Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
15th out of 23 books
—
3 voters
Watch Your Mouth
Tolstoy wrote that happy families are alike and that each unhappy family is unhappy in a different way.In Watch Your Mouth, Daniel Handler takes "different" to a whole new level....
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
February 19th 2002
by Harper Perennial
(first published 2000)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,479)
w
The UK paperback edition of this book has the ugliest design and corniest blurb I've ever seen, but the text itself is a marvellous linguistic whirlwind through incest, or imagined incest, golems, or imagined golems, and operas, or maybe novels.
I became aware of Daniel Handler through Stephin Merritt's band The Gothic Archies, and a mean-spirited review (by Lucy Ellmann) of Adverbs. Since I trust Lucy Ellmann implicitly, I read this instead. It is, quite simply, gleefully bonkers.
I became aware of Daniel Handler through Stephin Merritt's band The Gothic Archies, and a mean-spirited review (by Lucy Ellmann) of Adverbs. Since I trust Lucy Ellmann implicitly, I read this instead. It is, quite simply, gleefully bonkers.
4 likes · like · see review
view all 57 comments
As is brilliantly stated on the back of this book:
"Your basic self-reflexive parody Jewish incest opera mystery."
What more do you need?
(You do know, of course, that Daniel Handler is Lemony Snicket, right? Yes? Then why are you not reading this book yet?)
"Your basic self-reflexive parody Jewish incest opera mystery."
What more do you need?
(You do know, of course, that Daniel Handler is Lemony Snicket, right? Yes? Then why are you not reading this book yet?)
3 likes · like · see review
May 23, 2008
Megan Scaison
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who understand opera and like to be scandalized; fans of Bret Easton Ellis
Recommended to Megan by:
Maggie in my knitting group
Oh G-d, this book.
When I finished it, I turned it over and started again.
Absolutely nothing turned out the way I had expected; with this particular book that probably means that I am not as fucked up as I sometimes think I might be. I suppose that means that Daniel Handler IS that fucked up.
This book affected me every bit as much as American Psycho, and in a very, very similar way.
This book contains two significant plot elements I've been wanting: contemporary American Jewish life, and opera. A...more
When I finished it, I turned it over and started again.
Absolutely nothing turned out the way I had expected; with this particular book that probably means that I am not as fucked up as I sometimes think I might be. I suppose that means that Daniel Handler IS that fucked up.
This book affected me every bit as much as American Psycho, and in a very, very similar way.
This book contains two significant plot elements I've been wanting: contemporary American Jewish life, and opera. A...more
Mar 11, 2008
Sarah Emily
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
very few people, if any
Shelves:
disappointing
I was sitting on the bus commuting to work when it suddenly hit me: this book was about comedic incest. it wasn't going to be a one-liner, but an actual plot line. the major plot line. I mention this in large part because most descriptions of the book discuss Jewish folklore or opera and leave out the Main Theme.
now, incest isn't a deal breaker for me. neither is changing the color of a book's font midway through the novel. but when font color and telling people that my book is about comedic in...more
now, incest isn't a deal breaker for me. neither is changing the color of a book's font midway through the novel. but when font color and telling people that my book is about comedic in...more
In case you haven't heard, Daniel Handler is the mastermind behind Lemony Snicket, author of the unlucky adventures of the three Baudelaire orphans. His success as Snicket seemed to have happened overnight, but he's been writing for a while it seems, with two adult novels (this one and The Basic Eight to his credit, both written before the Snicket books, I believe). In combination, it is quite clear that Handler is well on his way to becoming the 21st century Roald Dahl, who also wrote books for...more
I was very disappointed. I had been told this wasn't as good as The Basic Eight (Handler's first novel, which I read a few years ago and LOVED), but my fiance convinced me to give it a try anyway. Handler's use of gimmicks, which worked so well in Basic Eight, only got in his way here. The first half of the book is written as an opera; a bit belaboured, but it almost works. The second half of the book, written as a 12-step program, was unnecessary--it seemed like the only reason it was there was...more
3.5/5 stars. An operatic Jewish themed comedy novel about incest? Ok then. Possibly one of the oddest books I've read but frankly I love the odd, taboo and unashamedly smutty so in that sense I liked this book for the experience, and I'm glad I read it because it certainly was, erm, unique haha. The prose was also amazing and hilarious; "pearls hanging round women's necks like drops of semen" has got to be a new favourite line of mine.
Unlike some people I had no problem with the subject matter,...more
Unlike some people I had no problem with the subject matter,...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
So, I went to get an autograph from the author at Live Wire! Radio, having just finished the Series of Unfortunate Events series earlier that day. He had just talked about his new book (which was a Printz Honor book) about a box of memorabilia left over from a breakup of a relationship. They were out of the new book, so I grabbed the next best thing: this book.
