From the Bookshelf of Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge…

Love, Dishonor, Marry, Die, Cherish, Perish

David Rakoff

Discussion: 2016 Read Harder Challenge

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2016 Read Harder Challenge

* Read Harder Challenge Plans: 2016
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What Members Thought

Sep 01, 2015 Erin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: poetry

Cheers to those who managed to do their reviews in verse as well. I'm not quite so ambitious, but I absolutely adored this beautiful, witty and ultimately heartbreaking "novel in verse".

I first heard Rakoff use this trope on a "This American Life" where he played the role of Dr. Seuss exchanging letters with Gregor Samsa about Samsa's plight. Obviously Seuss spoke only in verse and the effect was absolutely charming. I had my doubts about whether it would transfer to novel form, but Rakoff nail ...more

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Jul 16, 2013 Melissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-to-think-about, books-i-should-read-again-later, poême

An excellent "last work" from David Rakoff. The rhyming couplets crossed with the less-than-savory behavior on the part of some characters makes for a weird reading experience. Best sections are the opening chapter (which reminded me of Eleanor and Park in some ways in Peggy's character) and the last two Clifford chapters.

Beautifully designed by Chip Kidd and illustrated by Seth (who is currently working on the new Lemony Snicket series and also designed some of the Penguin Deluxe Classics, incl ...more

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Dec 26, 2013 Kate rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Someone described this as a "breezy 133 pages." In one sense, absolutely. I flew through it in about 3 hours. In another, absolutely not. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, I immediately started reading it again when I got to the end. I'd recommend setting aside an afternoon and reading it in one sitting, so you can keep your fingers on all the interwoven threads. Beautiful, funny, great.

Just looking at this book, you might not jump at the chance to read it. Let me allay your fears:

1) "It's wr ...more

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Dec 22, 2019 Shannon rated it liked it · review of another edition

I'll be honest - I found this to be an odd book. I can't remember where I heard about it, but it was much darker than other novels in verse that I've read before (Coaltown Jesus or Inside Out & Back Again). As the end neared, I wavered between giving this two stars or three stars. I finally went with three because the final vignette was a sweet one, with a son finding long-ago gifts sent his way that his dad never delivered.

I've not read anything else by Rakoff, but other reviews praise his work ...more

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Apr 27, 2015 Denise Cormaney rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This novel written in verse is a fast read; I thought the rhyming would seem cutesy and gimmicky, but it was a good story that kept my attention. The author died young a few years ago, and I couldn't stop thinking about that fact while I read this book. it also made me want to go back and read more Calvin Trillin! ...more

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Jul 26, 2013 Amy (folkpants) rated it it was amazing

This is one of the most refreshing novels I have come across. The story itself is a beautiful one of interconnecting characters and the pleasures and pains of life. The novel is written entirely in verse, which is so new and almost strange, but brilliant once you get used to reading it. The verse just adds a layer to the already complexity of experiencing it.
Also, I would recommend that anyone reading this book please get the hardcover copy. It is bound in a hard card backing which is reminisce ...more

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