Author: Derelict Space Sheep

Doorways in the Sand

Doorways in the Sand

by Roger Zelazny (Harper & Row, 1976)

audiobook read by Andrew J. Andersen (Trantor, 2024)

Book cover: “Doorways in the Sand” by Roger Zelazny (Harper & Row, 1976); audiobook read by Andrew J. Andersen (Trantor, 2024)

A near-future SF runabout with a veneer of mystery and dollops of humour. Career student (and serial acrophile) Fred Cassidy proves a welcome departure from the usual hardboiled protagonists of such stories. Still, there’s a sense here of Zelazny just dawdling along.

Face It: A Memoir

Face It: A Memoir

by Debbie Harry (HarperCollins, 2019)

audiobook read by Debbie Harry (Jammer Audiobooks, 2020)

Book cover: “Face It: A Memoir” by Debbie Harry (HarperCollins, 2019); audiobook read by Debbie Harry (Jammer Audiobooks, 2020)

Like many memoirs, this focusses disproportionately on the early years—particularly the New York punk scene of the 1970s, for which Harry has a nostalgic fondness (without romanticising). Her account reveals a learn-as-you-go approach to life, reflected upon without pretence or dissembling.

The TV Kid

The TV Kid

by Betsy Byars (Viking, 1976)

Book cover: “The TV Kid” by Betsy Byars (Viking, 1976)

Short book. Short chapters. Byars again creates a relatable MG character with life issues. In this instance, however, it’s not clear whether she’s advocating imagination (albeit TV-fuelled, not dissimilar from the escapism of The Cartoonist) or the maturing benefits of real-world experience.

Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth

Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth

by Joe Hill; ill. Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2020)

Graphic novel cover: “Locke & Key: Heaven and Earth” by Joe Hill; ill. Gabriel Rodriguez (IDW, 2020)

Two standalone stories plus one vignette (and some indulgent author/illustrator photos). While ‘Open the Moon’ has a wistful sort of charm, ‘In the Can’ is a non-event and ‘Grindhouse’ rolls out its exploitation film vibe without pushback. Grey tones. Borderline-grotesque character art.

Beyond Paradise, Series 2

Beyond Paradise, Series 2

(BBC, 2024)

TV poster: “Beyond Paradise, Series 2” (BBC, 2024)

Again, the balance is skewed a little too much towards character drama at the expense of the police investigations, but these personal storylines (Martha’s mum’s dating forays; Esther’s single-parenting; Humphrey and Martha’s foster-parent aspirations) are at least well-structured across the six episodes.

Stranger Things: Six

Stranger Things: Six

by Jody Houser; pencils by Edgar Salazar; inks by Keith Champagne; colours by Marissa Louise (Dark Horse, 2019)

Graphic novel cover: “Stranger Things: Six” by Jody Houser; pencils by Edgar Salazar; inks by Keith Champagne; colours by Marissa Louise (Dark Horse, 2019)

A bleak graphic novel exploring MKUltra’s backstory through the character of Francine (‘Six’), a teen exploited for her burgeoning precognisance growing up (nuclear holocaust orange–hued flashbacks) and at the lab (straightjacket greys and greens). Stays in keeping without offering anything new.

Ben Elton: Authentic Stupidity

Ben Elton live @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Authentic Stupidity Tour, 1 April 2025

Performance poster: “Ben Elton live @ Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane” (Authentic Stupidity Tour, 1 April 2025)

Thirty years post- The Man From Auntie, Ben Elton remains a stand-up comedic force of nature: irreverent, fast-talking and provocative, conjuring hyperbolic waves to surf to the shores of taboo—uproariously dumping (himself) on society’s fads, foibles, affectations and bona fide horse-fuckery.

A Stroke of the Pen

A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories

by Terry Pratchett (Harper Collins, 2023)

audiobook read by various narrators (ISIS, 2023)

Book cover: “A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories” by Terry Pratchett (Harper Collins, 2023); audiobook read by various narrators (ISIS, 2023)

A collection of very early Pratchett stories, pseudonymously written and mostly lacking impact as individual pieces. Though they have their moments (and are lent panache by the various audiobook readers), few would garner more than a ‘ho-hum’ if their authorship were unknown.

Toy Story

Toy Story

dir. John Lasseter (1995)

Film poster: “Toy Story” dir. John Lasseter (1995)

Pixar’s first feature-length film and the first ever to be fully computer-animated. Pioneering kudos aside, Toy Story remains (thirty years on!) a charming, perfectly paced and pitched family film whose script earns the viewer’s engagement and whose toy characters are joyously compelling.

The Mysteries of Great Cities

The Mysteries of Great Cities

by Baroness E. Orczy (The Royal Magazine, April-October 1902)

reprinted in “Rivals of Sherlock Holmes”, ed. Alan K. Russell (Castle Books, 1978)

Magazine cover: The Royal Magazine, April 1902; review of “The Mysteries of Great Cities” by Baroness E. Orczy (The Royal Magazine, April-October 1902); reprinted in “Rivals of Sherlock Holmes”, ed. Alan K. Russell (Castle Books, 1978)

Seven serviceable mystery scenarios (almost entirely unrelated to the titular ‘great cities’), dressed up as short stories and related by a one-quirk armchair detective to a superfluous Watson figure. Orczy offers no investigation and little by way of intrigue or literary merit.

Derelict Space Sheep