What if? What if words could be put into logical structures called sentences? What if these sentences could make larger units of meaning called par...
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reviews
Mar 19, 2009
Sandi
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When I was in college, I used to love wandering the campus bookstore. Occasionally, I would pick up some oddball small-press release (usually poetry) by an author I never heard of. These books were invariably weird and wouldn't be anything that you'd ever find on the shelves of Borders or B&N. I never really quite figured out if they were self-consciously stylistic or truly avant garde. Either way, I felt smugly intellectual for reading them.
"The Lexical Funk" reminde More...
"The Lexical Funk" reminde More...
Sep 04, 2011
Libby
rated it: 
Nearly done with the shortened version given to me by Daniel. Very impressed so far. Excellent word play and stream of consciousness writing. So far, my favorites are Lexical Funk and Mr. Brown Still Lives There. These aren't so much stories as explorations of people and their minds. I only meant to read one story tonight but looks like I'll finish it soon.
And Done.
Highly enjoyable and experimental - Daniel Clausen is a writer to keep your eye on in the futur More...
And Done.
Highly enjoyable and experimental - Daniel Clausen is a writer to keep your eye on in the futur More...
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Aug 23, 2011
Jennifer
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Daniel Clausen definitely has a winner with his collection of short stories, The Lexical Funk. With just the right amount of humor and emotion, these stories examine unique characters and situations that will tickle your funny bone and break your heart all at once. Clausen has a frank but intelligent style that gives the stories a conversational feel, as though you’re listening to a bar buddy with an English degree tell you about the woes of a friend of a friend, and it’s splendid.
In More...
In More...
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Jun 27, 2011
Shane
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I had difficulty boxing this book into a genre. It is part journal, part memoir, part flash-fiction collection, part self-promotion, and partly an emerging author’s experimentation with “anything goes.” I think the best way to describe The Lexical Funk is that it is an early scrapbook of what could become a unique voice in the literary canon in future, the attempts of an emerging writer trying to discover a new form. Those who have succeeded in the past are the ones we remember the most: Flauber
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Feb 19, 2011
Laurie
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I received the ‘Lexical Funk’ by Daniel Clausen, through the Member Giveaway Program here on Library Thing. Reviewers are not persuaded or suggested to give a positive or negative review of the books we receive to review, but to write exactly what we think of the book. This book was a short version, only 48 pages of short stories.. I found the stories to be a little different, but with a very high intellectual quality to them that sometimes “I” just didn’t get. People with more of an open mi
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Jan 17, 2011
Norma
rated it:
I received the e-book of The Lexical Funk: A Triumph of Words by Daniel Clausen as a member giveaway on Library Thing. The copy I received is a shorter version of his book.
After reading this, I had to sit for awhile and let the words and rhythm flow through my mind as I attempted to put together a review.
This book is like sitting back sipping a fine with wine while listening to a great saxophonist blow out some really great improvisational jazz tunes.
This book is More...
After reading this, I had to sit for awhile and let the words and rhythm flow through my mind as I attempted to put together a review.
This book is like sitting back sipping a fine with wine while listening to a great saxophonist blow out some really great improvisational jazz tunes.
This book is More...
Feb 28, 2010
Tabitha
rated it:
What an eclectic collection of stories! Some narratives seemed like they were from the authors point of view, some seemed like they weren't because they just couldn't be (an android), and for some, one might just think, "What the heck?" Daniel has a tremendous appreciation for words. That will be obvious to any reader from the beginning. As one previous reviewer said, not all stories will appeal to all, but surely there is at least one that you will enjoy greatly! I LOVED his little co
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Feb 01, 2010
Matthew
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Daniel Clausen’s 'The Lexical Funk' is a very interesting book. The first thing that jumps out at me is the strange juxtaposition of earnest confession and goofy self-deprecation. The book itself is composed of short stories (some seem more like vignettes) that collide against each other in a compellingly disorienting way. The stories run the gamut from disturbing to sad to funny to shocking.
