In the Washington Post Book World, Sven Birkerts called this exuberant novel "a complex and gripping work of invention and confession . . . I under...
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Jul 21, 2010
Oceana2602
rated it: 
I get the feeling that I will love Theroux a little more with every book of him that I read. And you know what? The man has written a lot of books. A LOT of books. Just thinking about all the ones I haven't read yet makes me all giddy with anticipation.
"My Other Life" is a fake biography (which is why I'm filing it under biographies). But it could be real. It feels real. In a typical Theroux fashion, he puts himself out on the line in a way that makes you...feel. I know no More...
"My Other Life" is a fake biography (which is why I'm filing it under biographies). But it could be real. It feels real. In a typical Theroux fashion, he puts himself out on the line in a way that makes you...feel. I know no More...
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May 24, 2008
Janie
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I've had my face stuck in natural science, history and memoir for so long that I've practically forgotten about fiction. Why have I never read Paul Theroux? His writing is so engaging and trots along so effortlessly, I found myself reading it aloud on the bus stop bench. Another wonderful find on the free-for-the-taking shelf at the library.
As I move into this book, it just gets better. It reads like linked short stories, following the protagonist through his early writing years More...
As I move into this book, it just gets better. It reads like linked short stories, following the protagonist through his early writing years More...
Dec 29, 2010
Nelson
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My heart initially sank at the epigram from Borges. "Not another thinly veiled autobiography, roman a clef, self-analysis masquerading as novel, under the forgiving blessing of 'I do not know which of us has written this page' bullshit," I thought. It turns out to be better than that. Essentially the story of 'Paul Theroux's' (the scare quotes are necessary) marriage and divorce, set against the background of his increasing commercial success. There are some lovely stories here--th
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Feb 27, 2009
David
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Like My Secret History, this is a fictionalized account of Theroux's adult life. My Other Life is presented as a series of vignettes--almost short stories, really--and focuses more (though not exclusively) on Theroux's writing career. The segments are hit and miss, but the writing is always good.
Theroux succeeds in conveying his sense of writing as a solitary act. We get a long look into his somewhat sad married life as a rising expat writer in London and then his unhinged post-di More...
Theroux succeeds in conveying his sense of writing as a solitary act. We get a long look into his somewhat sad married life as a rising expat writer in London and then his unhinged post-di More...
Jan 23, 2012
Paula
rated it: 
My other life is about the life of a writer (it is supposed to be the author desired life), which moves around the world, experiencing coutries all over the globe. For me, it sounded as a good storyline, but then it turned out too slow in some parts,where nothing remarkable happens. It wasn't as motivating to read, since the story didn't drag me in.
Apr 12, 2011
uh8myzen
rated it:
When I first picked up this book, I had never read any of Paul Theroux's work, but I heard him interviewed and was intrigued by his description of the book. It is a fascinating examination of his life, and what it could have looked like at several junctures had things been different. This is an entertaining and unique work... definitely give it a try!
Jan 01, 2011
Jim
rated it: 
I read this years ago, but don't remember that much about it. I do remember his depiction of the solitary nature of writing, and how difficult it can sometimes be - a whole day to write two or three sentences, for example. But, when those sentences are good ones, maybe it's worth it!
Jul 16, 2009
Peter
rated it:
Paul Theroux's novel/faux biography of a writer by the name of Paul Theroux. It is a well written devilish inquiry into the nature of identity, the relationship between author and text and the age of celebrity.
May 06, 2011
After Riding the Iron Rooster and My Secret History I would like to find time to read more of Theroux. If I find it in a 2nd hand store I will snap it up. Till then sits in my wishlist
Sep 30, 2008
Cat
rated it:
Aaaargh! Frustratingly fractured. Passages -- even complete stories-within-the-story -- beautifully written, sometimes hitting that perfect high C of rarely attainable insight and poetry. But put it all together, and it just doesn't work to fulfill the premise of the book's framework: a fictionalized work of non-fiction. The author as biographer rather than autobiographer of the self as protagonist. A cool idea that got in the way of the story often enough to be distracting. But as with all the
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Feb 21, 2009
Roslyn
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this is one of my favorite books. i fell in love with him and i've read almost everything he's written.
Nov 08, 2011
Smcq
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In my favorite top 5 reads of all time. This book found me at the perfect time.
Jan 09, 2011
Sandy
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I find Theroux to be pretty self absorbed and it shows through in his writing.
Jun 09, 2009
Melinda
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My first Paul Theroux, I will be reading more. The book provoked so many emotions - lots of laughter, a bit of sexiness, and a few tears. The first section, about his Uncle Hal, was probably my favorite to read. Andreas Vorlaufer's story, the saddest and maybe the most lovely.
Apr 24, 2008
Ainsley
rated it:
A well written, semi-autobiographical book (note to Paul Theroux, modern authors tend to drop the 'semi' from books of this kind, think James Frey) that is great to read when you are backpacking around the world. I feel a bit guilty writing a review of this book, as I haven't read the ending. This is because I loaned the book to a fellow backpacker in Bolivia WHO NEVER RETURNED THE BOOK. Mike, I forgive you. Peace Out.
Feb 22, 2008
Dad
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I've read all the books he's written that are available in the US, probably 15 or so, and he must be a genius. His understanding of human nature is amazing. The type of writer that makes you stop and think before continuing. And he has written about his travels, like kyacking (sp) around the Pacific. Yes, that's what I said...
May 04, 2008
Cherie
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A- Interesting book that is a composite of many of his autobiographical books with lots of fudged facts
Dec 17, 2009
Deniece
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Its been a long time since I've read it but remember really enjoying it and being captivated by his journey
Feb 11, 2012
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