Does this book ever get better?

[C.C.]

So, someone in my book club has chosen this book to read. I keep trying to get into it, but it just isn't happening. At any point does Ignatius ever stop complaining? I don't need the entire book spoiled... I guess I just want to know if there is going to be any character development or not... Also the whole diddling himself to thoughts of a dog thing stuck with me in all the wrong ways.

[Priscilla]

If you're not enjoying it now it may not get better for you, since the book really revolves around Ignatius and all that he encompasses. However, the plot does develop into a climax near the end of the book and that may be enough to keep you reading.

Unfortunately, there is more diddling to come.

[Cagne]

No, he's who he is, but on top of who he is, he's also a catalyst for other stories and characters. I remember not liking much his fixed and absurd character, but eventually liked how the narrative evolved around him.

[Priscilla]

Yes! Now that you mention it that was another aspect of the book that kept me engaged.

[Danny]

I think this one is a love it or hate it, and you will know right away.

[Todd]

I pushed through it for days. Every time I put it down, I didn't want to pick it up again. I was glad when it was over. I do agree with Danny that this is a "love it or hate it" book. The latter for me. The ending was the best part of the book in my opinion, for two reasons: there finally seemed to be some events worth telling, and because the book was, well, over.

[mkfs]

"Does it get better?"
In a word, no.

You'll know within a few pages whether Confederacy of Dunces is for you, or not. If you do not like the sense of humor (and I'll be frank here, I don't), then the book has nothing else to offer.

Love it or hate it? Perhaps. More like, "love it or hate the fans who keep trying to get you to read it again because you obviously didn't get it the first time".

[Nathan]

I love this book. Ignatius is a memorable character and his egoism is hilarious. I laughed on every page.

I agree with the majority. If you don't like him you probably won't like the book.

[Danny]

Two books I can remember regularly had me laughing out loud: Don Quixote and Confederacy. And that is fitting. Don Quixote is definitely running through the veins of Ignatius J. Reilly.

[Nathan]

I've not read Don Quixote but it's on the bookshelf, waiting to be read. Is it that good?

[Danny]

Yes, Nathan. To me, it was the kind of book you read a little here and a little there. The chapters are very short, and each could almost stand alone or be read out of order. So it's an enjoyable diversion book while reading other things.

[mkfs]

Yup. Required reading. Plus if you don't read it, you'll miss about half the jokes in Tristram Shandy.

[Nathan]

Thanks for the recommendation, Danny. I'll start it soon.

I've never heard of Tristram Shandy...?

[Danny]

Me either.

[Nathan]

Started Don Quixote and can't stop smiling...

[Danny]

Glad to hear it, but I'm not surprised.

[Greg]

Charity wrote: "So, someone in my book club has chosen this book to read. I keep trying to get into it, but it just isn't happening. At any point does Ignatius ever stop complaining? I don't need the entire book s..."
Charity, I did not like this book. Definitely one of those 'love/hate' types of novels. But, given the word-of-mouth at the time, my expectations were high. And that's one reason I now never read reviews of a book ahead of time if I know I'm going to read it, and also why I have a tendency to stay away from 'award winners' and 'best sellers' unless highly recommended by trusted friends and fellow readers.

[Jason]

I'm 160 pages in and think it's pretty horrible so far. This might be the first time in my life I don't finish a book.

[Shannon]

I really didnt like it and I think I laughed once. Had about 100 pages to go and couldn't finish the book.