I am rather conflicted about Steve Almond. Some days I like him, some days I don’t. He’s quite the controversy among my co-workers but that is another story. TEV (one of my favorite daily reads these days) blogged about a negative review of Almond’s new book Candyfreak, which I have read. I thought the book good when I read it a few months ago, but now, frankly, I am sick of it. He keeps popping up with all these interviews. And he says the same thing in each one! I know you have to prepare for interviews when you are doing a great deal of publicity, but do you have to repeat yourself word for word? I really liked My Life in Heavy Metal. I thought his descriptions of relationships right on the money. I like his language and the characters. I think he is a great writer. Is he self-absorbed? Probably. But what writer isn’t these days. I just wish I didn’t have to keep hearing about the 5 candy bars that were mistakes. I like Twizzlers dammit. They make good straws! Here is a review from the local Weekly Dig that doesn’t fall for the sugar coated book.