While reading this "novel", I kept wondering "Where is this going?..."
Not only did it win the 2010 Pulitzer Prize and several awards, but it was also recommended by a dear friend and bibliophile. I had to give it a chance and I knew there was something more to it.
Each chapter is a short story of its own and while some of them took me on an emotional journey, others left me indifferent and disengaged.
I wish I had read this before:
http://www.randomhouse.com/book/201020/a-visit-from-the-goon-squad-by-jennifer-egan/9780307592835/?view=reader'sguide#reader'sguide
(although the author does say that I was reading it perfectly!)
About half way through the book, I started to get into it and flip back to previous chapters (which is always a good sign). When done reading, I put it down and pondered for awhile about the journey of the characters. I picked it up again and reread a few pages I had dog-eared.
My random thoughts about the book (I'm hesitant to call it a novel since each chapter is a story on its own): It's about life. It's about endings and forever. It's about dreams and lost hope. It's about youthful abandon and society's expectations. It's about growing up and growing old. It's sad and moving.
It makes you appreciate the moments and hug your loved ones.
Susan turned to him suddenly and said "Let's make sure it's always like this". And so entwined were their thoughts at that point that Ted knew exactly why she'd said it - because she's felt the passage of time. And then Ted felt it too (...) and he'd held Susan's hand and said , "Always. It will always be like this." (p.231)
(and just to burst the hope bubble: no it won't)
Yes, I will reread it.
Thank you Bex for sharing this journey with me.
Phew! When I started reading this my heart sank, I thought I'd recommended another book that you didn't like! I also found it very moving. I love how she gives us a pinhole view into people's lives and reminds us how, consciously or unconsciously, we are part of a social web. Bxxx
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