Rumor had it that my friend Zeth had written a book. This rumor was started by Zeth himself, and secretly I wondered if he actually had written a book, or had told an 18-month long elaborate lie in an effort to get out of helping with the menu updates at Olympian Shadow Farm, a site he co-founded before making up the "I'm, uh, writing a book" alibi. I fully expected him to send me a handwritten journal with a fake publisher's name scribbled inside the front cover. ("Why have I never heard of Shirker press?")

Much to my surprise, he actually had written a book, a critical analysis of Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the key of life." Not only had the book been written, but it had been given face-forward shelf space at Powell's books, America's greatest bookstore. I was astonished at the lengths he was willing to go to just to avoid helping with those OSF menu updates.

Naturally I had every intention of supporting my friend by buying the book, sending a potentially inaccurate signal to his publisher that Zeth had a following in Portland, Oregon. However, before I could leave, I saw that there was also a book that examined Joni Mitchell's "Court and Spark", one of the greatest lyric albums of all time. Needless to say I was torn.

But I wasn't torn for long---knowing Zeth's book was new, I figured it would be in stock for some time to come, so I decided to get the Joni Mitchell book. (Zeth's Mom had already bought a copy of his book---it's not like we had to make him the next Stephen King in the first week of publication.)

Turns out my deliberations were unnecessary---I had forgotten that I had spent all of my money on the new Slowhawk and Madraso CDs, and wouldn't be able to buy either of the books. Thus, I pretended it was Zeth's book that I couldn't afford (He didn't need to know about me and Joni) and called him to explain that I would have to wait. He was understanding---in fact, he suspected I was only giving lip service to buying the book anyway, and that eventually I would manage to work into the conversation that I was still mad about him not helping with the OSF menu updates. He was right on both counts.

All kidding aside, the book is at Powell's, and Zeth's writing is crisp and enjoyable---I recommend it to anyone who likes reading. Or supporting nice people. Or who just wants to teach that Joni Mitchell a lesson.

Here's a link to the book at Powell's Who is the silly man in these pictures?