Dr. C. Scott Ananian (cananian) wrote,
Dr. C. Scott Ananian
cananian

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

The line above doesn't refer to this blog entry, unfortunately, but rather to the novel of the same title by Dave Eggers. It's really quite good; I just finished reading it today (after buying it yesterday---it's one of those books which I just *had* to read cover-to-cover, immediately). It's got some "formal fun" with diagrams and footnotes, alterations on the copyright page & etc, but it's also a deeply moving story. At times. The author's disclaimers in the front matter are right on: the first four parts or so are completely gripping, and after that it loses some focus and coherency. But by then you don't care, because you're so deeply attached to the characters. It was funny to find out that the author and his brother eat like my step-sister, or that their family plays the same Christmas-delay games mine does. But above all, he completely sold me on his "lattice" theory --- much like Pirsig and Bach managed to sell their philosophy through their writing; I do *care* about what happens to the Eggers now, which the author insists was his pure intention from the start.

Anyway, I recommend the book. Read it, then use the comment link below. It'll be fun!
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