In Memoriam: Thomas Disch, the Most Inventive and Unpredictable American Writer of the 20th Century

The world lost a major literary talent today. Thomas Disch, whom most of you probably know for his book and the subsequent classic cartoon version The Brave Little Toaster, died today from a self-inflicted gunshot. Although his biggest mainstream hit was probably the Brave Little Toaster, and that only because of the popularity of the movie version, Thomas Disch's true legacy is that of perhaps the most fascinating science fiction writer in American history. Many people have commented on my own prolific output here at Associated Content; in comparison to Thomas Disch, I am one of the Bronte sisters. His output was nothing less than prodigious and he covered the gamut of genres while also defying generic conventions.

The sad and tragic story behind Thomas Disch's decision to end his life is one you'll have to read elsewhere. I want rather to celebrate his life and, if possible, inspire some of you to search out his extraordinary works. I wish I'd found the time to read more Thomas Disch, but thank God I read what often considered his most successful "mainstream" efforts in addition to some of his science fiction novels. If you are the type who rejects science fiction as being too weird, then promise me you'll never pick up a book like On Wings of Song: it will make your head explode. Instead, ease into your tour of the works of Thomas Disch with either The Businessman or The M.D: A Horror Story. The M.D. is especially worth diving into as long you are not the type of person who was confused by Syriana, who thinks that Twin Peaks is too weird, or who believes a single word that has ever been uttered by anyone in the Bush administration. Let me put it this way: no matter how many bizarre movies or books you've come across and no matter how imaginative you may think you are, you have absolutely no idea where Disch is going to take you on this wild ride. The Businessman is nearly as strange a journey, and a great story to boot, but The M.D. is one of those books that will stay after you even after you have forgotten most of the actual events.