I love House of Leaves and hated A Heartbreaking Work... so much so that I haven't finished reading it. Eggers just annoyed the crap out of me; it wasn't the narrative conceit per se, more that I just wanted to slap him.
I know, world in peril and we have to work together. This is my last office romance, I'll tell you that.
Buffy ,'End of Days'
Literary Buffistas 3: Don't Parse the Blurb, Dear.
There's more to life than watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer! No. Really, there is! Honestly! Here's a place for Buffistas to come and discuss what it is they're reading, their favorite authors and poets. "Geez. Crack a book sometime."
Volans - Nov 04, 2010 10:21:28 am PDT #12847 of 28289
move out and draw fire
Laga - Nov 04, 2010 11:15:22 am PDT #12848 of 28289
You should know I'm a big deal in the Resistance.
I love it when the author calls me, "reader".
Consuela - Nov 04, 2010 4:02:00 pm PDT #12849 of 28289
We are Buffistas. This isn't our first apocalypse. -- Pix
I couldn't read Heartbreaking Work (bounced hard off the first 30 pages), but I really loved The Book Thief. That said, I suspect Zukas could have done more with the conceit.
Megan, I know I'm a little late, but I recommend Marc Reisner's Cadillac Desert or The Most Dangerous Place for California Dreaming. I have often suggested that the state should give copies of CD to new arrivals as they cross the border.
DavidS - Nov 04, 2010 5:57:43 pm PDT #12850 of 28289
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
A short, interesting video interview with Bernard Cornwell of the Sharpe novels. (He also discusses the American Revolution and the historical basis for Arthurian legend.)
erikaj - Nov 04, 2010 6:03:19 pm PDT #12851 of 28289
Always Anti-fascist!
How about Raymond Chandler for "California Dreaming" Of course, Raymond Chandler is often my answer to every question, even as I'm finding "Farewell My Lovely" OMG-racist in addition to the sexism I know to handwave. I love it when Marlowe ranks on the rich guys, though...it's made of win.(Although I think he'd HATE that expression.)
Consuela - Nov 04, 2010 6:06:41 pm PDT #12852 of 28289
We are Buffistas. This isn't our first apocalypse. -- Pix
David, that's really interesting. I grew up in Mass, and I've never heard of this.
Kat - Nov 04, 2010 6:33:37 pm PDT #12853 of 28289
"I keep to a strict diet of ill-advised enthusiasm and heartfelt regret." Leigh Bardugo
lisah, I've read a review of Room, but the setup squicks me bigtime. Which I wonder if that's the point? The squick factor.
I am between books (library has a book in for me right now, but I haven't had time to go as I've been twinned) and am instead reading the Archives of author interviews at the Paris Review. Dear god! I love John McPhee even more know. Ditto Margaret Atwood who is brilliant (makes me want to be called trenchant!) If you want to get lost in writers talking about writing, I highly recommend + free! [link]
Sophie Max - Nov 05, 2010 1:48:23 pm PDT #12854 of 28289
delurk
I read and LOVED room. I also saw Emma Donaghue speak at our local writer's festival and she is just adorable.
I don't think the squick factor is the point; it's really about Jack (the 5 year old) and his relationship with his mother, and this strange little world he lives in. I thought it was really well done.
I have The Book Thief on my shelves to read, but likely won't get it to it for a while. I'm reading The Princess Bride for the first time ever and loving it. (Yes, I've seen the movie, like, many many times).
Laga - Nov 05, 2010 2:11:08 pm PDT #12855 of 28289
You should know I'm a big deal in the Resistance.
Isn't it wonderful how Princess Bride the movie is encompassed by the book? It's like the movie's a drumstick and the book is a turkey dinner.
I've put The Book Thief aside to finish His Dark Materials but I'll get back to it soon.
Connie Neil - Nov 08, 2010 8:46:58 am PST #12856 of 28289
brillig
Found The Eyre Affair at the thrift store for a dollar. It's being a very good read so far.