Ken’s review of Second Place > Likes and Comments
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Great review! Haven't read anything by this author but I want to.
I would like to take a walk in those same marshes, Jeffers...I mean, Ken.
JKLM!
Dear Special K., you've written the perfect review for this, I've come away with a heightened awareness of your seemingly unending patience, or perhaps it was a hope for finding a pot of gold at the other end of this seemingly strange rainbow of...? I highly suspect I love your review far more than I would this book!
Chris wrote: "Great review! Haven't read anything by this author but I want to."
I see that I have now read three books by this author, perhaps liking this the least. But it was inspiring in its way, too.
Thanks for commenting!
Fionnuala wrote: "I would like to take a walk in those same marshes, Jeffers...I mean, Ken.
JKLM!"
Ha-ha. The alphabet unleashed. And all for Jeffers, who probably stopped reading along about p. 54!
FGHI
JKLM
Cheri wrote: "Dear Special K., you've written the perfect review for this, I've come away with a heightened awareness of your seemingly unending patience, or perhaps it was a hope for finding a pot of gold at th..."
I always read (and write) for that pot of gold. In reading, it's the payoff of a good book well written. In writing, on the other hand, it's the payoff of a good book well written.
Thanks for stopping by!
You wrapped up your frustation/disappointment with the book entertainingly, Special K. It might take some time before I'll get to read this as there are more letters waiting to be read, (K. and G. for instance - reading From A to X: A Story in Letters was a wonderful experience, so a rather average L & M won't harm too much. Loved that line on not dying of remorse, reminded me of the cynicism that for a happy life one needs a sleepy conscience.
To continue with the alphabet, Special K, I would think this would be an N-O-P-(E) for moi. Very entertaining review. What delightful hay you've made out of fodder!
Although this 'Special K" of Julie's, above, is bringing to mind the cereal brand, I absolutely agree with her: yes, your writing is special, it's entertaining and witty. It has put a big smile on my face and it worked miracles with my mood this morning - which is something that Cusk never managed. Thank you, K!
Ilse wrote: "You wrapped up your frustation/disappointment with the book entertainingly, Special K. It might take some time before I'll get to read this as there are more letters waiting to be read, ([book:K.|4..."
Loved following your links, Ilse. Of course, how special am I when Kafka has already bought up all the real estate at "K"? Right. Not very.
Which reminds me. I have a few Kafka books I haven't read and MUST before I face that GR guy. You know. The Grim Reaper. Who won't let us read in the afterlife, damn him.
Oh Jeffers, you have to agree this review of K’s is one of the most clever and amusing (not to mention accurate) posted to Goodreads in recent days. I also found M to be a bore, but you knew that, Jeffers. And people said and thought the most nonsensical things! I also awarded three stars to this book, though with time, I feel less and less generous. So, prepare yourself, Jeffers. I may dock a star for sheer annoyance. But for K’s fantastic review? 5 blazing stars!!
Brilliant review, Ken. Loved your creative write-up. Very refreshing.
Julie wrote: "To continue with the alphabet, Special K, I would think this would be an N-O-P-(E) for moi. Very entertaining review. What delightful hay you've made out of fodder!"
Julie... Ha-ha on the "N-O-P-E." It reminds me of spelling words that might trigger the dog and get him hepped up for no reason: "C-O-O-K-I-E" and "W-A-L-K," for instance.
I've always wanted to be a man of letters. Is this cheating?
Violeta wrote: "Although this 'Special K" of Julie's, above, is bringing to mind the cereal brand, I absolutely agree with her: yes, your writing is special, it's entertaining and witty. It has put a big smile on ..."
Truth be told (and it doesn't like to be in this day and age), the "Special K" sobriquet has been done before, notably by an NBA basketball player in the 80s, Greg Kelser.
Don't know much about him, but I do recall the nickname because I'm in the K Club (K Klub?) myself, and I don't find anything special about the cereal -- it's just another brand I never buy. That is, if they still make it.
Ken wrote: "I've always wanted to be a man of letters ... Is this cheating?"
