This is the first read of a new book club I'm joining. Their goal is to read provocative or thoughtful fiction, so I look forward to meeting them all....moreThis is the first read of a new book club I'm joining. Their goal is to read provocative or thoughtful fiction, so I look forward to meeting them all. However, the first 50 pages of Smoke's novel show a writer desperately ignorant of basic style and plotting techniques. This will be a painful read, I fear, even with a fascinating premise of a writer discovering he is the reincarnation of Walt Whitman.(less)
Some hits and misses, as one would expect. Straub notes in his introduction that the genre of horror (a phrase he finds troublesome) is evolving into...moreSome hits and misses, as one would expect. Straub notes in his introduction that the genre of horror (a phrase he finds troublesome) is evolving into a literary genre; hence not all of these stories feel like traditional horror. But there is horror here--whether in the act of rape, the stifling claustrophobia of domesticity, the contagions of delusion. Some writers work in experimental forms to only partial success; others have a good idea but are unable to execute it. Still, at least 1/2 of the works are worthy: Chaon's "The Bees," Hand's "Cleopatra Brimstone," Klage's "The Green Glass Sea," and especially Ligotti's "Notes on the Writing of Horror" are compelling. Ligotti does a nice job of genre-bending and twisting scene. A worthy look!(less)
Harmless and occasionally funny. Island plays havoc with cargo cults and organ harvesting, allowing the absurd romp of social satire to run its predic...moreHarmless and occasionally funny. Island plays havoc with cargo cults and organ harvesting, allowing the absurd romp of social satire to run its predictable course. A comfortable and quick diversion, but little more. (less)
Sadly, no. Goodbye, Gregory. You have clearly shown me that your absurdly clumsy sentences, non-directional narrative, oblique characters, and predict...moreSadly, no. Goodbye, Gregory. You have clearly shown me that your absurdly clumsy sentences, non-directional narrative, oblique characters, and predictably common or arbitrary plot-turns are not worth my attention. Three chapters endured, but not a single word more. (less)
This enormous book takes us rather self-indulgently through the life of Salman Rushdie, and perhaps it is mean to suggest, since Rushdie spends so muc...moreThis enormous book takes us rather self-indulgently through the life of Salman Rushdie, and perhaps it is mean to suggest, since Rushdie spends so much of his time denying that he is self-indulgent. To be sure, he raises important questions about censorship, misreading, media responsibility, political compromise, and the value of the literary form. He also takes us through the drudgery of MI-5 security placements, family gossip, and rental agreements. Over the roughly 12 years of the fatwa, Rushdie reminds us often of his humility, his mistakes--from infidelity to a sore temper--, and his importance. He works hard to belabor the media poison against him and his desire to be loved by his public, a habit he has not fully abandoned. Through it all, we learn of the inspirations and arguments of his novels, the habits and personalities of an army of writers around him, and just how far Rushdie can extend his sometimes brilliant sense of irony. He raises the critical points that few who have condemned Satanic Verses have actually read it, that fewer ever discuss its literary merit, that he has unwittingly become an icon instead of an author, and that our societal compulsion to transform the victim into the instigator extends further than we may care to admit. (less)
...and interesting? Barely. If this is the novel everyone raved about, I've seriously lost touch with what makes suspense novels interesting. Let's se...more...and interesting? Barely. If this is the novel everyone raved about, I've seriously lost touch with what makes suspense novels interesting. Let's see: Erotica with a hint of pedophilia? Check. Cast of distraught and angsty rich suspects? Check. A little S&M? Check. Crazed serial killer who will attack protagonist in torture basement? Check. Predictable twist to missing murder victim? Check. Backdrop of financial intrigue to lend it sense of legitimacy? Check. Disappointment? Check.(less)
Many reviewers mark this title as one of Franzen's least successful books. If so, I will definitely read more. While not a fan of memoir at all (too s...moreMany reviewers mark this title as one of Franzen's least successful books. If so, I will definitely read more. While not a fan of memoir at all (too self-indulgent), Franzen makes forays into lengthy discussions of Charles Schultz, the works of Kafka and Rilke, and even high school pranking--all making this a worthy read of an oft-alienated and awkward child who finds his way in reflections upon the death of his mother. Impressive writing.(less)
Lethem's stories are intriguing in their necessary focus on fraught relationships--guilt, regret, revenge--while calmly backed by fantastic settings:...moreLethem's stories are intriguing in their necessary focus on fraught relationships--guilt, regret, revenge--while calmly backed by fantastic settings: an elite corporate class technologically isolates itself from the traffic-jammed masses; a yesteryear comic book hero arrives to teach college classes; two people inexplicably meet over and over in remote locations. In each, Lethem offers no apologies or explanations for their failings, for their struggles. Like all of our lives, the conflicts are sometimes unresolved, left loose. And for all that, perhaps half of Lethem's works are truly successful, a fair track record for a short story collection. Memorable and worth reading another of his books.(less)
