Comments on: Sunday Salon: American Pastoral

By: raych

raych — Fri, 02 May 2008 04:39:59 +0000

I dragged my heels through ‘Plot Against America,’ but I didn’t hate it enough to ban Roth from my tbr pile forever. Maybe I’ll pick up ‘The Human Stain.’

I totally think that the sign of a good writer is how interesting they can make something that isn’t inherently interesting. I mostly think this for non-fiction (’Stiff’ by Mary Roach is a damn good read despite being about dead bodies which, not interesting, and also, gross), but it’s true for fiction as well. If a character is likable, we’ll want to hang out with them even if they’re just headed to the laundromat. This takes a lot of pressure off of the writer. If a character is UNlikable, then the writer has to work really hard to keep us involved. I loved ‘Kavalier and Clay’ even though Clay, kind of a jerk, and comic books? Buhhhhhhhhh. (secretly in love with Joe Kavalier, though)

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:31:00 +0000

Shari, I’m ashamed to confess that I don’t like Jane Austen. It took me three tries to get through Pride & Prejudice.

Oooh, Terri, House of Sand & Fog is a great example! I didn’t like any of the characters either but it is a fascinating and very well written novel.

Inkling, omg, I loved Of Human Bondage! I read it when I was about 15 and at the time I thought it was the most romantic thing ever. I don’t think I could read it again now, though.

Lightheaded, I haven’t read The Almost Moon but from what I’ve heard it sounds pretty dismal. I think I’ll have to give it a try! :)

By: Lightheaded

Lightheaded — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:15:14 +0000

This is an interesting post. The first book that came to mind, at least as far as your question is concerned is Alice Sebold’s The Almost Moon. As far as I could tell almost everyone hated that book - the lead character is practically uncharismatic with nothing going for her, the story is basically about killing one’s mother and yet despite all the negative stuff about it I was hooked. It was painful to read but I somehow relished reading it. Of course Sebold’s other novel was better.

Oh and thank you for visiting my blog through the Weekly Geek! I’m sure to come back here. Really interesting discussions. Goodness, I plan to read The Human Stain and The Plot Against America sometime this year. Not to mention Michael Chabon’s work. I do love comics though so I probably won’t find that difficult to read.

By: Inkling

Inkling — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:19:07 +0000

I felt that way after Of Human Bondage. And about a lot of the novels I was required to read in college–I can admire the craft, enjoy the art, whatever. But I’m not likely to read it again unless I felt a character affinity.

By: Terri F

Terri F — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:27:34 +0000

Hey Julie!

At first I couldn’t think of any, but then The House of Sand and Fog came to mind. I didn’t care for any of the characters in the book, but I kept reading it anyway. And not because Oprah told me to.