😀
Robin wrote: "Oh Jeffers, you have to agree this review of K’s is one of the most clever and amusing (not to mention accurate) posted to Goodreads in recent days. I also found M to be a bore, but you knew that, ..."
I've experienced that sensation, too. About stars, I mean. Looking back on reviews, I sometimes think, "Was I too harsh?" (Meaning, donate a star and feel big-hearted.)
Or, "Was I too lenient?" (Meaning, dock a star and hightail it... this author will never see it, anyway -- unless she's a beginner just climbing the literary tower's ivy, in which case I would never do such a thing.")
Second thoughts, Jeffers. It's always a decision of what color and brush.
Laysee wrote: "Brilliant review, Ken. Loved your creative write-up. Very refreshing."
Thank you, Laysee. It *was* like a creative writing exercise I assigned myself. The kind we used to *like* to get in school (and, as you know, those were few and far between).
L IS quite close to M. I hadn’t thought of that hehe:)! I was on the fence. I liked some of the strange shenanigans once we got all the characters to the cottage especially the tension generated with his young uninvited guest, whose characterization I thought was perfect. L and M both learned some lessons the hard way.
Yes, the young uninvited guest, as the monkey in the wrench, was a rare treat here! And K has learned some lessons the hard way, too.
A shrewdly discerning review, K! I thought this book was extremely trying. I agree with your observation that an omniscient narrator would have made it more endurable, maybe even likeable. There were a few insightful reflections that stood out to me, also, but it was far too weighed down and cluttered by these constant attempts at profundity to really hit home.
Laura wrote: "A shrewdly discerning review, K! I thought this book was extremely trying. I agree with your observation that an omniscient narrator would have made it more endurable, maybe even likeable. There we..."
Thanks for the affirmation, Laura. Agreed, there are insightful moments and this is a talented writer. It's just that this book did not exactly "sing."
Stephen wrote: "Hilarious review!"
Thank you, S!
=)
Thanks, Vartika. Probably the review I most enjoyed writing in '21.
And definitely the review I've enjoyed most reading 10 days into this new year!
Heh, heh, heh, heh! As Muttley used to say.
I read this without reviewing it, Ken. I didnt know what to say about it. But yours is more joyous, so I prefer it to mine which doesn't exist.
Nick wrote: "Heh, heh, heh, heh! As Muttley used to say.
I read this without reviewing it, Ken. I didnt know what to say about it. But yours is more joyous, so I prefer it to mine which doesn't exist."
Jeffers thanks you.
Ah, Ken—I've been feeling that "Jeffers Syndrome" listening to Magic Mountain and hearing the name Hans Castorp over and over, sigh. You made me laugh with wanting to paint the secret ingredient that kept you reading. Reminds me of a childhood joke I was told by my dad. Anyway, I'll probably read this, and will return here when I do...
Thank you for the funny review, though :)
This book sound terrible. Wonderful review, though!
Plateresca wrote: "Thank you for the funny review, though :)"
Thanks for reading it, start to finish!
Jenny wrote: "This book sound terrible. Wonderful review, though!"
Well, not terrible. Just... different.
Terrific review, made me laugh especially as I started the book and not too far in thought “Nope.” And I’ve read most of Cusk’s books. Not this one. Sorry Jeffers.
Terresa wrote: "Terrific review, made me laugh especially as I started the book and not too far in thought “Nope.” And I’ve read most of Cusk’s books. Not this one. Sorry Jeffers."
Thanks. Hope my review wasn't too much on the spoiler side!
As I was about to DNF this novel, Jeffers, I turned to good ol’ Goodreads reviews for guidance and enlightenment… should I or shouldn’t I? Then I got to this masterpiece of a review from K, and it spoke loud and clear to me: I was not crazy to hate M’s guts, to have a bad feeling for L and to really really have a hard time thinking of the marshes as somewhere I’d like to see for myself some day. So… there you go, DNF will be, Jeffers! Thank you, K!
M. also JJ. wrote: "As I was about to DNF this novel, Jeffers, I turned to good ol’ Goodreads reviews for guidance and enlightenment… should I or shouldn’t I? Then I got to this masterpiece of a review from K, and it ..."
A masterpiece comment, too. Jeffers would approve!
