Review #1

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

By: Dave Eggers

I just finished this 437-page book this morning and, after some contemplation, I think this book is a 7 out of 10 stars. While I really enjoyed the book, for many reasons, there were a few things I just could not get over, namely the ending.

 

PROS: 

• Witty--very witty. Laugh out loud funny at some point. All you need to do is read the preface, the final statement of which is "Here is a drawing of a stapler:" and a drawing of a stapler follows. Genius.
• Very insightful, philosophical discussion about the meaning of life and the meaning of death. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, I recommend Part VI (which Eggers describes in the table of contents as: "WHEN WE HEAR THE NEWS AT FIRST. [Some mild nudity]--all the hope of history to date--an interview--death and suicide--mistakes--keg beer--Mr. T--Steve the Black Guy--a death faked, perhaps (the gray car)--a possible escape, via rope, of sheets--a broken door--betrayal justified."). Pages 201-217 are most brilliant, in my opinion.
• The writing style is very Vonnegut-esque--train of thought, slightly ramble-ish, but most realistic from my point of view. This may be seen as a con in some people's books but I love it. Because of it, I think the story rings much more true.  

CONS:  

• The whining. While Eggers does a great job of making tragedy comical, there are points of the book when you just want to yell "GET OVER IT!" Now I can't imagine losing both parents within a short time span, as he did, and I'm not trying to be insensitive, but he does harp on some points for a little longer than necessary. It makes him, or his character, a little less forgivable.
• The rambling. While I mostly enjoyed his writing style, there were points that I had to put down the book because it was too much, too fast. I found myself only being able to read this book in 20-30 minute increments because I felt I was ingesting information too quickly and my head would start to hurt.
• And last, and very least, the ENDING. For such an intelligent book, it was kind a stupid ending. On the last page alone (which is only a half-page long), Eggers uses some variation of the F-bomb 11 times. While I understand why he did it, I don't necessarily think it was the smartest choice. The ending fell flat--it was almost as if he gave up--and I would bet money that the ending is what kept A.H.W.O.S.G. from winning the Pulitzer.

 

So there it is folks, my first book review. Despite its pitfalls, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius is truly a great book. I highly recommend it. 

Next book: The Passage by Justin Cronin. The reviews and discussion of this book will be a collaborative effort with the talented and lovely Ms. Parker. Who is excited for apocalyptic vampire tales? This girl.