I made it through several chapters of yet another overwrought and predictably cliched horror adventure by Koontz before tossing it. I keep telling mys...moreI made it through several chapters of yet another overwrought and predictably cliched horror adventure by Koontz before tossing it. I keep telling myself that something must be good here, but ... No. Koontz simply cannot balance his clumsy TV-style plotting with his embarrassingly misfit metaphors. It's not that I'm overly disgusted with his "crafting;" by now, I should know better. I worry for the taste of his fans. (less)
Finally finished my last read of 5th grade novels. This was the worst of them, a tepid fantasy of mice in fantasy battles. While the world Jacques cre...moreFinally finished my last read of 5th grade novels. This was the worst of them, a tepid fantasy of mice in fantasy battles. While the world Jacques creates (a medieval human world mysteriously devoid of people but populated by standard-sized but civilized animals) is unique enough, the plotting of the novel itself is simplistic, though surprisingly cruel and bloody. Apparently many in the series, but I hardly care. (less)
Many have found this book inspiring. I labored through it. Many have said that they were heartened by it. I was put off. Most of the stories here (and...moreMany have found this book inspiring. I labored through it. Many have said that they were heartened by it. I was put off. Most of the stories here (and there are many) are about multi-millionaires and the foundations they have established. What stories were offered about regular Americans doing good were despairingly short of practical advice on how to emulate: "You, too, could be like Sean." Bill, I like the work that you do and the FOBs you hang with, but I don't want to learn about Bon Jovi's giving practices. In the end, readers are inspired by this book because they did not appreciate the amount of need in the world. But they are offered too few ideas on how to get involved and, but for a literal few sentences at the end, reasons to do so. (less)
Well, Maniac Magee would certainly entertain fifth graders, which is the point. But is there a story arch? A consistency of theme or idea? Nope. *sigh...moreWell, Maniac Magee would certainly entertain fifth graders, which is the point. But is there a story arch? A consistency of theme or idea? Nope. *sigh* I think we can do better than this clunky work. (less)
Appropriately childish, with a few clever tricks. I admired Sachar's dual narrative and some of the ways he pulled those narratives together, even for...moreAppropriately childish, with a few clever tricks. I admired Sachar's dual narrative and some of the ways he pulled those narratives together, even for kids. And now, onto another 5th grade level reading . . . (less)
Eggers' writing style is not remarkable: he is not Junger or Dillard. Nevertheless, the story is fairly horrifying as Zeitoun finds himself first assi...moreEggers' writing style is not remarkable: he is not Junger or Dillard. Nevertheless, the story is fairly horrifying as Zeitoun finds himself first assisting the stranded in NOLA after Katrina, then suddenly arrested by our own mercenaries and armed forces, jailed as a terrorist without interrogation or investigation. The story is told from the perspective of the Zeitoun family, so the polarization between the US government and the honest citizenry of NOLA is fairly stark. There is little in the way of hard journalism. Like other reviewers, I found the closing chapters awkward--there is some hint of a medical condition which is never explained or explored; and the leap between Zeitoun's release and the conclusion is too large to be easily followed. There are, in short, better reads and even films about Katrina's aftermath. This is just an important one.(less)
A non-redemptive story of crime and punishment. It's always hard to decide what is the most depressing aspect of it: the foolish act of violence in th...moreA non-redemptive story of crime and punishment. It's always hard to decide what is the most depressing aspect of it: the foolish act of violence in the first place, the pathetic naivete of friendship despite it, the torment of the war upon the boys, of the ending which deprives us of genuine closure. We are left as unsettled as the narrator so many years later. (less)
After dragging my way through The Namesake some years ago, I thought I would revisit Lahiri through a collection of short stories. Never foregrounding...moreAfter dragging my way through The Namesake some years ago, I thought I would revisit Lahiri through a collection of short stories. Never foregrounding her Indian-American cultural challenges, Lahiri pulls her angsty characters through torments often exacerbated by those same ethnic taboos. In shorter doses, she is much the same. These largely unremarkable stories escalate the repressed traumas of family relationships to a level approaching drama. The people inhabiting Lahiri's houses are entirely believable; and for that, they are largely forgettable. (less)
An eminently forgettable work of technology cliches. Hopes for some clever SF techno-pulp were dashed by Wilson's plot cliches: Hero's father killed m...moreAn eminently forgettable work of technology cliches. Hopes for some clever SF techno-pulp were dashed by Wilson's plot cliches: Hero's father killed moments after relating a mysterious message; Hero is unassuming sensitive guy suddenly called upon to become sole arbiter in civil war; hero discovers convenient beautiful but refugee single girl; child in torment compels hero to cross line; mentor figure sacrifices self; trusted companion working with major villain secretly; villain confesses entire conspiracy in climactic scene while being secretly recorded; scary deformed cyborgs actually greatest allies.
