Tag: books

I truly enjoyed Haddon’s novel the curious incident of the dog in the night-time, so I had rather high hopes for his latest release. While entertaining, A Spot of Bother cannot compare to the originality of Haddon’s previous work. With a curious incident of the dog in the night-time, Haddon gave me something I’d never…

Among the Missing by Dan Chaon – A 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…

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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Paul Auster presents us with yet another must-read. This novella takes place in an unnamed city that has suffered complete ruin. There is no consistent government to speak of and anarchy rules supreme. But, the fascinating premise is that this is not a world problem, this is a city problem. It is a land cutoff…

Leviathan by Paul Auster – A Book Review

Aug 9, 2008

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I’ve said it many times before, but if you’re not reading Paul Auster, you’re really missing out. He’s remarkably talented and his originality continues to impress me. Leviathan literally means the biggest of its kind, and was also a sea monster from the Old Testament. Knowing such things illuminates Auster’s reasoning behind titling his book…

Maps and Legends by Michael Chabon – A Book Review

Jul 4, 2008

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