Book Recommendations

[tmi]

Run, don't walk, to Jonathan Safran Foer. If you loved his first novel, Everything is Illuminated,your heart will explode over Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close. Don't be put off by all the "post-modern" innovations (which I think make it actually more worth owning in hardcover)-- the NYT reviewer dismissed them as gimmicks, but they are actually crucial to what he is doing with narrative, and with demonstrating with the limits of written language.

(if you DIDN'T like his first novel, avoid this like the plague-- it will make you crazy).

Also-- warning: he is writing, in part, about post 9/11 effects on a family.

ETA: mr.pancake, you cannot go wrong with David Sedaris. I suggest you start with Naked, then try either Barrel Fever or Me Talk Pretty. . . but it really doesn't matter what order you read them in. He is just so brilliant, strange, perceptive, sad. . .

ETA again: and I forgot to mention, freaking hilarious!

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I've heard some good things about (possibly butchered title ahead) Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff by I don't remember. Anyone here think it's worth the while?

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You got the title right, Aldura. It has been in my shopping cart for ages but I haven't read it yet - sorry.

Count me in on the David Sedaris love. After reading all of his books, I have now started collecting them in audio. Dare I say, they are even more enjoyable that way! His voice matches his stories perfectly. Actually, my very favorite piece of DS merchandise is the Live at Carnegie Hall cd. He reads really good stuff from his newest book (Dress Your Family...) plus the addition of the audience laughter/reaction is great. I really recommend it.

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Has anyone read the brand new novel by Jacqueline Mitchard? Her books are usually only so-so, at best, but the plot summary I read for this one sounded interesting. But I don't want to spend money on it if it turns out to be as terrible as her last couple.

[Benni]

I read a book called Shantaram this winter that I just loved. It is a really big book, about 800 pages, but when it ended I still didn't want it to end. The author is Gregory David Roberts.

It is about an Aussie who escapes from jail and goes to India and has numerous adventures. I read it while I had the flue with a giant headache and I couldn't put it down. It is funny and heartbreaking.

SHANTARAM

Stargirl regarding Jacqueline Mitchard I would go to the library for her new book. Everytime I buy something of hers that looks good I am always disappointed.

[vacationland]

If it takes you a while to get through a big book like Shantaram and you prefer to read the book before seeing the movie, get it now and start reading...the book's been optioned as a film and Johnny Depp will be playing the main character.

Just a quick glance at the author's bio page and the sheer number of unbelievable, nearly impossible (and yet completely true!) directions this guy's life has taken makes me want to read the book and see what Johnny D. does with it. He was great playing a larger-than-life criminal in Blow. Consider me intrigued.

I just got a second-hand copy of The Dress Lodger from Amazon...someone I know had recommended it but I'm not finding it as good a read as I'd hoped. On the other hand, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is definitely holding my attention. If you like history and true crime, pick it up...it's really well done!

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I have Devil in the White City on my to-read list. I'm anxious to start it.

Last night, I finally finished Good Omens. Not b/c it was bad, but b/c I never had time to sit and read it before being so exhausted that I'd fall asleep w/ my face in the book w/in five pages. The ending was good and satisfying (although *spoiler what was the question Shadwell asked Madame Tracy at the end - the one where she giggled and answered, "Two". I feel stupid for not figuring it out - I'm sure it's obvious.

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Has anyone read "The Coldest Winter Ever" by Sister Souljah?

Controversial author to be sure, but what a fascinating book. I couldn't put it down. I also hear it's in pre-production with HBO with Souljah and Jada Pinkett Smith as producers.

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Good advice regarding the Jacqueline Mitchard book. I didn't buy it, just checked it out in a bookstore. Read first and last chapters, skimmed a couple pages in the middle. It might very possibly be her worst.

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I hadn't heard of The Devil in White City but I really enjoyed Isaac's Storm and will definitely check it out.

I was so disappointed in The Dress Lodger. It just stopped intriguing me (although I did finish it). I felt the same way about Slammerkin. Both books just lost their momentum and my interest. I know that The Crimson Petal and the White isn't the most popular book but it really delivered where The Dress Lodger and Slammerkin didn't for me. Maybe I just like books full of postmodern literary tricks that also deal with 'hos. If you found TDL or S disappointing, you might want to check out TCPATW... or not (especially if you hate books reminiscent of The French Lt.'s Woman).

I am always looking out for books that detail life in Edwardian up to pre WWII England. Most of the stuff I find was written in the 1950s by people who lived through the age. Does anyone know of a more recent book that deals with this time period and location through more "modern" eyes (in terms of social conscience and class differences etc..)?