If you follow our Facebook or Twitter accounts, you're probably aware that we've had another book in the works for quite some time. Today that book–Miracle Mile, by Walter Chaw–finally goes on sale.
In the tradition of Jonathan Lethem's They Live monograph and the 33⅓ series of longform album reviews, Miracle Mile offers a mix of cultural commentary, film criticism, and memoir as Walter dissects Miracle Mile's therapeutic function in his life following a traumatic event in the summer of 1989.
The book also features running commentary from Miracle Mile's own writer-director, Steve De Jarnatt. Meanwhile, the cover art is an original piece by Eisner Award-winning artist Paul Chadwick, whose film work includes Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and The Big Easy. One of the reasons we're not releasing an electronic version right away is to honour this glorious wrap-around illustration, which comes courtesy of Mr. De Jarnatt.
I love this book and consider it the best thing FILM FREAK CENTRAL has ever published–online or off. If you're a fan of Walter's writing and/or Miracle Mile, this is the alpha and the omega. And thus very reasonably priced, at $13.95 for the trade paperback and $9.95 for the eBook.
Miracle Mile is now available exclusively at Lulu.com. In the coming weeks, it will trickle into other outlets, but a Lulu purchase is the best way to show your support and encouragement.
Visit Lulu.com to buy the book or check out a free preview. For press inquiries, please contact Walter or myself.–Bill Chambers
Ordered! Lulu still sucks for us Germans because of high shipping cost, but I’m not willing to wait for Amazon to stock this thing. BTW, for other Germans out there: the coupon code is “SILBER” instead of “SILVER”.
When I read that Walter was writing a book on Miracle Mile I recently watched it again after many years. It’s a strange beast, that movie. At first I was a bit disappointed and had the feeling that it did not age that well, but on the other hand I found myself thinking about it frequently since then. Can’t wait to read Walters take on it.
Ordered! I am very much looking forward to the read as I have been enjoying Mr. Chaw’s articles since the good old days when FFC was an easy site to navigate.
Might there be a digital (epub/pdf/mobi) edition?
@Nochiel: There will be digital editions, but not for a little while.
My copy just arrived!
It’s a great looking little book and I’m very much looking forward to starting it tonight.
I finished Walter’s fascinating, insightful Miracle Mile monograph last night. Buy it.
I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you’ve seen the film, it’s essential.
If you haven’t, you’ll find yourself wanting to track it down within pages of starting.
I anxiously await the announcement that a Vampire’s Kiss monograph is on it’s way.
A fascinating speed-rap with an emotional punch … I tore through it in one night and plan to revisit it after I have seen the movie. Thanks for sharing this insightful and moving meditation. PS – Also a must for admirers of “Gravity’s Rainbow” and “The Fly”.
I’ve written a review/appreciation of Walter Chaw and “Miracle Mile” on my film and theatre blog. I’ve been reading Walter’s reviews for over a decade, and I consider him a giant talent. My piece can be found on http://www.reviewedbymarkleonard.wordpress.com. I attempted to e-mail either Walter or Bill, but the process is too complicated for this harried 46 year-old broadcaster/sometimes writer to deal with. Love the book, btw. Mark Leonard
@Mark: I’m sorry you had trouble getting in touch with us but we’re sure grateful for the review. Thanks for the heads-up; glad you enjoyed the book!
There’s now also a review over at Slant:
http://www.slantmagazine.com/house/2012/08/closing-the-distance-walter-chaws-miracle-mile/