I'm still trying to figure out whether or not this is my favorite Irving. I've dug everything I've read of his so far, and this is no exception. I don...moreI'm still trying to figure out whether or not this is my favorite Irving. I've dug everything I've read of his so far, and this is no exception. I don't think he'll ever be my favorite writer, but I do dig his stuff. This one doesn't quite have the same gravity as his others I've read, but it has the benefit that it doesn't try so hard to be so epic. It seems more vital, more raw this way. Frankly, the only thing I didn't care for was the minor number of chapters from perspectives other than that of Patrick. They were well done, but so much is from Patrick's point of view that it ended up seeming weird to have a couple of brief departures from others who were integral but not really heard from again. All in all, I haven't met an Irving that I don't like yet.(less)
I have to admit, I didn't expect to like "The Notebook" going in. Based on everything I'd heard, it really isn't my sort of thing. Still, I do try to...moreI have to admit, I didn't expect to like "The Notebook" going in. Based on everything I'd heard, it really isn't my sort of thing. Still, I do try to check out things that I don't necessarily think I'm going to like because most of us get too narrowed in our reading choices anyway. Really, I should have liked this. The set-up was the sort of thing I should go for. However, the style really didn't work for me. It's personal taste, but I can't pretend that didn't work in to whether or not I enjoyed the book. Frankly, there was a lot that seemed to be snap conclusory sort of emotional material that almost seemed a shortcut, like I was just supposed to feel the way it said instead of being made to feel that way. Really, I didn't feel the emotion I was supposed to and was irritated at a result. Also, as particularized as the characters are, they still felt kind of generic to me (similar with some of the exposition and description, which ended up feeling like fluffy clouds as opposed to having a reason for being there), almost roles more than anything else. I also thought the interaction of the framing story with the main story didn't work for me. It just seemed like a totally different book and the only reason I felt it should be present was that I didn't feel enough in the main story. Granted, this is all just me. There are a lot of people who really loved this book, but a lot of the style just really didn't work for me. Really, it isn't my sort of thing. I tried, but it just didn't work for me.(less)
I'm still not overly fond of Sparks. I tried "The Notebook" and didn't care for some of the style, but I thought I'd try another. Though the character...moreI'm still not overly fond of Sparks. I tried "The Notebook" and didn't care for some of the style, but I thought I'd try another. Though the characters still felt somehow generic despite being detailed, I was feeling more in this one. There was less, though not none, of the conclusory emotional statements that I didn't feel Sparks had supported. I was liking this much more, until I got about 3/4 of the way through the book. I just felt like Sparks tossed away what he had honestly built and went for melodrama. To be honest, it felt trite and manipulative. I stopped actually feeling anything from the book and just responded emotionally to what was being pulled. There are a lot of people who love Sparks and I guess this all works for them, so there is only so much I can complain about, but I'm just not one of them.(less)
I'm neither with the people who adored this book or with the people who vehemently hated it. I thought it was decent, a bit unpleasant to read in part...moreI'm neither with the people who adored this book or with the people who vehemently hated it. I thought it was decent, a bit unpleasant to read in parts, but that wasn't the bother for me. My biggest beef was the pacing. I just didn't have to know what happened next the way I expected. Other than that, though, it was developed and richly described. I just didn't either violently love or hate it.(less)
The magic in this book is in how quiet and understated everything is. It presents itself as just as ordinary as the characters with they were, and is...moreThe magic in this book is in how quiet and understated everything is. It presents itself as just as ordinary as the characters with they were, and is no more ordinary. In how it doesn't seem to try very hard I found it was even more effective emotionally. It is just quietly good.(less)
I was hoping that this was going to be funnier. I had some laughs, but not the huge sort of ones I was expecting. It kind of felt a bit scattered to m...moreI was hoping that this was going to be funnier. I had some laughs, but not the huge sort of ones I was expecting. It kind of felt a bit scattered to me as well. It took a while for me to get into the groove and for things to really get going. I guess it just wasn't what I expected, which may just be me.(less)