So, I'm reluctant to even write this review, because the first half is a Jewish incest-comedy porn opera novel. And the parts that are f...more
So, I'm reluctant to even write this review, because the first half is a Jewish incest-comedy porn opera novel. And the parts that are f...more
1 like · like · see review
Honestly, I almost put this book down for good several times. Incest, really? And what's with Handler's obsession with semen - its seems that every page contains a reference thereto (though he did seem to be using water/liquids as a theme, though I'm not sure to what end). It makes me want to read the Lemony Snicket books my daughter loves to see exactly what's in them. Frankly, this book struck me as edgy (incest, really?) for the sake of edgy, shtick-y (the opera motif, the twelve-step program...more
Oh gosh I am enamoured of Handler's writing: the subtle absurdity, the occasional nonsense, the intimate style of storytelling.
Joseph is a great narrator, self-absorbed but observant, exciting and bored. The copious amounts of sex that is had in the book is dealt with gorgeously, sweat and heat and sensation all featured. The opera framework is just self-referential enough to make the story a tiny bit tongue in cheek but not invasive enough to detract from the narrative; in fact, I think it is...more
Joseph is a great narrator, self-absorbed but observant, exciting and bored. The copious amounts of sex that is had in the book is dealt with gorgeously, sweat and heat and sensation all featured. The opera framework is just self-referential enough to make the story a tiny bit tongue in cheek but not invasive enough to detract from the narrative; in fact, I think it is...more
1 like · like · see review
What can I say about this book? Well first of all, if you've read already read the Lemony Snicket series, you may be pleased to see that Handler's sense of humour is definitely at work here. Also it is quite interesting in it's lay out: Half the book is a (sort of) opera with chapters headed as Acts and Scenes and with mentions of what music is playing and which characters are tenors and which are sopranos, that kind of thing. The second half is a 12 step program, which isn't quite as interestin...more
Okay, an operatic Jewish incest comedy (?) with a golem. Not your average story. Let's just say that "Daddy's Girl" and "Mama's Boy" have a little different connotation here. Joseph and Cynthia have been having mind-blowing sex at college, then he comes home with her so they can work together at the same camp over the summer.
Then things get strange when she says she wishes she'd had a better sex education from an older man so she could be a better lover for Joseph. It doesn't take him long to f...more
Then things get strange when she says she wishes she'd had a better sex education from an older man so she could be a better lover for Joseph. It doesn't take him long to f...more
At first, I had mixed feelings about this.
At times, I felt that the over-the-top content was very... collegiate. As in, it reminded me of work that was presented in some of my college writing classes: young people trying to see how far they can push things.
There are also a jarring difference between Part 1 & Part 2, to the point where it almost felt disconnected.
In the end though, and after thought, I decided this book deserved 4 stars. It succeeded where work in the aforementioned writing c...more
At times, I felt that the over-the-top content was very... collegiate. As in, it reminded me of work that was presented in some of my college writing classes: young people trying to see how far they can push things.
There are also a jarring difference between Part 1 & Part 2, to the point where it almost felt disconnected.
In the end though, and after thought, I decided this book deserved 4 stars. It succeeded where work in the aforementioned writing c...more
Torn between 3 and 4 stars on this one. It's probably a 3, but it was a very entertaining and unique read, so I'll bump it up. This book is pretty wacky and I'm not really into the whole magical realism thing. I doubt this is actually magical realism, but it's the closest category I've got for this genre-defying novel. I tend to prefer my books either very realistic or straight-up fantasy. Call me simple, but I get confused when stories straddle that line. Still, the prose was clever and amusing...more
I finished this a week ago. And then had a baby. So this isn't a stellar review, or probably even an accurate representation of my thoughts on it.
I really enjoy Handler's writing. I like the way he puts sentences together, and I like a lot of his ideas. I like that he arranged this novel as a verbal opera, into acts and scenes and intermissions. I like that it was, in part, a novel of Jewish folklore and the golem myth. But while I don't mind reading about sex (even particularly graphic sex), th...more
I really enjoy Handler's writing. I like the way he puts sentences together, and I like a lot of his ideas. I like that he arranged this novel as a verbal opera, into acts and scenes and intermissions. I like that it was, in part, a novel of Jewish folklore and the golem myth. But while I don't mind reading about sex (even particularly graphic sex), th...more
Very disappointing. Incest and a golem? WTF? Started off almost pornographic and then just lost sight of whatever the story was supposed to be about. Don't bother with this one.
I love Daniel Handler. The Basic Eight and Adverbs are two of my favorite books. This one has it's moments. Like The Basic Eight, it is compulsively readable. Handler moves his story forward like the best author of thrillers. Like Adverbs, it is formally experimental, and successful in its form. Still, there is something less enjoyable about Watch Your Mouth that his other books. I wouldn't say there was anything bad about it, but it left me less inspired and less moved. If you're new to Handler...more
This is sincerely the cleverest book I have read in a long time and although I had doubts to start with, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes there are definite moments to make you squeam with almost pornographic descriptions (but so beautifully painted through the most ridiculous metaphors and similes) and of course that - shh, don't say it - matter of incest, but it is written in such a funny way that you cannot do anything but feel for Joseph Last-name-changed-to-protect-the-innocent. I thorough...more
Nov 10, 2012
Tandava Brahmachari
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
to-re-read
[from my blog: http://blog.whistledance.net/2005/10/... ]
This book turned out to be excellent, though I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first, given the somewhat excessive horny-college-kids and incestuous-family themes. But it worked out to be a kind of fascinating web of complex crazy people, with a monster story mixed in for good measure. So it really stayed intensely interesting all the way through.
