Books I’m going to try to read this summer.
David Lozell Martin
Done. Another post-apocalyptic joyride. Not nearly as dark as Cormac McCarthy’s The Road or Jim Crace’s The Pesthouse (though the latter is a bit more optimistic than the former). America, once again, lies in ruin and a king emerges. Fine political satire–neither the left nor the right comes off very well here.
Nicole Krauss
Done. After having read both of her husband’s novels, Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, I couldn’t help but note (as others before me have) the similarities in style and, especially, themes. The old man’s story of trying to connect with his son proved a good deal more satisfactory than Alma’s desire to understand her father, and thus, herself. Beautifully written.
Dave Eggers
Kingsley Amis
Alan Weisman
Denis Johnson
Nathaniel Philbrick
Done. The goodly Pilgrims meet up with the goodly natives, whereupon goodly fun ensues. Roughly 50 years of “peace,” save for that unpleasantness with the Pequots–but we won’t talk about that. Then Philip gets a bug up his ass about land or something silly, and the next thing you know the Pilgrims/Puritans are making a run for the nearest garrison, while the natives are having a field day burning barns and such like truck. But alas, history wins out. Those pesky settlers and their God are too much for the heathens, and Philip comes to a bad end. The lesson: watch out for traitors who wear moccasins.
Joshua Ferris
Thomas Lynch
Done. I became interested years ago after reading Lynch in Harper’s. Then last year PBS did a special, “The Undertaking,” in which Lynch, his partners, and death were the stars. Lynch is a sharp writer with a wry wit who isn’t terribly impressed by the anti-death forces all around us. He’s seen it all, touched it, stuck it, wiped it, sterilized it, smelled it, touched it, and probably tasted it. I don’t know that I too much enjoyed getting so close to it, however.
