2020 is here. The end of the year and of the decade. The twenty-tens were a time of immense highs and abysmal lows for me. It began with divorce, despair, depression and went on to unemployment and the question of whether I would even continue to be a Horror fan. The second half of the decade brought on a new job, a great new relationship and marriage, quitting drinking, and a book publication. Whew.

2019 was not the easiest year. I had some health issues that plagued me and gave me a lot of discomfort and stress. Aging is not easy and I am approaching my sixth decade on this planetary rock. But I read a lot of terrific books, I prepared and had a book come out, and I had a successful year selling books at conventions.

I am not much on resolutions, but one I plan to carry out is to keep a record of the books I read. I have trouble remembering them all.

My favorite book published in 2019 was Lewis Shiner's Outside the Gates of Eden. This nearly nine hundred page epic is a tribute to the sixties and the hippie years. It covers the death and possible rebirth of the optimism of the era, but it isn't blind to the dark side of it all. Shiner deconstructs the myths of Haight-Ashbury and Woodstock while he maintains his admiration for the tenets of his generation. A breathtaking saga and the work of a lifetime for a brilliant author.


The best book I read that was not published in 2019 is Dan Chaon's unnerving Ill Will. This is possibly the best suspense novel I have ever read, and it will chill you to the bone. This book is great the way Peter Straub has been at his best.

I also give my highest recommendation to another 2019 title, Tomorrow's Journal, by Dominick Cancilla. I don't see a lot of talk about this Cemetery Dance Publication on social media, and that is a shame.

I also loved Michael Rutger's The Possession, F. Paul Wilson's The Last Christmas, Robert McCammon's Cardinal Black, Richard Chizmar's Gwendy's Magic Feather, Stephen King's The Institute, Joe R. Lansdale's The Elephant of Surprise, and Elizabeth Engstrom's Guys Named Bob.

I have a new favorite author whose name is Alan Brennert. I first read his historical novel, Palisades Park, and I loved it. From there I went on to two imaginative books by Brennert: Time and Chance, and Kindred Spirits. This guy has the stuff. I promise.

I didn't watch a lot of movies. I had mixed feelings about both It: Part 2 and Dr. Sleep. Both had a lot going for them, but both ended up resembling superhero movies by their finales. Most frustrating was Dr. Sleep, which had tons of potential, but wound up with a silly final act.

I really enjoyed Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Stan and Ollie is magnificent. I don't believe I have enjoyed any Tarantino movie more than Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. My favorite movie of 2019 is the two hour plus anxiety attack that is Uncut Gems. This movie proves without any doubt that Adam Sandler is one hell of an actor.

Yes, my book, He Who Types Between the Rows was published this year. I know I am biased, but I think it's a great book that spans a decade of the life of a genuine horror freak. I'm proud of it and the reviews have been kind.

So that's it. Another year gone and a new one upon us. I look forward to another great year of life and horror.

Written by Mark Sieber

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