Weekend Reads: A Look at “Near Flesh” and “30 Days of Night: Falling Sun”
Looking for something to dive into this weekend? Two recently released titles offer distinct experiences for readers seeking either thought-provoking short stories or a return to a familiar horror landscape. This week’s recommendations include Katherine Dunn’s posthumous short story collection, “Near Flesh,” and the revival of the horror comic series “30 Days of Night” with “Falling Sun #1.” Both provide a unique escape, catering to different reader preferences.
Table of contents
Official guidance: IEEE — official guidance for What read weekend Near Flesh return Update 2025
Katherine Dunn’s “Near Flesh”: A Dive into the Dark and Humorous
“Near Flesh” is a collection of 19 short stories by the late Katherine Dunn, author of “Geek Love.” This posthumous release offers a glimpse into Dunn’s unique perspective, characterized by strangeness, grit, beauty, and moments of horror. For those unfamiliar with her work, “Near Flesh” serves as a compelling introduction to her literary voice.
The stories within “Near Flesh” explore a range of unusual scenarios and characters. Readers will encounter narratives featuring a society fixated on reuniting individuals with their amputated body parts after death, a teenager seeking salvation through alien encounters, and a woman who surrounds herself with sex robots. These tales, while often dark, also incorporate humor, offering a multifaceted exploration of the human condition, particularly focusing on the experiences of women navigating the complexities of everyday life, both mundane and extreme. The collection is available for $27 at Amazon.
“30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1”: A Vampire Horror Revival
For fans of the horror genre, the “30 Days of Night” franchise has returned with “Falling Sun #1.” This new installment, written by Rodney Barnes (known for his work on “Killadelphia”) in collaboration with original series writer Steve Niles, and featuring art by Chris Shehan (“House of Slaughter”), promises to recapture the chilling atmosphere that made the original series a hit.
“30 Days of Night: Falling Sun” is set 20 years after the initial vampire attack on Barrow, Alaska. The story introduces Jalen James, a teenager seeking refuge from his life in Los Angeles by staying with his uncle in the remote Alaskan town just before the onset of the long polar night. Unbeknownst to the residents of Barrow, the vampires are stirring once more, seeking vengeance and setting their sights on the town. The first issue focuses on establishing the setting, reintroducing the vampires, and providing insight into the current dynamics of Barrow and the lingering impact of past violence. “30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1” is available for $6 at Amazon.
Tech and Horror: A Blending of Genres
While seemingly disparate, technology plays a role in both of these recommended reads. In “Near Flesh,” the presence of sex robots highlights the intersection of human connection and technological advancement, raising questions about the future of relationships and the potential for technology to both enhance and complicate our lives. Similarly, in “30 Days of Night: Falling Sun,” the remote setting of Barrow, Alaska, underscores the vulnerability of isolated communities in the face of external threats, a theme that resonates in an increasingly interconnected world where technology can both protect and expose.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the darkly humorous and introspective short stories of Katherine Dunn in “Near Flesh” or the chilling return of vampires in “30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1,” both titles offer a compelling escape for the weekend. “Near Flesh” provides a collection of thought-provoking narratives that delve into the complexities of human experience, while “30 Days of Night: Falling Sun” delivers a dose of classic horror with a fresh perspective. These two selections cater to different tastes, but both promise to be engaging reads.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
Explore more: related articles.