I wrote a review of Dave Eggers’ new book, The Circle, for the newspaper here, and in their quest for space, the editors cut the first line of the review. (I know–my deathless prose, snipped! Unbelievable.)
Here’s the line: “I didn’t like Dave Eggers new book, but I can’t stop thinking about it.”
And that’s the paradox: because as a novel, as a gripping story populated with characters we understand, it’s not that great. But as a novel of ideas–most of which are terrifyingly possible but I hope to god not accurate–it’s brilliant.
All of which is to say that probably you should read The Circle–but be warned: you will start to be warier about your whole social media world, if you have one. And if you don’t have a social media world, well, then, this book will scare the bejesus out of you, too. And yes, of course I see the irony of me telling you about this technophobic thriller here, on this here newfangled interwebs thing. Of course. And frankly, I’m going to ask you to “like” and “tweet” and just generally social media my review all over the place, irony be damned.
Here’s the review--and I’d love to know what you think of the book, after you’ve finished it.
I like being freaked out. But more so when the novel bit is good. Hmmm I’m torn.
Stacie recently posted..Comment on Minecraft Mishap by Stacie
I have this book staring at me right now. It was actually going to be what I picked up after The Goldfinch. Yikes! I don’t know now…
I don’t mind being freaked out but I want the book to be good. Decisions…
Maybe I should go with something lighter (finished The Rosie Project recently). Brought Amsterdam by Ian McKeon to the Donna Tartt event last night and started.
Gina recently posted..The Day I Finished The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Ohhh… another one for my ever-growing pile of books to read. Thanks for the review!
Edee Lemonier recently posted..My Cosby Show Obsession Confession
Okay, this one’s now on my ever-expanding to-read list (I should have put it there already because my really cool friend has it on her to-read list, and I should really try to be more like her). I read Robin Sloan’s Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore last month, and this one sounds enough like it, it might be nice to read them close to one another. Plus, I really enjoy books that make me warier about social media.
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Hmm not my usual cup of tea but it does sound oddly fascinating. It’s on my maybe I will read list.
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