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Chris
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Aug 29, 2021 02:27PM
Great review! Haven't read anything by this author but I want to.
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I would like to take a walk in those same marshes, Jeffers...I mean, Ken. JKLM!
Dear Special K., you've written the perfect review for this, I've come away with a heightened awareness of your seemingly unending patience, or perhaps it was a hope for finding a pot of gold at the other end of this seemingly strange rainbow of...? I highly suspect I love your review far more than I would this book!
Chris wrote: "Great review! Haven't read anything by this author but I want to."I see that I have now read three books by this author, perhaps liking this the least. But it was inspiring in its way, too.
Thanks for commenting!
Fionnuala wrote: "I would like to take a walk in those same marshes, Jeffers...I mean, Ken. JKLM!"
Ha-ha. The alphabet unleashed. And all for Jeffers, who probably stopped reading along about p. 54!
FGHI
JKLM
Cheri wrote: "Dear Special K., you've written the perfect review for this, I've come away with a heightened awareness of your seemingly unending patience, or perhaps it was a hope for finding a pot of gold at th..."I always read (and write) for that pot of gold. In reading, it's the payoff of a good book well written. In writing, on the other hand, it's the payoff of a good book well written.
Thanks for stopping by!
You wrapped up your frustation/disappointment with the book entertainingly, Special K. It might take some time before I'll get to read this as there are more letters waiting to be read, (K. and G. for instance - reading From A to X: A Story in Letters was a wonderful experience, so a rather average L & M won't harm too much. Loved that line on not dying of remorse, reminded me of the cynicism that for a happy life one needs a sleepy conscience.
To continue with the alphabet, Special K, I would think this would be an N-O-P-(E) for moi. Very entertaining review. What delightful hay you've made out of fodder!
Although this 'Special K" of Julie's, above, is bringing to mind the cereal brand, I absolutely agree with her: yes, your writing is special, it's entertaining and witty. It has put a big smile on my face and it worked miracles with my mood this morning - which is something that Cusk never managed. Thank you, K!
Ilse wrote: "You wrapped up your frustation/disappointment with the book entertainingly, Special K. It might take some time before I'll get to read this as there are more letters waiting to be read, ([book:K.|4..."Loved following your links, Ilse. Of course, how special am I when Kafka has already bought up all the real estate at "K"? Right. Not very.
Which reminds me. I have a few Kafka books I haven't read and MUST before I face that GR guy. You know. The Grim Reaper. Who won't let us read in the afterlife, damn him.
Oh Jeffers, you have to agree this review of K’s is one of the most clever and amusing (not to mention accurate) posted to Goodreads in recent days. I also found M to be a bore, but you knew that, Jeffers. And people said and thought the most nonsensical things! I also awarded three stars to this book, though with time, I feel less and less generous. So, prepare yourself, Jeffers. I may dock a star for sheer annoyance. But for K’s fantastic review? 5 blazing stars!!
Brilliant review, Ken. Loved your creative write-up. Very refreshing.
Julie wrote: "To continue with the alphabet, Special K, I would think this would be an N-O-P-(E) for moi. Very entertaining review. What delightful hay you've made out of fodder!"Julie... Ha-ha on the "N-O-P-E." It reminds me of spelling words that might trigger the dog and get him hepped up for no reason: "C-O-O-K-I-E" and "W-A-L-K," for instance.
I've always wanted to be a man of letters. Is this cheating?
Violeta wrote: "Although this 'Special K" of Julie's, above, is bringing to mind the cereal brand, I absolutely agree with her: yes, your writing is special, it's entertaining and witty. It has put a big smile on ..."Truth be told (and it doesn't like to be in this day and age), the "Special K" sobriquet has been done before, notably by an NBA basketball player in the 80s, Greg Kelser.
Don't know much about him, but I do recall the nickname because I'm in the K Club (K Klub?) myself, and I don't find anything special about the cereal -- it's just another brand I never buy. That is, if they still make it.