Being such a mix bag, it’s understandable that some stories work better than others. When the More...
Being such a mix bag, it’s understandable that some stories work better than others. When the More...
Mar 29, 2010
Lise
rated it:
Daniel Clausen plays with words. He intersperses short fiction, short-short fiction and author observations and statements in such a way that it's occasionally hard to tell what's in character, what's out of character, and what's author-as-character. Although the fourteen page piece about an android may well be the best piece in the book, in some of his ultra shorts he sketches out a whole world in the space of a few lines.
As other readers have pointed out, Mr. Clausen is a twenty More...
As other readers have pointed out, Mr. Clausen is a twenty More...
May 14, 2009
Anne
rated it: 
Lordy. I don't even know how to rate this book.
It is best described as a collection of short stories and random thoughts by the author.
Interesting. That would be one way to describe it. I can honestly say I have never read anything else quite like it. It reads like an acid trip, and I think a lot of twenty-something kids in college are going to eat it up.
I am not a twenty-something kid. Sometimes I forget how hard that stage of life is. What is love? What is the meaning of lif More...
It is best described as a collection of short stories and random thoughts by the author.
Interesting. That would be one way to describe it. I can honestly say I have never read anything else quite like it. It reads like an acid trip, and I think a lot of twenty-something kids in college are going to eat it up.
I am not a twenty-something kid. Sometimes I forget how hard that stage of life is. What is love? What is the meaning of lif More...
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May 31, 2009
Alicia
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What a book this was!!!!! For not being of a large size it made me feel quite a bit of emotion but in an unconventional way. I laughed out loud and made the people around me give strange stares. I pondered about the way I thought about things and if I was really like the person Daniel was describing. My favorite short story in it has to be "Starlight Terror and the Cappuccino Machine". One of those that left you thinking what the fuck was this guy on when he wrote this. In fact a lot
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Mar 31, 2010
Michael
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I have just completed my second read through of this book a few days ago. I have let it sit afterward, to be certain my review is fair and somewhat encompassing. I received the book for free from the author in return for this review, after all.
There are ups and downs in every story in my experience. Part of the trouble with the book I had was that it was a collection of several stories, each with their ups and downs. I think it is more challenging to publish this way for that reason; More...
There are ups and downs in every story in my experience. Part of the trouble with the book I had was that it was a collection of several stories, each with their ups and downs. I think it is more challenging to publish this way for that reason; More...
Jun 19, 2009
Gabriel
rated it:
The thing about this book, this collection of short stories and prose poems, is that it's honest. From start to finish, Mr. Daniel Clausen writes nothing that he doesn't/didn't believe/experience before. And he writes with lots of literary tricks. He plays with words the way a poet does (although he claims he is not a poet, this book says otherwise ... much like Hawksley Workman's collection Hawksley Burns For Isadora.
Granted, this books speaks to a very specific generation, nay More...
Granted, this books speaks to a very specific generation, nay More...
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Apr 24, 2010
David
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I’ll be short and sweet … like this book. Lexical Funk is smart. Damn smart. The kind of smart that thinks of the answer before it knows the question. The kind of smart that thinks twice about four things at once. The kind of smart that already knows how this sentence is going to end. This book was smart enough to make me want to eat its brains. Did this book smart? A little. Applied some bactine and moved on. Is this book book smart? Or is it street smart? Would that be Main Street, Wall Street
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Apr 29, 2009
Windy
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It'd be all too easy to mock this book or dismiss it as the work of a college kid with too much time. Parts of this book did bug me a bit--like the various and sundry "lexical interludes," some of which literally attempted to motivate me to read on. Or the occasional misspelled word* or misplaced comma. Or (and please forgive me for being such a details-oriented nerd) the fact that the text of this book is not justified. (It's a small detail, but it really irritated me for the firs
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Jun 22, 2009
Lance
rated it:
I like being an independently published author. One of the benefits is frequently having the opportunity to swap a copy of my book with other small press/self-published authors. Admittedly, there is a lot of self-published stuff that is crap (poorly written, bad editing, cliched story line, etc.). But, on the other hand, there are many self-published authors who have the talent and inspiration to put some really good material out there. The Lexical Funk, thankfully, fits into the latter cate
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Feb 25, 2011
Andrea
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At times goofy and at other times irreverent, this collection of short stories has a couple of bright spots I would love to see expanded into books, namely the morgue worker in love with the dead guy, and the robot trying to act human. A fun change of pace from most books, the stories are a glimpse into the darker side of the author.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program. I was not required to writ More...