Lamb creates a very vivid and compelling character in this novel. He positions it well so you both believe Dolores and understand that even she isn't...moreLamb creates a very vivid and compelling character in this novel. He positions it well so you both believe Dolores and understand that even she isn't completely aware of everything in her life. It's pretty engaging on an emotional level as well. I felt for Dolores and wanted to know both what would happen in her life and what she would do.(less)
I actually liked this one a lot more than I thought I was going to. It creates its world very vividly and it doesn't get anywhere near as sentimental...moreI actually liked this one a lot more than I thought I was going to. It creates its world very vividly and it doesn't get anywhere near as sentimental or melodramatic as I thought it would. I certainly can't fault the pull of the narrative. On the whole, I got into it.(less)
Lewis does paint a marvelous picture of someone trying to break out of early twentieth-century conformity and how easily he is pulled back. At the sam...moreLewis does paint a marvelous picture of someone trying to break out of early twentieth-century conformity and how easily he is pulled back. At the same time, he's the kind of guy that it's kind of hard to put up with reading about. The depiction is perhaps a little too good. Regardless, a fine book, though I do have this urge to send drunken exotic dancers to a rotary meeting right now.(less)
I enjoyed this, but it definitely wasn't my favorite Chabon. It has some of Chabon's style, but felt like he was just playing around, writing some lit...moreI enjoyed this, but it definitely wasn't my favorite Chabon. It has some of Chabon's style, but felt like he was just playing around, writing some little essays to please himself. There's nothing wrong with that, and not necessarily anything accurate in the statement other that it is what I perceived, but wasn't what was necessary to really get me into these essays. I got into some, but not as many as I expected.(less)
I'm kind of torn on this one. I thought the individual pieces had more gravity than "Less Than Zero" and I felt more for the characters, but I never d...moreI'm kind of torn on this one. I thought the individual pieces had more gravity than "Less Than Zero" and I felt more for the characters, but I never did get the idea of an overall narrative beyond the fact that these were all some messed up people. The pieces are connected, but the connections were a bit too tenuous for me. The book switches between so many characters and I didn't really get why, the overall point of the book. As such, I'd put this one somewhere in the middle of the Ellis group for me.(less)
I wish this had just been billed as fiction or as a fictionalized memoir so all the crap wouldn't have collected around this book. If I remember right...moreI wish this had just been billed as fiction or as a fictionalized memoir so all the crap wouldn't have collected around this book. If I remember right, that's what Frey had originally tried to do but then had to switch because he couldn't get it published as fiction. I don't know if I'm remembering that right, but it's what I remember. Regardless, this is actually pretty good. It isn't perfect by any means, but it's pretty good throughout and has some stunningly beautiful moments. I just wish all that other stuff didn't try to come crowding in when I was reading, because it doesn't really have anything to do with what words are on the page anyway.(less)
I wasn't sure how welcome I was going to feel in this book. A lot of sisterhood-mother/daughter books end up keeping me at a distance, seeming to need...moreI wasn't sure how welcome I was going to feel in this book. A lot of sisterhood-mother/daughter books end up keeping me at a distance, seeming to need (or at least making me feel) a denigration of men in order to present the wonder of what is being presented. This book didn't make me feel that way though, the female characters reveled in their marvel without needing to put down anyone to make that work. Not all of the men are good, and all are imperfect-but just as the female characters are, but though they aren't the circle itself they are welcome there at the right times and are still connected. I liked that, just as I liked the emotion and the images-the present reaching toward the past and the past striving for the future. There are some absolutely marvelous moments in this book and I'm glad I finally overcame my worries to give this book a shot.(less)
I've read a lot of parody of this genre without actually having read much of the genre itself. To tell the truth, I had fun. Things may not really cha...moreI've read a lot of parody of this genre without actually having read much of the genre itself. To tell the truth, I had fun. Things may not really change much for Marlowe in any of the stories, but there is a tangible thrill to reading. I'm not sure I'd go looking for any more, but I did like these stories.(less)
