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celtic_oracle's review against another edition
1.0
This book had some initial promise - Eggers does know how to write. His description of watching his mother die from cancer was so evocative, I almost had to stop listening - too many vivid memories from watching loved ones go.
Unfortunately, when he strays from this type of straight-reporting style (his description of early Silicon Valley was also fascinating), everything falls apart. The writing moves to a more stream-of-consciousness format that results in repetition and thoughts of "where the hell is he going with this?" He also has a habit of having secondary characters break character, so he can thoroughly explain the symbolism that the reader is so obviously missing.
Finally, Eggers consistently comes off as a total jerk - a friend is in hospital and all he can think about is having sex with another friend? Someone please tell me all guys aren't really like this.
Unfortunately, when he strays from this type of straight-reporting style (his description of early Silicon Valley was also fascinating), everything falls apart. The writing moves to a more stream-of-consciousness format that results in repetition and thoughts of "where the hell is he going with this?" He also has a habit of having secondary characters break character, so he can thoroughly explain the symbolism that the reader is so obviously missing.
Finally, Eggers consistently comes off as a total jerk - a friend is in hospital and all he can think about is having sex with another friend? Someone please tell me all guys aren't really like this.
corprew's review
1.0
Although I like almost everything else DE has written, and like McSweeny's, etc... etc..., I found this book to be a heartbreaking work of staggering tedium.
cpweiden's review
5.0
Just a fantastic memior that defies convictions. Changed the way I think about writing. And he went to U of I for a minute! Look for his description of the South Farms....
erakow13's review
3.0
Very dense, but very moving at times. This book was hard for me to get through based on its sheer verbosity, but the overall themes of self-awareness and human fragility felt tangible to the point that they stuck in my throat. Enjoyed the breaking of the 4th wall as well. Happy to have read it, but didn’t necessarily enjoy reading it.