Category: Book Reviews
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Invisible by Paul Auster – A Book Review
Invisible spoke to me more potently than many of Auster’s other recent works. Don’t misunderstand, Auster again explored themes of identity, chance, and reality, but this novella in particular struck me as being far more concerned with character. Moreover, though the story jumped around in time and made use of several perspectives, it was one…
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The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield – A Book Review
I’d heard good things about this book, and, after my mother insisted I read it, I finally gave in. I’m happy to report that The Thirteenth Tale was indeed a fantastic read. I must admit that I was a little skeptical at first. A book about a culture’s greatest writer is dangerous ground, for what…
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Manhood For Amateurs by Michael Chabon – A Book Revie
I feel like this book was written for me. Seriously. Just me. As you’ve probably guessed, I loved Manhood For Amateurs. Chabon is really just a far more successful, talented version of me. He’s a stay-at-home dad; he does the cooking; he’s a writer; he digs pop culture and comic books; he’s not especially talented…
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Peter & Max: A Fables Novel by Bill Willingham – A Book Review
In many cases, novelists have difficulty making the jump to comic book writing just as comic book writers and screenwriters may have a rough time adapting to pure prose writing. I’m happy to report that Bill Willingham not only made the jump to prose writing well, but he exceeded my already lofty expectations. Okay, I’d…
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Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger – A Book Review
With The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger delivered a complex, captivating, and perfectly orchestrated plot with rich, rounded characters who demanded the reader’s interest. The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my all-time favorites and I recommend it to anyone looking for a great read. It is because of my love for The Time Traveler’s…
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Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon – A Book Review
With Await Your Reply, Dan Chaon has created a mesmerizing novel that keeps the reader guessing from one page to the next. I’d always considered Chaon a “literary” author, but with Await You Reply, he expertly delves into “genre,” delivering a suspenseful mystery that endlessly satisfies. Chaon raises intriguing questions about identity, and also provides…
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Causing a Scene by Charlie Todd and Alex Scordelis – A Book Review
This book reflects upon some of the most successful missions completed by Improv Everywhere, a New York based comedy group that stages harmless—though chaotic—pranks throughout the city. Examples include (my personal favorite) an Anton Chekhov book signing at Barnes and Noble, an Olympic Trial synchronized swimming bid in the Washington Square Park fountain, and how…
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The Affinity Bridge by George Mann – A Book Review
George Mann has written an original novel utilizing two dynamic characters while blending science fiction, horror, and fantasy genres in Victorian England. But, even as these elements add up to a highly entertaining work, it is not without faults. The Affinity Bridge features Sir Maurice Newbury, an agent of Queen Victoria, and his newly hired…
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