Tag: Book Review

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This National Book Award finalist is a short story collection by an author I was not familiar with. As usual, my friend Tom, known for helping meet quality authors, brought him to my attention literally on my thirtieth birthday. I am so glad he did. My initial reaction to the short stories in this novel…

The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster – A Book Review

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Every once in a while a book comes along that completely engrosses you both on an intellectual as well as an emotional level. The Brooklyn Follies is one such book. I’ve read two Paul Auster books and found myself utterly impressed by both. The New York Trilogy astounded me because of its experimentalism and form. …

How We Are Hungry by Dave Eggers – A Book Review

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This short story collection by Dave Eggers was hit or miss for me. Never a traditionalist, Eggers makes sure that each and every one of his stories is original and unusual in some facet or another. At times, this method works brilliantly; however, sometimes it also gets irksome. Don’t mistake me, I’m all for experimental…

In Pharaoh’s Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff – A Book Review

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I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it-if you are not reading Tobias Wolff you are only cheating yourself. The man simply does not write anything less than absolutely mesmerizing. I assure you, that is not an exaggeration. This latest work of Wolff’s I’ve read is called In Pharaoh’s Army. It is a memoir…

Oracle Night by Paul Auster – A Book Review

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Stylistically somewhere between The New York Trilogy and The Brooklyn Follies, Oracle Night encompasses what I loved about both. Auster gives us a bit of a plot, but there is also much experimentation in this rich novel as well. And, like with The New York Trilogy, if you are a fan of linear storytelling with…

Everyman by Philip Roth – A Book Review

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I remember back when this book was first released, I simply could not fork over the hardcover price for something so thin. In retrospect, I’m glad I waited for the soft cover. I can’t say I disliked Everyman, but I also can’t say I especially liked it. Roth is an expert wordsmith and his plot…

The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon – A Book Review

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Okay, you’ve heard me say it before, so you can all say it with me now, “Michael Chabon is America’s greatest contemporary author.” You should have that memorized pretty soon. Funny story I have to share with you before I write this review. I found out that Chabon was visiting my neck of the woods…

Super Flat Times by Matthew Derby – A Book Review

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It is important in America literature that our writers constantly challenge themselves to write progressively and with innovation. While I whole-heartedly believe some literature is meant to be enjoyed by the masses, I also believe there is a niche in the world of literature where it is high art, and therefore unlikely to be enjoyed…

In the Country of Last Things by Paul Auster – A Book Review

Aug 12, 2008

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