"What is the What?" A Pseudoreview

One of the reasons for joining this challenge was to force me to finish books I may have otherwise written off before reaching the final page. Typically, if a book does not hold my attention, I move on to the next item on the bookshelf without a second thought. So, when "What is the What?" started to bore me, my theory began being tested.

After recently finishing, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" in three days, I imagined I could plow through Egger's novel in under a week. Within the first two hundred pages, I was bored to tears. Several other used books arrived in the mail that were calling my name. I was insistent however, that if I was going to submit a review, I should at least finish the book.

Here I sit, nearly a week later, and as a result of my effort to finish the novel my time spent reading has been reduced to nothing at all. I have scarcely finish 10 more pages since last week, and my guilty conscience has preventing me from beginning other books.

Of the novel, I will say little. It is probably unfair to critique without bothering to get past the halfway mark. That alone should give a fairly complete review of the book from my perspective. I am curious however, if others reading this blog tend to push through a book when you know you are not enjoying it, or do you pull the plug and move on? What is the breaking point for you? When is the earliest you've called it quits, or do you always solider on?

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

This review was also posted to my blog. All the book-lovers out there be sure to check it out, especially if anyone likes cigars as well!

Never has a family history been so utterly engrossing. Junot Diaz's debut novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," chronicles several generations of a Dominican American family, from the mystical Santa Domingo to the ghetto of North Jersey. Enter our hero, Oscar- the sci-fi obsessed, overweight, heir to the family history, whom even in adulthood never quite escapes teen angst.

The title of the novel is slightly misleading- as Oscar may be the most sympathetic character of the novel- but cannot accurately be considered it's center. The story skips between various branches of a family tree as they experience the trials and tribulations of everything from a violent authoritarian regime to the difficulties in getting a modern masterpiece (supposedly) of science fiction literature published.

Diaz's mouthpiece and narrator is Oscar's alter-ego and walking Dominican stereotype, Yunior. Yunior's ability to be embedded in the families affairs is only surpassed by his surprising knowledge of their history. The clearly intelligent, womanizing and pop culture obsessed spinner of our story manages to become a secondary hero. Although only a minor character in the narrative, the insights gained into his character through the narrative create a deeper familiarity that ingratiates him to the reader.

The crux of the story and it's driving force lies not within the plot itself, however, but in the hypnotic pull of Diaz's prose. Diaz's unique blend of surprisingly coherent Spanglish combines elements of the profane and poetic with aplomb. All Diaz's backgrounds and elements combine to form an astonishingly beautiful patchwork. While it might be understandable for a rookie novelist to approach such a tall order with trepidation, this work resounds with confidence. "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao," serves as nothing less than Diaz assuming his rightful position as an accepted master of his craft.

Tom's Notable Book Challenge List

This is my first exposure to a Book Challenge. I am thrilled to get started! Here is a copy of my challenge list that I originally posted on my blog.

Apparently there is a blogging/reading subculture revolving around reading challenges. These blogs are characterized by participants entering many challenges at once and endeavoring to read more books than any reasonable individual would deem healthy. In other words.. count me in!
The particular challenge that caught my eye is the Notable Books Challenge hosted by Wendy. Last year this contest revolved around the New York Times notable books, but has been expanded to include other sources. In the interest of not becoming a completely degenerate bookworm, I will limited myself to the 2007 NYT list. The books I am penciling into my schedule are as follows:

1. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
2. Then We Came to an End by Joshua Ferris
3. Falling Man by Don DeLillo
4. Out Stealing Horses by Per Patterson
5. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
6. Exit Ghost by Philip Roth
7. The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin

and either all or some or none of the following:
8. The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perotta
9. Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo
10. What is What by David Eggers

The titles are arranged in the order of likelihood that I will read them. The Nine.. was added to include a nonfiction title. Philip Roth's novel would be higher on my list, but I have been trying to read this pseudo-series in chronological order. Perhaps I can make an exception for the challenge. I made add or remove a couple selections based on reviews that all the other participants submit. Looking forward to see what everyone thinks of these and all the other notable books of '07.