Let's be clear: these aren't spoilers when they are predictable within 80 pages of this 200 page novel. Oklahoma has redneck corrupt sheriffs; technology implants turn people into Matrix-style fighters. Don't read further than the first four pages: you'll have the whole novel understood from there. (less)
Re-read this week in anticipation of Shakespeare in the Park. While everyone praises Henry as the ideal Christian king, there are so many pieces of th...moreRe-read this week in anticipation of Shakespeare in the Park. While everyone praises Henry as the ideal Christian king, there are so many pieces of this play which work counter to that admiration. Shakespeare allows Henry to dismiss characters audiences have loved in previous plays; is this ideal or is this the tragic price of power? Do we forget his lamentation on responsibility from Henry IV, Part One? Do we ignore how that speech matches his anguish from Act III? And for all the nobility he places in the English war (which the Church greedily and without merit dupes him into starting), how do we reconcile the companion scenes where Pistol and Bardolph and friends loot and stumble about it fear? All in all, a play far more complex than many recognize!(less)
Basing his argument on common values established by Turkish and Iranian history (and voiding the values argument with Israel and Saudi Arabia), Kinzer...moreBasing his argument on common values established by Turkish and Iranian history (and voiding the values argument with Israel and Saudi Arabia), Kinzer suggests that the US re-align its foreign policy by building a new global alliance for the Middle East. The argument is compelling (and the historical narratives particularly so), though how we must begin the cautious narrative with Iran is unclear. Kinzer does follow his argument with a few sentences which suggest that the current Iranian regime may have to pass in order to launch the effort. After our missed opportunity in 2009, however, it remains to be seen whether democracy in that country can take root. The short-sighted US policies of the 20th century (and following Sept 11) are illuminating and distressing.(less)
A chilling and fascinating narrative of rural Turkey soon after the formation of the Republic. Memed's experiences and those of his village are offere...moreA chilling and fascinating narrative of rural Turkey soon after the formation of the Republic. Memed's experiences and those of his village are offered in brutal relief; the helplessness of the peasants reveals the inevitability of human ignorance; the pettiness of the bourgeoisie is starkly honest. I found interesting how key moments of dramatic resolution are sometimes avoided in the narrative (the fate of a main character, the removal of another in a single sentence without comment). It forced me to re-examine Kemal's narrative focus and purpose; he is myth-making, perhaps, over story-telling, and for that the novel is all the more rich.(less)
Some hits and misses with this collection, but no cheats. Matheson's characters encounter early drafts of some contemporary horror cliches (husband ab...moreSome hits and misses with this collection, but no cheats. Matheson's characters encounter early drafts of some contemporary horror cliches (husband abducted by weird restaurant owners) to suspected vampires (or crazed doctors pretending to be one). In all cases they try to make sense of the extraordinary circumstances and sometimes become victims in an O. Henry twist or sheer perseverance. While Bradbury roots us in setting, Matheson offers raw story, plot-driven intrigue, and the results are simple and satisfying. (less)
Does this even count as a book? In any event, a humorous diversion for an hour or two with a dozen or so clever plays on history and a thousand more o...moreDoes this even count as a book? In any event, a humorous diversion for an hour or two with a dozen or so clever plays on history and a thousand more over-wrought ones. Memorable: Joan of Arc's miscommunication with God, the WW2 relationship statuses, and the Church's response to Darwin. I also enjoyed the occasional fictional character intersections by Marty McFly, Steinbeck's Lennie, and others. Mostly, though, Wylie is aptly named for the profit he surely turned on this. (less)
Bradbury was always a master of setting and mood, relishing the sumptuous nostalgia of the 1950s small town. While these stories revisit this (and the...moreBradbury was always a master of setting and mood, relishing the sumptuous nostalgia of the 1950s small town. While these stories revisit this (and there are a few gems amongst them), most are near-misses: Bradbury has the spark of an idea, sets it down, and leaves it. At their worst, he toys with the reader unfairly, omitting critical details that all of the characters know but us; this is not an ironic twist then, but a cheat. Nevertheless, it was fun enough to read again simple paragraphs of poetic prose.(less)
Still an amusing diversion which turns harsh, even vicious, as Gulliver moves to the land of the Houyhnhnms and finds his Yahoo civilization vulgar an...moreStill an amusing diversion which turns harsh, even vicious, as Gulliver moves to the land of the Houyhnhnms and finds his Yahoo civilization vulgar and shameful. The long tirade of our social ills and government corruptions smells fresh, even 300 years later.
The other antics in the various lands are appropriately fantastic, from fighting off giant rats and being nearly drowned in a bowl of cream to the bizarre island of sorcerors (where Gulliver talks to various shades of the dead through history). Lilliput, famous from film versions and in children's tales is, sadly, too brief in the original text, though I had forgotten about how our good protagonist extinguishes the fire in the queen's palace! (less)
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