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author through the LibraryThing Member Giveaway program. I was not required to writ More...
May 03, 2010
Francine
rated it:
The only way I can describe this book is intellectually quirky. The great thing is that I'm a quirky person who is somewhat intelligent. I love the set up of the book which makes it easier to read and digest what you've read. Some of it is thought-provoking and some of it is drivel but in a good way, a way where you sit up and think, "Oh my gosh, there is actually another human being on this Earth who thinks like I do." Don't expect a book full of fluffy bunnies and Vikings beating the
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Sep 12, 2009
Alecia
rated it:
I have to say, I haven't come across any book like this before, and it's rather unique to say the least. It took me some time to get into it as I felt that the intrusion of the author's voice made me feel distant at times, but when the characters took over it was hard to pull away. What an imagination the author has to come with such a collection that at times make you think you're on another planet.
It's original and poem in a sense. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be " More...
It's original and poem in a sense. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be " More...
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May 04, 2010
Steve
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I'm usually not into random, off-the-wall books like The Lexical Funk, but I enjoyed this one enough that I finished it in one day because I just couldn't leave it alone.
Written almost like a blog or a journal, The Lexical Funk flows as if the author is speaking directly to the reader, which seems mostly to be the point. It's a much more informal and personal experience than reading most other books.
With a well-balanced blend of deep thought and nonsensical hilarity, thi More...
Written almost like a blog or a journal, The Lexical Funk flows as if the author is speaking directly to the reader, which seems mostly to be the point. It's a much more informal and personal experience than reading most other books.
With a well-balanced blend of deep thought and nonsensical hilarity, thi More...
Mar 07, 2011
Ellie
rated it:
About a week ago, I received my first book win: The Lexical Funk by Daniel Clausen (from librarything.com). I was excited and nervous. What would I do if I didn't like it?
I needn't have worried. The book came quickly as an ebook. I started reading it around 10 pm & read it through twice. Then I emailed the author. I was that excited about how much I loved his book.
The stories are of the snapshot variety (think Lydia Davis in length although not at all in tone!). They vary More...
I needn't have worried. The book came quickly as an ebook. I started reading it around 10 pm & read it through twice. Then I emailed the author. I was that excited about how much I loved his book.
The stories are of the snapshot variety (think Lydia Davis in length although not at all in tone!). They vary More...
Jun 14, 2009
Sara
rated it:
This is the most unique collection of writing I have encountered since Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close". I felt a little wary in the beginning- the jump from Clausen's random comments to the first short story about an android was abrupt and disarming to me- but in true English major fashion, I soldiered on. And I'm glad I did. Clausen's writing is interesting and, in spite of the often peculiar subject matter, easy to become involved in. Anyone who loves words should give t
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Jan 16, 2011
Headacheslayer
rated it:
I'd like to thank Daniel Clausen for sending me a copy of "The Lexical Funk" to read and review.
This is the first book of short stories I've reviewed. I wasn't quite sure what to expect past the description--I almost assumed it would be a less-dry version of the British hit "Eat, Shoots & Leaves". I was quite terribly mistaken. It was so much more enjoyable than that (which is saying a lot coming from an English major).
