Ben's review
The Gold Bug Variations by Richard Powers
Dear Richard Powers,
I'm sorry I gave up on your book about a third of the way into it. I don't normally do that. Even if I'm trapped in an airport newsstand without a book, and end up buying "The Hunt for Red October", or some Neil Gaiman jerk-off dorkfest, I'll usually see it through to the end out of what I can only guess to be some misplaced romantic loyalty to the printed word, or possibly a mild to medium case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. "The Gold Bug Variations" however, proved painful and laborious enough to squelch both neuroses.
Next time, remember that you don't have to hold my hand and feed me chocolate truffles while you tediously walk me through every metaphor, every allusion, every historical or pop culture reference, or any otherwise subtle device that makes good fiction challenging. I'm a reasonably smart guy. I like figuring it out on my own. Thanks jerk.
Hugs and Kisses,
Ben White
I'm sorry I gave up on your book about a third of the way into it. I don't normally do that. Even if I'm trapped in an airport newsstand without a book, and end up buying "The Hunt for Red October", or some Neil Gaiman jerk-off dorkfest, I'll usually see it through to the end out of what I can only guess to be some misplaced romantic loyalty to the printed word, or possibly a mild to medium case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. "The Gold Bug Variations" however, proved painful and laborious enough to squelch both neuroses.
Next time, remember that you don't have to hold my hand and feed me chocolate truffles while you tediously walk me through every metaphor, every allusion, every historical or pop culture reference, or any otherwise subtle device that makes good fiction challenging. I'm a reasonably smart guy. I like figuring it out on my own. Thanks jerk.
Hugs and Kisses,
Ben White
more reviews-as-letters, please. "Dear Joyce...?" and yes, I know I'm spending way too much time on this website. it was a terrible idea to involve me in this.
