Chris Via > Recent Status Updates

WTV often talks/writes about the tragedy with his little sister, but his poetic reflection on it here in The Atlas may be the most poignant and effective translation of the singular event across his entire oeuvre.

Anyone know anything about this 800-pager called The Adventures of Mr Marigold by Michael Charles Tobias (Zorba Press)?

I've read more WTV books since first reading this one, and I'm realizing now that this may be the best place to start if new to his repertoire.

oh, Oh, OH!

So far, the single interpolated essay (roughly 5pp), right in the middle of the book, is the best part. Nonetheless, let us press through to the end and see which way the seesaw once again swings for our dear C. F. and F. C.

Translator Ilan Stavans deems Pedro Páramo “wooden, almost impenetrable” (x). I strongly disagree. As for Rulfo in miniature: so far, so good!

So far this is a really slow ride. It has the feel of Theroux trying to be on his best behavior for the literary establishment. An unexpected fruit, however, is the string of well-wrought aphorisms throughout Christian Ford’s perceptive narrative.

BOOK GIVEAWAY! Enter by liking and commenting on this post. Winner will be selected and announced in the June 26th video on YouTube.

The Epigrams of Oscar Wilde
Hardcover, 260 pages
Published 1995 by Bracken Books (first published 1952)
ISBN 9781858911427
Used - Very Good

One chapter left. We've turned over a multitude of stones. Let's see how we draw this to a close.

The ISSUES (namely the gross oppression of women in Japan) discussed in the book are very, very important. Unfortunately, the BOOK as the output of a writer's efforts, based on plot, pacing, conflict, prose, etc., is far below average (I will detail this assertion in my review). Book One is a solid novella, but Book Two is a millstone around its neck. I would love to know what exactly "took [Murakami's] breath away."

It has been a while since I’ve read a below average novel. I don’t think I realized this was YA. Still, sticking it through with hope for the best.

A new book sent to me for review! It is divided into two sections...one slightly larger than the other. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

NEW VIDEO! Answering Your Questions, Part III
https://youtu.be/Ni-1gALZ4Jc

I'm a sucker for lists, especially ones presented in such a pleasing format. This will be fun to pick through a few selections per day or so. I litmus-tested it with Gaddis and it passed (though Paul was chosen over Alexander à la Bloom's Chaotic Age list).

NEW VIDEO! Answering Your Questions, Part II: https://youtu.be/1zsqIPMbFRI

NEW VIDEO! Analyzing "In a Tub" by Amy Hempel
https://youtu.be/qOELko4DumU

This renewed my dormant interest in Heraclitus and Diogenes!

"Can myrrh rubbed on a chest / Sweeten the great round heart inside?" - Anakreon (or, more precisely, the Anakreon collective)

NEW VIDEO! Answering Your Questions, Part I: https://youtu.be/0xDquLhmX3M

Harsch’s command of world history is enviable.

OK, finally understand the Gravel-Garvin ambiguity. I can go to sleep now!

Chapter 26 ("A Six-Shooter Shot Six Times") can stand on its own as an exemplary feat of writing.

Sometimes books come along that thank and reward and fete us for being readers.

Tom Garvin is the greatest writing teacher of all time!

I am banjaxed in the best way!

ASK ME ANYTHING! I'm making a video to answer various questions I've received. Do you have anything you'd like me to include? (This is either hugely narcissistic or simply practical--I'm hoping for the latter.)