by David Foster Wallace
I felt the same way for a long time. IJ sat on my bookshelf over a year mocking me. I finally took the plunge this summer and I have to say overall I was pleased. It wasnt a life changing literary experience for me, as it seems to be for many others, but if you are in the mood for something modern, culturally revealing, and complex then you should give it a go. Worst case scenario you read a hundred pages and drop it. A few stretches were tedious, but overall the writing is quite amazing. ]]>
by Aleksandar Hemon
Lot of hype about this one. Its extremely rare for me to put down a book without finishing it, but after 70 pages or so I put this one back on the bookshelf. I think your opinion is pretty much on point with how I felt. The prose was impressive in some spots, but overall the writing as well as the story just left me cold. Felt too much like some forced literary exercise to me. ]]>
by Hermann Hesse
This book was fascinating for me. The investigation of how man reconciles the intellectual and culturally engaged half with the more base animal instinctual half of our personas was done quite well by Hesse in Steppenwolf, even if the last quarter of the book meanders into more bizarre hallucinogenic territory. ]]>
by Haruki Murakami
If you enjoy this one check out the "sequel" to it, Dance Dance Dance. ]]>
by Adolfo Bioy Casares
I dont really have a problem with magical realism per se, but for the most part I share your feelings on this book. I know its hailed in many circles as a minor masterpiece, but it didnt really resonate with me. Im all for philosophical meanderings in literature, but this text fell as flat as the holographic images that were the central part to the story. ]]>
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bookshelves: first-reads, to-read
Won this from Goodreads First Reads. I've been wanting to get into some detective/noir books for awhile. After some research I narrowed my choices down to Jim Thompson, Dashiell Hammett, and Charlie Huston. I was pleasantly surprised to win this as it comes at a perfect time. This will be my first foray into the genre and I've heard great things about Huston's skill as a novelist. Full review forthcoming.
Edit 11/25: I was notified on Oct 30 that I had won this from Goodreads, however it still hasn't arrived yet, Im beginning to wonder if it ever will.
Second Edit 11/30: Got it in the mail today. As soon as I finish Hopscotch I will dig in to Sleepless and see what it has to offer. Encouragingly, Ive heard that this book shows a lot of growth in Hustons skill. Full review coming. ]]>
DB
took the never-ending book quiz.
| questions answered: | 99 |
| correct: | 95 (96.0%) |
| skipped: | 70 |
| best streak: | 13 |
| questions added: | 0 |
bookshelves: currently-reading
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