Short list for Booker Prize

[Susan]

In 2010 The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobsonwon the Booker Prize. It was about a gentile wanting to be Jewish,written in a humorous vein. Now To Rise AgainAt a Decent Hour is short listed for the prize. It is largely about a man who wants to be Jewish, written in a humorous vein. I felt I was reading a continuation of Finkler. Too much repetition for one prize?

[Alan]

Personally I enjoyed To Rise Again more than The Finkler Question. Ferris's book is much funnier and is spot on in its portrayal of internet obsessed world of social media. I loved the dentist chair moments too.

However Jacobson is also short-listed this year with a contender that's more worthy of the prize than either in my opinion - J

[Taryn]

Alan wrote: "Personally I enjoyed To Rise Again more than The Finkler Question. Ferris's book is much funnier and is spot on in its portrayal of internet obsessed world of social media. I loved the dentist chai..."

I agree with the dentist chair moments and there were some great hilarious parts!

[Susan]

Admittedly, I have paid more attention to flossing since I read this book.

[Sean]

I made the same connection reading To Rise Again. I thought it was interesting to consider the similarities, and wondered about the award selection and the interest in these sorts of questions.

But lots of good books have similar themes, and these books seem quite different to me overall.

[David]

I think the most arresting moment was when the identity thief wasn't allowed to join the synagogue because he didn't believe in God. So what? I always thought Judaism was more about ritual and belonging. Buddha didn't believe in God either or even an afterlife. When he achieved nirvana, he saw a void. His emphasis was on compassion, anti-materialism and meditation, something we all need more of.