael Dell
09.12.05 Book Reviews
Dostoevsky returns with "The Brothers Karamazov." And I just got a new answer for the next time someone asks me my favorite book.
09.12.05 Top Ten
The top ten has been updated.
09.04.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 8k)
Chapter Four: Ah, the glories of intoxication.
by Michael Dell
08.29.05 Book Reviews
We conclude our look at the classic mystery novels with perhaps the greatest of them all, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles."
08.26.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 13k)
Chapter Three: Seriously, four-dollar wine can be good.
by Michael Dell
08.22.05 Book Reviews
"The Valley of Fear" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The only thing we have to fear is, well, boredom during the second half of this book.
08.17.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 11k)
Falling in love is almost as easy as failing in it. The second 70 proof novel, "The Comfort in Being Sad" involves one man, three women, depression, self-doubt, and plenty of alcohol. Tell your friends.
Chapter Two: Pride takes a beating.
by Michael Dell
08.14.05 Book Reviews
One can always tell when a new Churchfield mystery is under construction, because the 70 proof reviews tend to run towards the classics of detective fiction. Before reviewing the final two Sherlock Holmes novels, let's take a look at one of Holmes' predecessors, Emile Gaboriau's "Monsieur Lecoq."
08.10.05 "The Comfort in Being Sad" (text version 53k)
Falling in love is almost as easy as failing in it. The second 70 proof novel, "The Comfort in Being Sad" involves one man, three women, depression, self-doubt, and plenty of alcohol. Tell your friends.
by Michael Dell
08.03.05 Book Reviews
Here's "The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells. And, no, it's not the story of my life.
07.28.05 Book Reviews
We're off to see the Wizard, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." I'm gonna ask for a reason to live!
07.22.05 Book Reviews
It's hard to believe, but 70 proof is just getting around to some Herman Melville. Here's a review of "The Piazza Tales."
07.21.05 "The Same Boy You've Always Known" (text version 375k)
Originally running under the name "William Lynch," here is the first 70 proof novel, all stitched together in one nifty file.
by Michael Dell