It's a tradition at the end of a year to post recommendations and Top 5 or 10 lists, many of which seem just like other Top 5 or 10 lists. I don't do this because my tastes aren't consistently contemporary. I didn't see enough new films in 2008 to have an informed opinion and I tend to read/ watch/ listen to whatever draws me in, regardless of its novelty or lack thereof. I'm as likely, perhaps more, to be reading a novel from 1973 as I am to be reading a new release. And I eschew commercial television for the convenience of DVD.

So here's the deal. I'm going to pass on one recommendation, then I'm going to ask for your recommendations, based on what you know of me and my particular tastes. Here goes:

The Aegypt Cycle by John Crowley: I am presently reading the fourth and final book of this astounding cycle. In this series of novels, Crowley considers historical figures with deep focus on Giordano Bruno, William Shakespeare and Dr. John Dee (Queen Elizabeth's magus and spymaster). One will also find Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Dame Frances Yates making memorable cameo appearances. These stories-within-the-story are ostensibly penned by the author Fellowes Kraft, who is being studied by the protagonist, Pierce Moffet, a secular author who is trying to pen a New Age book that he doesn't quite believe in, though he has already sold it based on a premise. While Crowley is openly inspired by Thomas Pynchon to the point of homage, his work is unique and never imitative. Unlike many male authors, Crowley writes vibrantly complex female characters who drive the story and give it unique depth. These books are wide-ranging in breadth and the history recounted offers a mirror for the contemporary tale and the travails of its characters. Topics covered include the reign of the Winter King & Queen, alchemy, cult programming, sexual power-play, extremism, folk traditions of Kentucky, mistaken identity, divorce and custody battles, and what we gain and lose as different eras come and go. Particularly enjoyable for me is the interplay of magick and rationalism, each of which is well balanced against the other- no small accomplishment. All of these books are now in print from Small Beer Press. This is literary fiction at its finest and most thought-provoking.

My Top 5 favorite novelists presently are:

1. Thomas Pynchon

2. Edward Whittemore

3. John Crowley

4. Jonathan Carroll

5. Philip K. Dick

I look forward to hearing what you will recommend, again regardless of time or relevence. What television series transcends the limitations of that medium? Which Star Trek series shines most brightly in the franchise? What horror novel scared the poop out of you? What film made you look at things a little differently? What album expanded the limits of music for you? Which director ruptured your tender psyche? What singer broke your heart? What non-fiction book changed or explained everything? What book or story made you want to write or read more? Don't be shy! I'm tired of writing and hope to hear from you.

Whoever you may be, thank you for reading the Superfly Papers. I appreciate your time, consideration and feedback. I intend to be writing other things over the winter holiday and enjoying the unmediated life, so this may be my last entry for 2008.