PRINTOn the Nightstand with John Doerflinger
Courtesy of WildStorm
June 23, 2011 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Rock Bottom Comics associate and comic book enthusiast John Doerflinger will always make time for a good book. A former MU student who studied English and women’s and gender studies, Doerflinger has tastes that dabble in fiction and personal enlightenment. Here’s a peek at what’s piling up on his nightstand.
The Televisionary Oracle
By Rob Brezsny
Undoubtedly strange but undeniably original, The Televisionary Oracle is a book about embracing the apocalypse and finding spiritual enlightenment through love. Doerflinger describes this work as both an engaging piece of fiction and a perfect coffee table book for anyone who appreciates short but superb writing. “It’s just one of the most beautiful, life-changing books I’ve read in my entire life,” Doerflinger says.
Invisible Monsters
By Chuck Palahniuk
The twisted tale of a young woman horribly disfigured by a gunshot, Invisible Monsters reflects Palahniuk’s talent for conveying the macabre and shocking. After finishing the book, Doerflinger was so impressed that he instantly read it again then started passing it on to friends. “I loan it out to everyone,” he says. “I don’t think I (have) a copy at the moment just because I loan it out so frequently.”
Promethea
By Alan Moore, J.H Williams III, Mick Gray
A comic book series penned by trio Alan Moore, J.H. Williams III and Mick Gray, Promethea is what Doerflinger describes as a “spiritual-theory-meets-science-fiction-action-adventure.” Doerflinger makes a habit of reading this tale every summer, a tradition he’s kept up for the past six years. “It’s gorgeous,” he says. “It makes me cry every time I read it. It’s timeless.”