Ken wrote: "I've always wanted to be a man of letters ... Is this cheating?"😀
Robin wrote: "Oh Jeffers, you have to agree this review of K’s is one of the most clever and amusing (not to mention accurate) posted to Goodreads in recent days. I also found M to be a bore, but you knew that, ..."I've experienced that sensation, too. About stars, I mean. Looking back on reviews, I sometimes think, "Was I too harsh?" (Meaning, donate a star and feel big-hearted.)
Or, "Was I too lenient?" (Meaning, dock a star and hightail it... this author will never see it, anyway -- unless she's a beginner just climbing the literary tower's ivy, in which case I would never do such a thing.")
Second thoughts, Jeffers. It's always a decision of what color and brush.
Laysee wrote: "Brilliant review, Ken. Loved your creative write-up. Very refreshing."Thank you, Laysee. It *was* like a creative writing exercise I assigned myself. The kind we used to *like* to get in school (and, as you know, those were few and far between).
L IS quite close to M. I hadn’t thought of that hehe:)! I was on the fence. I liked some of the strange shenanigans once we got all the characters to the cottage especially the tension generated with his young uninvited guest, whose characterization I thought was perfect. L and M both learned some lessons the hard way.
Yes, the young uninvited guest, as the monkey in the wrench, was a rare treat here! And K has learned some lessons the hard way, too.
A shrewdly discerning review, K! I thought this book was extremely trying. I agree with your observation that an omniscient narrator would have made it more endurable, maybe even likeable. There were a few insightful reflections that stood out to me, also, but it was far too weighed down and cluttered by these constant attempts at profundity to really hit home.
Laura wrote: "A shrewdly discerning review, K! I thought this book was extremely trying. I agree with your observation that an omniscient narrator would have made it more endurable, maybe even likeable. There we..."Thanks for the affirmation, Laura. Agreed, there are insightful moments and this is a talented writer. It's just that this book did not exactly "sing."
Stephen wrote: "Hilarious review!"Thank you, S!
=)
Thanks, Vartika. Probably the review I most enjoyed writing in '21.
And definitely the review I've enjoyed most reading 10 days into this new year!
Heh, heh, heh, heh! As Muttley used to say. I read this without reviewing it, Ken. I didnt know what to say about it. But yours is more joyous, so I prefer it to mine which doesn't exist.
Nick wrote: "Heh, heh, heh, heh! As Muttley used to say. I read this without reviewing it, Ken. I didnt know what to say about it. But yours is more joyous, so I prefer it to mine which doesn't exist."
Jeffers thanks you.
Ah, Ken—I've been feeling that "Jeffers Syndrome" listening to Magic Mountain and hearing the name Hans Castorp over and over, sigh. You made me laugh with wanting to paint the secret ingredient that kept you reading. Reminds me of a childhood joke I was told by my dad. Anyway, I'll probably read this, and will return here when I do...
Thank you for the funny review, though :)
This book sound terrible. Wonderful review, though!
Plateresca wrote: "Thank you for the funny review, though :)"Thanks for reading it, start to finish!
Jenny wrote: "This book sound terrible. Wonderful review, though!"Well, not terrible. Just... different.
Terrific review, made me laugh especially as I started the book and not too far in thought “Nope.” And I’ve read most of Cusk’s books. Not this one. Sorry Jeffers.
Terresa wrote: "Terrific review, made me laugh especially as I started the book and not too far in thought “Nope.” And I’ve read most of Cusk’s books. Not this one. Sorry Jeffers."Thanks. Hope my review wasn't too much on the spoiler side!
As I was about to DNF this novel, Jeffers, I turned to good ol’ Goodreads reviews for guidance and enlightenment… should I or shouldn’t I? Then I got to this masterpiece of a review from K, and it spoke loud and clear to me: I was not crazy to hate M’s guts, to have a bad feeling for L and to really really have a hard time thinking of the marshes as somewhere I’d like to see for myself some day. So… there you go, DNF will be, Jeffers! Thank you, K!
M. also JJ. wrote: "As I was about to DNF this novel, Jeffers, I turned to good ol’ Goodreads reviews for guidance and enlightenment… should I or shouldn’t I? Then I got to this masterpiece of a review from K, and it ..."A masterpiece comment, too. Jeffers would approve!
