At first you might see this book as pornography. I suppose if it helps you pick the book up then that’s okay. This is a razor sharp snapshot of several families, circa: right now. It examines every inch of their personalities, from eating disorders to sexual frustrations to the local PTA. It also showers you with more graphic sex than anyone could possibly handle. In the words of Kate Christensen, “it’s unputdownable.”
Some titles have to make their own way in the world almost exclusively on the strength of the work itself, and the power of good old fashioned word-of-mouth. Since we love the spirit of independence around here, we thought we’d give you something a little different than the run- of-the-mill “best of” list this year.
The kid on page 11: In striped 50′s tee and slicked-down hair. What is he, 13? He’s down the corner from a crap town bar called the Minute Tavern. Can you imagine yourself going into a bar called the Minute Tavern? On his left a pile of ash cans on the street. You have to be tough on the street and this kid knows it. He glares a swagger into the camera. “Can I take your picture, kid?”
Eli whips us with is quick wit, savvy tongue. He can’t stand his brother, and his mother is “putting up” with him. There is a wave of depression that wafts from these characters. It does not crush the book, but gives the sense that even prozac won’t help. These worries are permanent.
It is like a jukebox at the diner, flip through until you find one you like. There is one that I particularly love, about a man falling to earth afer his parachute didn’t open. He hits a pigeon in his flight, and the bird dies pressed against his chest. The man can feel the birds heart beating it’s last beats as they fall to earth.
I remember reading Chaon’s collection Among the Missing on the train to and from work. I got so involved I would often miss my stop. Over the years Chaon wrote two more novels, which are highly literate and wildly entertaining. Await Your Reply is possibly one of the best literary thrillers to come along in some time.
Odds Against Tomorrow by Nathaniel Rich
When We Fell In Love – Helen Sedwick
When We Fell In Love – Helen Sedwick
The Delivery Cut Download
Our Frail Blood by Peter Nathaniel Malae