The structure of the whole book was extremely unique, which I liked. (There's nothing w...more
This book turned out to be excellent, though I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first, given the somewhat excessive horny-college-kids and incestuous-family themes. But it worked out to be a kind of fascinating web of complex crazy people, with a monster story mixed in for good measure. So it really stayed intensely interesting all the way through.
The structure of the whole book was extremely unique, which I liked. (There's nothing w...more
I absolutely LOVED Handler's other books, Basic 8 and Unfortunated Events, and really wanted to love this one as well, but it kind of sucked. It just wasn't good. I liked the idea that it was in the form of an opera. And I wasn't offended or grossed out by the incest part or anything, but the sex scenes between the main character and his girlfriend were really awkward, and written about far too much. If you took out all the awkward and unnessecary sex scenes in the novel, it would be about 1/2 s...more
This is the first book I've read by Daniel Handler. Sort of. He also writes under the pen name Lemony Snicket, who is a fictional character Handler created to tell the story of the Baudelaire orphans in the popular children's series, A Series of Unfortunate Events. I have been a fan of that series almost since its inception; I find the books to be extremely witty, different, humorous, and slightly macabre. Therefore, I was really looking forward to reading one of Handler's books for adults. Over...more
As much as I love Daniel Handler and have gotten used to his rambling, amazing prose I just didn't understand what the point of this book was.
I guess at some level, it's about family dynamics, and how things aren't always what they seem until they are. At another level, it's about dealing with trauma in the best way you know how. And then on yet another level, it's all just a huge joke with incest as it's punch line.
Any way you read it, you're going to have questions and Handler doesn't provide...more
I guess at some level, it's about family dynamics, and how things aren't always what they seem until they are. At another level, it's about dealing with trauma in the best way you know how. And then on yet another level, it's all just a huge joke with incest as it's punch line.
Any way you read it, you're going to have questions and Handler doesn't provide...more
This is probably what Ian McEwan's The Cement Garden (or any other novel containing incest but not being about incest) would look like if it were: written backwards, upside-down but still with a linear structure; thrown on a stage with several lights going on and off from distinct angles; loosely set as an opera libretto for the first half; full of linguistic and metalinguistic jokes without being pedant; as unreliable as the narrator and everything that's happening, and to convey a sort of a my...more
I must say I really enjoyed this, but I don't know if I would trust this man to write books for my children. Even under a pseudonym.
It's really hard to guess where the plot is going, especially since it starts off so preposterous already, but that keeps things interesting. Unfortunately, the book loses some steam by the second half (as much from the change of format--the second half is not an opera--as from the plot). However, it's still a unique read.
It's really hard to guess where the plot is going, especially since it starts off so preposterous already, but that keeps things interesting. Unfortunately, the book loses some steam by the second half (as much from the change of format--the second half is not an opera--as from the plot). However, it's still a unique read.
There are books with messages.
I guess this one is basically saying that we arrange the pieces, make the messages, and that this one doesn't really have one. Except for that message right there.
It's funny, yeah, and clever, yeah, but I felt like I was missing the point of everything. I may have gotten the point with the last paragraph, but I'm just so unsure.
It was entertaining, regardless.
I guess this one is basically saying that we arrange the pieces, make the messages, and that this one doesn't really have one. Except for that message right there.
It's funny, yeah, and clever, yeah, but I felt like I was missing the point of everything. I may have gotten the point with the last paragraph, but I'm just so unsure.
It was entertaining, regardless.
Sex do pornografických detailů, opera, incest, golem, self-help knihy, vraždy, židovská identita, jazykové hříčky a porcelánové kosti - bavila jsem se moc dobře. Až vám někdo bude tvrdit, že má zvrhlý smysl pro humor, otestujte si jeho odolnost touhle knihou. Takhle nějak to vypadá, když autor, který stvořil Lemonyho Snicketa, píše pro dospělé.
If he had cut it off after the first half, this would be a small gem of a book. Although I liked the second half -- with its red type -- it just didn't seem to mesh.
This was the first of Handler-not-Snicket that I read, and I was just a tad shocked; I mean, it says "incest" on the cover, but I wasn't prepared for quite that much sex.
This was the first of Handler-not-Snicket that I read, and I was just a tad shocked; I mean, it says "incest" on the cover, but I wasn't prepared for quite that much sex.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Daniel Handler is the author of the novels The Basic Eight, Watch Your Mouth, Adverbs, and as Lemony Snicket a sequence of children's novels collectively entitled "A Series of Unfortunate Events." He also plays the accordion.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_H...
More about Daniel Handler...
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_H...
Share This Book
4 trivia questions
More quizzes & trivia...
“The rinsed foam swirled into one drain that always clogged come October when the maples dropped Canadian propaganda over everything.”
—
5 people liked it
More quotes…
