Questions About Independence Day (Frank Bascombe, #2)

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Just started reading this Pulitzer Prize winner and I'm not that impressed. (Maybe it's because of the quality of other books on my current reading list.) Independence Day is top-heavy with details, some of it just a bit too much for this reader. Still, I'll stick with it. I did not read the other two book in Ford's trilogy. Am I being too critical?

Tom Caufield I agree with you, except the word I would use (and I try and not use it too often), is 'turgid.' I felt that the weight of the events in the book did …moreI agree with you, except the word I would use (and I try and not use it too often), is 'turgid.' I felt that the weight of the events in the book did not warrant the sort of deeply troubled, highly detailed approach. I read this because I read and thoroughly enjoyed 'The Sportswriter,' one of my top 20 books of all time, and I recommend that to you as it strikes the perfect balance of content and style.(less)

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Good Goodreads folk, this question is addressed to those who read Independence Day without reading the first book in the trilogy, The Sportswriter: Did you find it hard to follow? Did you thoroughly enjoy the book on its own merits? Or hate it on its own merits? All feedback welcome if it's pertinent to my main goal, which is to determine if people can jump in on the second book without being baffled. Thanks!

Tom Wilkinson I just finished it and never read the first book. Of course, I can't really know what I may have missed or not understood, but I never felt lost or ba…moreI just finished it and never read the first book. Of course, I can't really know what I may have missed or not understood, but I never felt lost or baffled by starting with the second book.

That said, I admire this book, but didn't love it. It has brilliant spots, huge ambition, and pithy insights galore, but really needed editing.(less)

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