Michael answers “I have read thousands of books but this is...”

Sydney Salter asked this question about White Teeth:

I have read thousands of books but this is one of only 2 books that i just could not finish as it irritated and bored me in equal measures. I asked all of my friends and colleagues and they have all told me that they did not finish it either!! Please help - what is the summary of the book? Please don't make me read it !

Michael Old thread, but an important question: James Wood took to task Smith for the very reasons you probably didn't like the book yourself. Her response was…moreOld thread, but an important question: James Wood took to task Smith for the very reasons you probably didn't like the book yourself. Her response was, surprisingly, to become a better writer and write "On Beauty". Try that book instead. Everywhere I see "White Teeth" mentioned as one of the top books and can only explain it as crowd mentality. "Everybody says this is great book so I will too." "On Beauty" is five times the book. One of my favorites. “White Teeth” is a freshman effort — commendable but hardly one of the great books of the decade. With "White Teeth" it seems to me she was trying to channel Rushdie, which young novelists are allowed to with their favorite writers. Unfortunately, she was channeling his least desirable characteristics as a writer. If she had channeled "Midnight's Children" I might be able to get into a book like that.(less)

flag

View 1 comment

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more