Big Books of Spring
A Visit from the Goon Squad

Questions About A Visit from the Goon Squad

by Jennifer Egan (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (12)

Is it an easy and fast read -- A Visit from the Goon Squad? Is it a novel that you have to read a lot because you will be lost if you read some and then come back to it a week or a month later when you have time? Thank you. Renee
Nadja Hertel Goon Squad is a fast read, and despite the non-linear timeline I didn't find it hard to follow the characters because each story is written in a way t…moreGoon Squad is a fast read, and despite the non-linear timeline I didn't find it hard to follow the characters because each story is written in a way that it can stand on its own. It's soooo much better when you read it the second time though, you pick up all the clever details Egan hid that you wouldn't see the first time around. (less)
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Who has any thoughts about Egan's choice of the Orpheus (the god of music) and Eurydice (his lover who he almost saves from Hades) for the piece that the Uncle is fixated on in the museum? I wondered if he imagined it was himself and Sasha (gave me creepy worries about him), but it is also thematically consistent with the book's central message.
Ryan Greer I think it's a clever analogy. He does love Sasha, just not in the same way that Orpheus would have loved Eurydice. I think in some ways Creepy Uncle …moreI think it's a clever analogy. He does love Sasha, just not in the same way that Orpheus would have loved Eurydice. I think in some ways Creepy Uncle Ted was also looking to be saved, from his own life and struggles, which is a strong theme throughout the entire book. (I, too, was also a little worried during that plotline but was relieved to discover that his love for her was really a longing for the love that the younger version of himself had for the younger version of herself) Great writing! (less)
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Is this book Pulitzer-worthy? I'll go ahead and answer that question after reading a third of the way through: No, it is not.
Daniel Brown It's a good book for the first third, a very good book for the next third, and an amazing, astonishing, transcendent book for the last third.

Judging …moreIt's a good book for the first third, a very good book for the next third, and an amazing, astonishing, transcendent book for the last third.

Judging a book before reading the whole thing is often risky, especially when it's written in a less than traditional style.(less)
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Why do you think the author chooses not to start each chapter with the name of character and year?
Nathan I find myself puzzling over whose story it is, and how it fits into the bigger picture. I think that's part of the mystery of the book, fitting the pi…moreI find myself puzzling over whose story it is, and how it fits into the bigger picture. I think that's part of the mystery of the book, fitting the pieces together. Then when the actual reveal happens (sometimes just a single reference or word), there's a sudden realization and you feel like you've discovered something.(less)
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what is a good age for reading this book?
Tyler Burns I think this book is perfect for a freshman in college.

I think there are a relatively large amount of suicides/self-harm to recommend for high school…moreI think this book is perfect for a freshman in college.

I think there are a relatively large amount of suicides/self-harm to recommend for high schoolers.

Also, band named Flaming Dildos. (less)
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Unanswered Questions (2)

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