This book jump-started my fiction frenzy. It is incredible. It is tender, well-crafted and most importantly- HILARIOUS. Jonathan Tropper writes a sentence of plot progression like a finely arranged line of poetry. Every word is perfectly chosen. Metaphors are short, inventive and well-packed. I borrowed the book and don't have it in front of me to offer an example, so go check it out. But listen, there are themes of adultery and a fair share of crassness (is that word?), if that sort of thing bugs you.
Remember Julie & Julia? Well, this is not that book or movie. Premise: The New American Dream turns sour when secretary turned blogger turned author of bestselling book turned movie lets fame and success get the best of her. Begins cheating on her husband, and as any narcissistic blogger must do, she capalizes on the juicy details to write her book. Also becomes a butcher in order to drag out a grotesque metaphor comparing slicing animal meat to severing the One Flesh bond of marriage. Not only is it a painful subject matter, but Julie insults me by spelling out the same illustrations in each paragraph. Get on with it already! I had to read Nicholas Sparks to detox from this book.
After seeing so many commercials for this movie the past few months I knew I had to read it. I was craving that experience of a Nick Sparks paperback--- getting sucked in, staying up all night reading it only to be crushed at the end. This book was truly what the doctor ordered. Ah, the highs and the lows of young love. Typical Nick Sparks themes, I won't even mention them. Tbone read this entire book in one snowy day. We'll see the movie when he gets back from The Nics.
I admire Elizabeth Gilbert for the way she harnesses her anxiety into curiosity, research and travel. But her anxiety makes me anxious. Regardless of the book's title, this book taught me that love is all about feeling good, not sacrifice or choosing someone over yourself. Sigh. I would rather read about someone who has learned to make sacrificing for those she loves feel good.
Well, I gave up on my mother and sister and walked to Borders in the snow to buy my own copy. Great decision, Rutha. I cried for Constantine and Skeeter's autographed copy. Don't you love to love characters? Noof, I'm bringing my copy to you on Friday.
A good friend of mine recently told me she has never had the experience of staying up all night finishing a book and then aching when it was over. I ache for her.
What should I read next?
Artifacts from a Delightful Evening. I had almost forgotten this night. Great earrings, Katie.
