I just happened to pick up an old copy of this. Had read some Faulkner short stories, but no novels. I avoided the novels because, of course, they wer...moreI just happened to pick up an old copy of this. Had read some Faulkner short stories, but no novels. I avoided the novels because, of course, they were required reading in high school and college. Once I got into the rhythm of the writing, I loved this. Definitely want to go back and read others, particularly Sound and Fury... (less)
Meh. I hadn't read a Nick Hornby book in a long time. This is why. The story was okay, but it just didn't seem as fresh or have that same spot-on humo...moreMeh. I hadn't read a Nick Hornby book in a long time. This is why. The story was okay, but it just didn't seem as fresh or have that same spot-on humor of his first couple of books. (less)
I picked up this book somewhere along the way, years ago, and finally broke down and read it. It's like a strange roadtrip through the early 80s by so...moreI picked up this book somewhere along the way, years ago, and finally broke down and read it. It's like a strange roadtrip through the early 80s by someone overly obsessed with Saul Bellow. But also amusing at times. (less)
Entertaining, if not particularly profound. It's one of those plots that you have to try not to think about too hard or it falls apart. But still, a g...moreEntertaining, if not particularly profound. It's one of those plots that you have to try not to think about too hard or it falls apart. But still, a good tale. (less)
Mediocre. Interesting at times, and curious to read his earliest work to see how his style has improved and matured. Mercifully short. Still just felt...moreMediocre. Interesting at times, and curious to read his earliest work to see how his style has improved and matured. Mercifully short. Still just felt like he was trying to hard. Makes me appreciate how effortless his prose his now. (less)
I only just heard of this because of the moving coming out this summer. But I have to say, the book was fantastic. My biggest disappointment is realiz...moreI only just heard of this because of the moving coming out this summer. But I have to say, the book was fantastic. My biggest disappointment is realizing that they have turned it into a big popcorn movie. Instead, it seems like it could have been a great, thoughtful TV drama along the lines of Battlestar Galactica, allowing time to explore the social issues it raises, the tradeoffs needed when survival is at stake. Oh, well. (less)
A difficult book to get through, but a fascinating story at the same time. The material works against Wilkie. At the end of the day, the story of Dick...moreA difficult book to get through, but a fascinating story at the same time. The material works against Wilkie. At the end of the day, the story of Dick Skruggs downfall involves several dozen attorneys. To create context, Wilkie gives us the backstory of each one. The problem is that you get lost in all the details of who is connected to who, who did which favor for who, who screwed which friend over, etc. In truth, this is just the nature of the story. But at the same time, it makes for a slog. And even toward the end, Wilkie couldn't resist delving into the background of new characters as they briefly enter the stage.
I did enjoy it, in the end. It does seem like a tragic, but inevitable come down.(less)
This was another book that just landed on my desk. I was looking for a good read for a recent plane trip, and grabbed it out of my trunk at the airpor...moreThis was another book that just landed on my desk. I was looking for a good read for a recent plane trip, and grabbed it out of my trunk at the airport, not knowing much about the book or Bardsley. Must say, it was the best of surprises. It's about a former newspaper reporter who has sold out to work for a dot-com who is on the verge of cashing out his options before everything unravels. The pace is fast, and the storytelling sharp and very, very funny. And on a personal level, it didn't hurt that I could see many similarities between the main character and me (reporter, two kids, trying to make ends meet in the Bay Area, a certain medical procedure.) Highly recommended. Can only assume with will be made into a movie soon starring Ed Helms. (less)
Well, I can cross reading James Ellroy off my list. I liked this, and it's a fast read once you get into the rhythm of his patter. But I'm not sure it...moreWell, I can cross reading James Ellroy off my list. I liked this, and it's a fast read once you get into the rhythm of his patter. But I'm not sure it inspired me enough to read his other stuff. (less)
This was one of those books that just fell onto my desk at work one day. Read it last weekend, and found it very moving. The author imagines an unlike...moreThis was one of those books that just fell onto my desk at work one day. Read it last weekend, and found it very moving. The author imagines an unlikely love story between Achilles the hero, and his friend Patroclus. Unlikely, but genuine in the context of the story, and ultimately, very beautiful. I wonder if someone would dare make a big-budget epic with a love affair between two boys at its heart?(less)
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