The Spinal Cord Perception

The Spinal Cord Perception is the first novel from Josh Porter who is known mostly for his role as Josh Dies, the singer/songwriter for the band Showbread. In late 2006, Porter announced that he had written the novel and would be releasing it independently to be sold via his website before it received mainstream publication. An active internet following gathered, comprised largely of Showbread fans who participated in message boards and an ever expanding myspace account in support of the book. Pre-order for the novel was accepted for two days in early December in which the entire first printing of the book sold out quickly. A very small number of people are said to actually own the book, more printings are said to be available in early 2007. The book is currently out of print.

The story chronicles the bi-polar rants of David Rivers, a mentally unstable substitute teacher. Rivers is most likely an unreliable narrator in most instances and is thought to be a cipher of various hypocrisies in human nature. He ruthlessly condemns other characters for personality traits he claims to find unbearable and usually exemplifies the same traits moments later. The way in which Rivers sees the world is most likely a metaphor for the way the world actually is. For instance, Rivers witnesses Charles, one of Rivers co-workers who lives a loose, decadent life-style, transforms slowly into a gigantic gila monster and then bites himself with deadly venomous fangs. Later Rivers overhears other characters mention that Charles killed himself.

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