The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz: I'm not sure what took me so long to read this one, but as the Pulitzer season approached I wanted to pick up a recent winner. I couldn't help but feel bad for Oscar, the super-dork struggling to overcome a family curse. But even so, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. Also, the footnotes are awesome.
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain: This novel appeared on so many "Best of 2012" lists I had hard time ignoring it. Books about war don't usually appeal to me in the general sense, but I'm really glad I gave this one a shot. There are many present-day truths underlined and examined and to top it off, it's funny as hell.
Lamb by Bonnie Nadzam: I'm a sucker for anything compared to Lolita and after I read about Lamb, I picked it up soon after. Nadzam's debut intrigued me from start to finish. It's both lovely and disturbing in a pervy way. I enjoyed it immensely. Nadzam poses questions that she never fully answers, leaving the reader to discern what they will. This one would make for a great book club pick, as it leaves much to discuss.
Travels in the Scriptorium by Paul Auster: Auster is easily one of my favorite writers but I found this book to be just. plain. boring. If it weren't so short, I likely wound't have finished it. Goes to show great novelists don't always write good books.
I have two of those books on my TBR pile and don't really know why I'm waiting to read them - from what you wrote about them I should pick them and read them ASAP!! As for the other two, I think I'll pass. By the by, I really liked your short reviews!
ReplyDeleteWhich two are on your TBR?
DeleteI was captivated by Oscar Wao on page 2, when I read that very first footnote.
ReplyDeleteBilly Flynn looks interesting. I'm sure I'll get around to it this year.
Yes, the footnotes :)
DeleteHave you read his latest?
I read Travels in the Scriptorium when I'd only read a few Auster books, so I thought I was missing, like, a LOT and that I'd go back when I'd read more of his books. But... maybe it's just not good? Hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteI almost gave up on Billy Lynn during the first chapter. I'm SO glad that I kept going. I ended up enjoying that book a LOT. :)
ReplyDeleteI was pretty impressed with This is How You Lose Her last year and have been meaning to get to Oscar Wao ever since - thanks for reminding me! And I really need to read Paul Auster, too...
ReplyDeleteJunot Diaz is a book god: I really don't know how he writes like that! Oscar Wao took him about seven years to write, so that might have something to do with it...
ReplyDeleteTime I finally started reading the Junot Diaz, I think?
ReplyDeleteI loved Oscar Wao! Didn't love Diaz' last book as much but he's an amazing writer.
ReplyDeleteOh my God! Travels in the Scriptorium. I remember reading this and being horrified at how cheaply and obviously Auster was fishing for symbolism. I was like: "The hell is wrong with you, man?"
ReplyDeleteScriptorium was uninspired, empty , graphic and disgusting. I'm happy you didn't finish it, because it would've killed a little part of you. Auster is a great writer, he just struck out bad there.
The footnotes ARE awesome. I was skeptical of Oscar Wao but the footnotes totally sucked me in. I'll be reading Billy Flynn sometime this summer.
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ReplyDeleteThanks♥
I'm right in the middle of Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk and I'm completely awestruck. What a wonderful novel.
ReplyDeleteI really need to read the Oscar Wao some time! It somehow always intimidates me, and yet I know it is very much loved by bloggers. You've reminded me that I should give it a try soon.
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