For the most part, I found this to be a beautiful story. However, there were some parts where the setting and such just seemed exaggerated, like someo...moreFor the most part, I found this to be a beautiful story. However, there were some parts where the setting and such just seemed exaggerated, like someone was booming in a melodramatic voice while projecting lights onto a wall. This was probably necessary for the effect Golden was going for, but it rang a bit hollow at some points for me. Still, given that I understand why it was done even if that part didn't work for me, I still found most of the story quite beautiful.(less)
This is probably my favorite Russo so far, though I still don't like his pacing. I loved Hank's antics, but I really had to slog through even when I w...moreThis is probably my favorite Russo so far, though I still don't like his pacing. I loved Hank's antics, but I really had to slog through even when I was enjoying to finally work up a head of steam in this book. I don't know what it is, but Russo for me feels like wading through thickening oatmeal. Even when I'm enjoying myself, I still have to force things.(less)
This was probably the absolute worst Hornby book for me to try first. First off, I have no familiarity with what Hornby and most of the rest of the wo...moreThis was probably the absolute worst Hornby book for me to try first. First off, I have no familiarity with what Hornby and most of the rest of the world calls football. Beyond that, I've never really had any interest in sports whatsoever. I had hoped that the book would transcend that for me and speak to my own obsessions, but that never happened for me. There are some moments of insight and humor that I liked, but they were few and for the most part this book seemed disconnected and uninteresting to me. Other people have really liked it so either something just didn't work for me or they had sports interests that they managed to work some connection into. For me, I just didn't dig it at all.(less)
As I expected, Sedaris is humorous and witty. I actually think I liked these essays more than those of "When You Are Engulfed in Flames." I'm not usua...moreAs I expected, Sedaris is humorous and witty. I actually think I liked these essays more than those of "When You Are Engulfed in Flames." I'm not usually a huge one for essays, but authors like Sedaris and DFW are slowly bringing me around.(less)
I have some trouble coming to an overall conclusion on this book of essays. Some I liked very much, possibly being the most interesting things I've se...moreI have some trouble coming to an overall conclusion on this book of essays. Some I liked very much, possibly being the most interesting things I've seen from Klosterman. However, some just fell completely flat for me and I was literally thinking "blah...blah...blah" as I read. I got into more essays than I didn't get into though, so I suppose that conclusion will have to do.(less)
I liked the way that the narrator in this book is as intimately connected to the emotion as possible, yet stands aside and just lets that emotion come...moreI liked the way that the narrator in this book is as intimately connected to the emotion as possible, yet stands aside and just lets that emotion come across without really suggesting what the reader should feel. It feels very natural and real, moving and powerful without ever appearing to try real hard. In short, damn fine writing.(less)
I knew that this book really wasn't going to be for me, but I read it anyway because I like Donofrio's writing. Given that, it really isn't a surprise...moreI knew that this book really wasn't going to be for me, but I read it anyway because I like Donofrio's writing. Given that, it really isn't a surprise that my reaction is a little lukewarm. The writing it really good, and I really like the non-Mary portions, but this is still a faith story. It just isn't my faith. I've never felt that and have never felt a call to feel that. A lot of the Mary portions didn't feel universal to me, instead putting up a wall that pushed me out of the book and prevented me from connected. It isn't the book, it's me, but that is still my reaction. Most probably wouldn't have that reaction, but for the few that the religious aspect will be a problem, they might have some trouble connecting to the book as well. It just isn't my favorite Donofrio.(less)
Tyler constructs a beautifully stark world in beautifully stark prose in this book. He does marvelous things in seemingly simple sentences with rhythm...moreTyler constructs a beautifully stark world in beautifully stark prose in this book. He does marvelous things in seemingly simple sentences with rhythm and repetition. All the startling images and changing forms you expect from Tyler are here. He does not disappoint.(less)
