Richards seems intent on convincing his readers that he’s complicated—philosophical and burning with intellect—but his digressions often slow the memoRichards seems intent on convincing his readers that he’s complicated—philosophical and burning with intellect—but his digressions often slow the memoir down and makes you feel like you're stuck at a dinner with a precocious and verbose grad student studying metaphysics. The Seinfeld sections, of course, are the core of the book and his reflections are engaging and entertaining....more
Wright is a gifted comedian and a solid writer, and Harold, age seven, is a precocious protagonist with a lot on his mind. Wright blends his humor intWright is a gifted comedian and a solid writer, and Harold, age seven, is a precocious protagonist with a lot on his mind. Wright blends his humor into the child's thoughts and it works for awhile, but like any time spent with any given child, it becomes exhausting well before it's over. ...more
Engaging and exhaustively researched, Pulitzer Prize-winner Emily Nussbaum's history of reality television makes the subject far more interesting thanEngaging and exhaustively researched, Pulitzer Prize-winner Emily Nussbaum's history of reality television makes the subject far more interesting than any particular reality show normally ever is, which is a compliment to her talent and curiosity. In fact, “Cue the Sun,” is anything but vapid—though many of the subjects and programs considered are inarguably insipid and cringeworthy--Nussbaum’s narrative turns out to be a perceptive look into modern American history, ending with the rise of “The Apprentice,” and its ubiquitous host, and the subsequent political movement that followed. It’s also a deep dive into the ego of humanity itself, where now a life that’s not being recorded seems almost archaic and pointless, the roots of social media and endless videos springing out directly from the belly of reality television. ...more
The Beads has so much beautiful writing and a sprawling cast of fascinating characters set against the world of financial privilege in 1990's New YorkThe Beads has so much beautiful writing and a sprawling cast of fascinating characters set against the world of financial privilege in 1990's New York City. Fans of McConnell's other books will recognize the poetry and precision of his prose (even when he writes nonfiction). The Beads is a layered and languorous novel with strong dialogue and a superb ending. ...more
This is Joy Williams at her most Joy Williams-esque—dryly humorous, sharply observant and endlessly creative. It’s genuinely poetic, too, which is mayThis is Joy Williams at her most Joy Williams-esque—dryly humorous, sharply observant and endlessly creative. It’s genuinely poetic, too, which is maybe what micro fiction reminds me most of, and requires the kind of in the line by line concentration that great writing/poetry requires. Of course, for me, Williams is a true master of the short story, and reading these stories made me long for her longer pieces. ...more
Didion's presence is liminal, so much so that including her name in the subtitle feels strictly like a marketing strategy. Leadbeater is a gifted writDidion's presence is liminal, so much so that including her name in the subtitle feels strictly like a marketing strategy. Leadbeater is a gifted writer and very honest, and yet there's something aloof about the whole work. ...more
3.5. Some great essays diluted with some less Scheer-footed efforts. If Sedaris and Croasley are masters of this kind of memoir, Scheer is a capable p3.5. Some great essays diluted with some less Scheer-footed efforts. If Sedaris and Croasley are masters of this kind of memoir, Scheer is a capable practitioner. ...more
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