Michael Chabon talks about the books which changed his life, more or less.
I think Bobby started a conversation on just this topic some time ago.
Posted by Alan Hogue at August 9, 2005 03:05 PMI haven't read a single one on his list. I'm not sure whether I should be proud or embarrassed.
Posted by: Ben Brumfield at August 9, 2005 03:07 PMRead Mike Davis' *City of Quartz* or anyway the Fontana chapter. It's the book he made his name with, before he got too impressed with his own apocalyptic woo-woo.
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at August 9, 2005 05:28 PMBobby's posted his own list at http://mrbfk.blogspot.com/2005/08/seventeen-novels.html .
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at August 9, 2005 06:53 PMThe Great Gatsby is overrated. A very good novel, yes, but. Hm, I don't know, I suppose I think it's a bit adolescent, in a way. Anyone know what I mean?
Posted by: Alan Hogue at August 10, 2005 10:17 PMDunno. Maybe try us on a counterexample: what's a fully grown-up novel in your eyes?
Posted by: Martha Bridegam at August 16, 2005 03:45 PMAfter some thought, and with the understanding that I haven't read it in a while, I'd have to say that it's a bit too self-conscious in a way that reminds me of a precocious but decidedly first novel. Somewhat overwrought in some ways. Still a good book, sure, but IMO overrated.
Posted by: Alan Hogue at August 18, 2005 10:08 AM