From the Bookshelf of Reading List Completists…

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

Michael Chabon

Start date: November 1, 2019

Finish date: November 30, 2019

Discussion: Group Reads

Why we're reading this: November 2019 Completist Poll Winner
[close] November 2019 Completist Poll Winner

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Group Reads

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What Members Thought

Jul 28, 2013 Matthew rated it liked it

Shelves: 2013, library, general-fiction

I read this book a couple of years ago because it has been hyped up for years, here are a few of my observations:

- I found this in the Young Adult section of my Library, but I would not classify this as Young Adult at all. It makes me wonder how they determine that.
- I would say that I am fifty-fifty on the hype. It was an interesting story, but not totally enthralling to me. At points it drug on a bit. But, definite points for being unique!
- Overall assessment. Decent, but would I recommend it? ...more

61 likes · Like · see review

Apr 05, 2020 Jason rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, 2020-top-10

A seamless story that is deceptively dynamic.

I am not sure exactly what the best way to describe this book is, or where to begin. I think at one point I described it to a friend as a book that centers on the lives of two young Jewish men, cousins, and that it takes one through a sort of history of the American comic book during the WWII era. While that description is not inaccurate, it seems to leave out quite a bit. I mean, should I put more emphasis on the fact that there are a cast of charac A seamless story that is deceptively dynamic.

I am not sure exactly what the best way to describe this book is, or where to begin. I think at one point I described it to a friend as a book that centers on the lives of two young Jewish men, cousins, and that it takes one through a sort of history of the American comic book during the WWII era. While that description is not inaccurate, it seems to leave out quite a bit. I mean, should I put more emphasis on the fact that there are a cast of characters with believable depth, but also out-sized features? Comic books and super heroes are central to the entire book, but I think that portrays a certain lightness, while there is much darkness, not just in the other elements of the book but in the comics themselves. The comics represented a certain amount of escapism, but it also reflected the times, the horror and also vexed helplessness. The book starts in Prague, highlighting some of the tribulations of Eastern European Jews in the lead up to and the early parts of the war. Most of the book takes place prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, this is important, it was a time of frustration and anxiety, but most Americans still felt insulated from the war. How can that be fit into the simple synopsis? We also have a young gay man centrally portrayed in this book. That should certainly not be left out or glanced over? I have not even mentioned Houdini, Jewish lore of the Golem, magic tricks, nor death defying escapes - key subjects/elements as well. So, still circling on the question - how does one describe this book? It is all of these things, but the more I expound on the elements and themes the more it sounds like a jumbled three-ringed circus, and it's not.

This is a book that starts with the elements of adventure promised by the cover, and it delivers, but perhaps not in the way you would think. This book comes to life as your read, the characters develop, the story ripens and transforms before you notice what is happening. It is the best type of magic trick, this book - perhaps that is all I should say. ...more

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Oct 22, 2014 Chuck rated it liked it

Shelves: 1000, 1001

Almost breezy and light reading but the depth and complexity keeps jumping out and grabbing me. Very observant style but characters are fleshing out with some deeply moving segments. Very cinematic sweep. The story is suddenly very relevant with the revival in comic book characters turning into blockbuster films. I agree with other comments that the 3rd and 4th acts of the book lose steam, lack the deep connection to the characters and the historical sweep. The ending is very touching, true to t ...more

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