The occult for rookies Kelly Link explores various concepts of the occult through a collection of short stories. Link's writing style is unique, blending elements of fantasy, supernatural, and horror. Her stories often center around characters who are curious about or drawn to the occult, and they navigate strange and mystical situations. **One of the main themes** in Link's stories is the idea of hidden knowledge and secret worlds. She creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing readers into her fantastical tales. In "Magic for Beginners," a group of friends become obsessed with a television show called "The Library," which seems to have a connection to a mysterious bookstore.
Link also works as an editor, and is the founder of independant publishing company, Small Beer Press, along with her husband, Gavin Grant. Kelly Link is an American author best known for her short stories, which span a wide variety of genres - most notably magic realism, fantasy and horror. She is a graduate of Columbia University.
Kelly Link is an American author best known for her short stories, which span a wide variety of genres - most notably magic realism, fantasy and horror. She has won several awards for her short stories, including the World Fantasy Award in 1999 for The Specialist s Hat , and the Nebula Award both in 2001 and 2005 for Louise s Ghost and Magic for Beginners.
In "Magic for Beginners," a group of friends become obsessed with a television show called "The Library," which seems to have a connection to a mysterious bookstore. This story reflects the allure of the unknown and the desire to uncover the secrets of the occult. Another key theme in Link's stories is the blurring of boundaries between reality and fiction.
About Kelly
Kelly Link is the author of the collections Stranger Things Happen, Magic for Beginners, Pretty Monsters, and Get in Trouble. Her short stories have been published in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, The Best American Short Stories, and Prize Stories: The O. Henry Awards. She is a 2018 MacArthur Fellow and has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. She and Gavin J. Grant have co-edited a number of anthologies, including multiple volumes of The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror and, for young adults, Steampunk! and Monstrous Affections. She is the co-founder of Small Beer Press and co-edits the occasional zine Lady Churchill’s Rosebud Wristlet.
Link was born in Miami, Florida. She currently lives with her husband and daughter, dog, and chickens in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Personalized copies
You can order personalized copies of Get in Trouble or any of Kelly’s books at Book Moon. Just include the name of the person you’d like it personalized to and every week or so Kelly will be there and sign them.
Publicity inquiries (Get in Trouble or Magic for Beginners)
Please contact
Erin Richards
Random House
[email protected]
Rights inquiries (world, film, reprint, etc.)
Renee Zuckerbrot
Massie & McQuilkin Literary Agents
212-352-2055 | [email protected]
Photos
Lo-res web versions. in gallery. Hi-res versions for download below.
Credit: Copyright Adrianne Mathiowetz.
Perfect for readers of George Saunders, Karen Russell, Neil Gaiman, and Aimee Bender, Magic for Beginners is an exquisite, dreamlike dispatch from a virtuoso storyteller who can do seemingly anything. Kelly Link reconstructs modern life through an intoxicating prism, conjuring up unforgettable worlds with humor and humanity. These stories are at once ingenious and deeply moving. They leave the reader astonished and exhilarated.
In "The Cannon," a girl becomes trapped in a fictional world after reading a book. She navigates through different storylines and encounters various characters, blurring the lines between her imagination and reality. This exploration of the power of storytelling and its ability to transport us into alternate realms adds an element of whimsy to Link's writing. **Link also delves into the idea** of the occult as a means of escape from the mundaneness of everyday life. In "Stone Animals," a family moves into a new home and finds themselves plagued by strange and disturbing occurrences. This story suggests that the occult can provide an escape from the monotony of existence, albeit with potentially dangerous consequences. Furthermore, Link explores the idea that the occult can be deeply personal and subjective. In "The Wrong Grave," a young man digs up a grave in an attempt to retrieve a notebook of his that he accidentally buried with the deceased. This story portrays the lengths one might go to reclaim something of personal value, even if it involves engaging with dark and otherworldly forces. Overall, The occult for rookies Kelly Link offers an enticing exploration of the occult and its many facets. With her imaginative storytelling and unconventional narratives, Link creates a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leaving readers captivated and questioning the boundaries of their own lives..
Reviews for "Embracing the magical: Kelly Link's exploration of the occult"
1. John - 2/5
I was really looking forward to reading "The Occult for Rookies" by Kelly Link, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The stories lacked depth, and I found them to be quite scattered and confusing. The author seemed to jump from one concept to another without fully developing any of them. Overall, I found the book to be disjointed and difficult to follow, making it hard to fully engage with the stories. While there were some intriguing elements here and there, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of coherence. Disappointing read.
2. Sarah - 3/5
"The Occult for Rookies" had an interesting premise, but I couldn't fully connect with the stories. The writing style was often whimsical and quirky, which I typically enjoy, but it felt forced and unnatural in this collection. I also found the characters to be underdeveloped and lacking depth, making it difficult for me to invest in their journeys. Additionally, the stories seemed to rely on shock value and weirdness rather than offering a meaningful exploration of the occult theme. While there were a few standout moments, overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied by the book.
3. David - 2/5
I've always been fascinated by occult topics, so I was excited to delve into "The Occult for Rookies." However, I was sorely disappointed. The stories lacked substance and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the occult. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be clever and mysterious, resulting in convoluted and confusing narratives. The overall tone of the book was also quite bleak and gloomy, which further detracted from my enjoyment. Unfortunately, this collection failed to capture the intrigue and allure of the occult, leaving me dissatisfied as a reader. I would not recommend it to fellow enthusiasts.