Flow by: Heather Kindberg
Now this is a first, I am reviewing a book that has not yet been published. Fresh off the baker’s rack. Should I be reviewing something that is not yet available to the public? Well, yes. How many books have I picked up with “National Bestseller”…you’ve got your money’s worth… pimped all over it … which alas have turned out to be suspect “Dogs of Babel” “Running with Scissors”… say no more….Call me Pocahontas, The New World undiscovered and mysterious has always been my inner calling so reading flow was like setting sail on unchartered waters.
Flow is exactly as the title suggests, a river bending, curving, scenery changing, A rhythm that is constantly being reshaped yet you still follow the beat. Time on the move. Yet as with time the same tune is never played twice. Kindberg has experimented with writing in the most unabashed, unusual, mastered way. Her novel is very unorthodox. So those of you who like to follow a safe pattern may just want turn back to your knitting, Kindberg narrates her story in so many different writing styles, be that biblical versus, screen play dialogues, post it note memos, bank statements, weather forecasts…the list is endless and I must say on a writing skill level she had me hooked. As you follow her story narrated through these different styles what becomes so very clear is that she is a great writer. Biwordial. Swinging this way and that yet maintaining a clear comprehensive linear throughout.
The story is good, traditional, girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl shags boy senseless yet heart-brake, disappointment, management, growth and a little bit of crime are dealt with in such an artistic “flow” one can’t help but turn the page to see what style is next. As someone who enjoys the art of writing I really enjoyed this, At times I had to put pen to paper and do the crossword in order to move forward..a little bit of work is required, but personally I’ve always had a soft spot for crossword puzzles, and puzzles as a whole that is why I enjoyed this read…It kept me on my toes, did not allow me to slob out. scratch my balls and down a packet of Dorritos. It was smart. Good writing.
Does our Amazonian Barns and Nobles world have a place for Kindberg on their shelf…I hope so. As this allows someone with a passion for reading to dive into a symphony of word madness that leaves you with the impression that you have experienced the best. Flow compares to jelly beans. In one bag you get a vast array of different flavors, some of which you can mix together to make even more flavors. They are fun, colorful and tasty. Flow is brimming with intelligent wit and the visual aspect of the novel which includes graphs, post cards, billboards, dinner menus etc..makes kindberg’s motley libretto collection abundant in color. Now you’ll just have to wait until it is published to experience it for yourself.
RATING:
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I’ve had the pleasure of reading this book, and wholeheartedly agree! It’s a fun, roller-coaster ride, where the writing holds it together, but the format adds some mystery and intrigue to what you’ll find next!
This is a great site - keep those reviews coming!
Can’t wait to read it … when my kids are both up and grown and gone to college and I have some time. I did flip through it, though, and was amazed by the fearless creativity of this book. It’s hard to put into words (although you do a brilliant job!) how mind boggling it is! Every page is another adventure. Excellent!
hi T
just read Flow, good review. Sounds as if she writes exploring a more de-constructed sub-conscious delivery. Very post-modern. I bet would tranlate as hypertext wonderfully … perhaps syndication! Good luck to her and well done, I think I’ll be on my death bed before I get the balls and time to write.