Anyone who read this shouldn't be misled by the fact that I rated this book four stars instead of five. These are some dynamite stories and they showc...moreAnyone who read this shouldn't be misled by the fact that I rated this book four stars instead of five. These are some dynamite stories and they showcase well the unique voice that Sheppard has developed. I really leaned towards five, and probably would have before having read some of Sheppard's other work. "Milk Carton Girl Turns 40" really pulled me toward five stars. However, after having read "Tales of the Peacetime Army," "Small Town Punk," and "Alpha Mike Foxtrot," I just expect a lot out of Sheppard. Maybe I should have read this one earlier, because it isn't that these stories aren't good, but rather that I've been so impressed by some of Sheppard's other writing. I'll definitely be looking for his next. (less)
The mix of material around which Blackwell spins his stories is really impressive. Equations, fictional treatments of various historical figures, gove...moreThe mix of material around which Blackwell spins his stories is really impressive. Equations, fictional treatments of various historical figures, government reports on torture of the Marx brothers, and so on. There was little way of predicting what would come next. Highly intelligent and inventive without being overly cerebral, I dug these stories.(less)
I'm still pretty new to bizarro fiction, but I had a great time with this anthology. There were some stories I liked more than others, but I couldn't...moreI'm still pretty new to bizarro fiction, but I had a great time with this anthology. There were some stories I liked more than others, but I couldn't give the whole thing less than a five given some of the stories I liked best. These stories are crazy, sometimes gross, and always entertaining. I really should spend some more time with this sort of thing.(less)
Though "Riding in Cars With Boys" is still my favorite by Donofrio, I did get into this book more than "Looking for Mary." I know this book centers on...moreThough "Riding in Cars With Boys" is still my favorite by Donofrio, I did get into this book more than "Looking for Mary." I know this book centers on faith just like "Looking for Mary," a faith I don't share and haven't felt a call to share, but for some reason this one was easier to not have the religion get in the way for me. I don't know what it is, but I had a much easier time with this book just listening to this as Donofrio's personal struggle (which involved faith) and the broader story that comes out of that instead of a proselytizing tract. I can't point to why, so maybe I was just in a more accepting mood than when I read "Looking for Mary." Regardless, I enjoyed this book more.(less)
I really liked reading this once I was able to let go of the fact that it's dream-like narrative structure wasn't necessarily going to make linear sen...moreI really liked reading this once I was able to let go of the fact that it's dream-like narrative structure wasn't necessarily going to make linear sense on the surface. It was easier to handle than "Empire of the Senseless," but I'm not necessarily sure that I understood any better. I just accepted that I wasn't necessarily going to grasp everything, though, and just decided to enjoy reading.(less)
I love how the protagonist in this book is simultaneously not in touch with his own emotions and internally neurotic. This created some wonderful tens...moreI love how the protagonist in this book is simultaneously not in touch with his own emotions and internally neurotic. This created some wonderful tension for me within the character himself, even beyond the issues he was actually struggling with. I think that was one of the aspects that really made me feel his confusion. It was just so palpable. Tanzer really gets you in there with him and what he is vulnerable to. It really is marvelously done.(less)
I got into this one a bit more than I thought I would. It's a good story with meaty characters and I enjoyed reading. I think I would have enjoyed it...moreI got into this one a bit more than I thought I would. It's a good story with meaty characters and I enjoyed reading. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had the normal American obsession with Hollywood, but I still liked the book even without having that.(less)
This is my first experience with one of Tanzer's books, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I love how Tanzer manages to squeeze so much description in w...moreThis is my first experience with one of Tanzer's books, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I love how Tanzer manages to squeeze so much description in without really seeming like he's doing it. The prose is still tight and clean, but more is there than it seems and there are some real poetic phrasings here and there. I love the way the stories proceed as well. Tanzer manages to be both hard hitting and mournfully yearning at the same time, the stories being extremely tender gut-shots. This is a marvelous short collection and I'm definitely going to check out more of Tanzer's work.(less)
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