5 Comments
User's avatar
Michael J. Cunningham's avatar

When I read a Mims essay my to-read pile grows by 10 inches or more. Thanks for this, and thanks also for your pique at big-reader braggarts. This slow reader savors books, or so I tell myself.

Expand full comment
Kevin Mims's avatar

Let me know if you read and enjoy any of these. And thanks for the kind words.

Expand full comment
Paul Clayton's avatar

Kevin, I like what you have to say about Wolff's Man in Full. I went to one of his signings of I Am Charlotte Simmons at the Berkeley Public Library. I brought along a copy of the book for him to sign. I also brought a copy of my book and when I got to his table, and after he signed his book, I offered to sign my book for him.

This was stupid, I know. I was hoping for a blurb or mention. He probably never read it, due to my hoots-pah.

I liked that book. My fav was Bonfires. The movie was a cop out, as the topic of race was too much for Hollywood, they're having certain sanctified opinions to not stray from.

I would like to read more of your reviews. Have you ever considered breaking them out, one by one, and serializing them on your blog? Having them all in one file is hard for the reader to navigate.

Anyway, as the famous, but messy, detective used to say, 'one more thing...' I'm 76. When I was young like you, I worked as a night watchman and also as a public school substitute teacher. You might want to consider these occupations for your remaining golden years.

Best!

Expand full comment
Kevin Mims's avatar

Thanks for the kind words. I’m a collector of (inexpensive) signed books and I think Tom Wilfe’s signature is my favorite, big and bold and flamboyant, just like the man himself. Too many authors just dash out a quick squiggle that looks nothing like their name.

My blog contains a lot of individual reviews. But I’m hoping to do even more of them in 2025.

I’ve actually applied for security guard positions here in Sacramento but you are required to have some sort of state certification to be hired as a security guard in California, and it just seems like a hassle unless you’re guaranteed a job. I went through all the necessary training to get certified as a paraeducator (teachers aide) but no one hired me. Same thing for a school bus driver position. I expended a lot of time and money into those efforts and never got a job from them.

Expand full comment
Paul Clayton's avatar

Kevin, I got my last job as security guard in CA in 2016. Yeah, there was some initial licensing required, but I don't recall it being that difficult.

I still think you ought to consider 'breaking out' your reviews singly. It's real hard to scroll through the whole bunch of them.

Well, keep on writing!

Expand full comment