Clausen takes the English languag More...
This is the first book of short stories I've reviewed. I wasn't quite sure what to expect past the description--I almost assumed it would be a less-dry version of the British hit "Eat, Shoots & Leaves". I was quite terribly mistaken. It was so much more enjoyable than that (which is saying a lot coming from an English major).
Clausen takes the English languag More...
May 07, 2011
Marvin
rated it:
Daniel Clausen seems like a really nice guy. He's on my friends list. He gave me a free copy of The Lexical Funk...so OK, anyone can get a free copy of his book by pressing that free download button near the top of this page but it is still cool. He even thanked me for placing his book on my "to-read" shelf. So how do I repay him? I keep his book lingering on my Kindle for months and months feeling lonesome and unloved. I am not a good friend.
So it is time to rectify the si More...
So it is time to rectify the si More...
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Nov 14, 2009
Andersen
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I traded books with the author on Goodreads. I never really know what to expect when I do this. The best one can hope for is to end up with a book that is readable.
Lexical Funk: A Triumph of Words goes beyond being readable and lands in the realm of entertaining. It’s a short story collection and the stories vary in style from anecdotal to confession to silly. This is probably where my main criticism lies. I’m a big fan of flash fiction, but some of the stories in this collection see More...
Lexical Funk: A Triumph of Words goes beyond being readable and lands in the realm of entertaining. It’s a short story collection and the stories vary in style from anecdotal to confession to silly. This is probably where my main criticism lies. I’m a big fan of flash fiction, but some of the stories in this collection see More...
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Oct 27, 2009
Alex
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More than a book, The Lexical Funk is a collection of stories and ideas.
The stories aren't meant to be stories, really, from what I understand of them. They are meant to be points of thought, evoking questions and ideas that we may not have considered before. They are so strange that they disrupt us from our everyday and force us to rethink our own lives.
One story makes us contemplate our humanity as robots strive to perfectly imitate people. Another brings to question More...
The stories aren't meant to be stories, really, from what I understand of them. They are meant to be points of thought, evoking questions and ideas that we may not have considered before. They are so strange that they disrupt us from our everyday and force us to rethink our own lives.
One story makes us contemplate our humanity as robots strive to perfectly imitate people. Another brings to question More...
Aug 22, 2011
Darcia
rated it:
Before reading this short story collection, take all your preconceived ideas on what stories should be and toss them right out the window. Daniel Clausen plays with words and emotions, as well as his readers' expectations and biases. Each story needs to be lingered over and wondered about.
One of the standouts for me is 'Mr. Brown Still Lives There'. The words have a poetic rhythm. With limited words, Clausen paints a vivid picture and tells a story that goes far beyond the beginning More...
One of the standouts for me is 'Mr. Brown Still Lives There'. The words have a poetic rhythm. With limited words, Clausen paints a vivid picture and tells a story that goes far beyond the beginning More...
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Dec 10, 2010
Sandyboy
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a tad all over the place with too much of the author intervening with constant asides and not enough story or story telling. not bad but not cohesive or involving either. the free download deal is worth a look if you have a flat friday afternoon and are pretending to be working. 1.5 stars is what I wanted to give this where 5 is Cervantes or Joyce and 0 is Stephanie Meyer
Mar 08, 2011
Rhonda
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He really has a great vocabulary. He is a very intellgent writer. I wish I knew how to work my kindle dictionary for this book. If you like clever short stories or writings with big words this book is for you. or if you just want to increase your vocabulary words usage. It was too smart for me at this time. took to much work for me. was good writer though
Mar 30, 2010
Allison
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Maybe I'm just not smart or hip enough, but this book didn't make much sense to me. And I get that that is sort of the point of it (I think?), but for me, it just didn't add any value to my life. I found that in some of the short stories, I just didn't even understand what was happening literally in the story, let alone figuratively. Just not my kind of book. Give me a good fiction novel any day. Sorry!
