Here are two books with long titles, but only one can be the winner! It's an all-out battle for the Ms! Just to remind you, Cliff Pant-one's highest rating is MMMMM (5 out of 5 Ms)! Some sink. Others swim. Who will win tonight?!
I read amazing reviews for A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. The synopsis
sounded amazing; the story of a 20 something raising his eight year old brother after the death of his parents. The book was even nominated for a Pulitzer. Well, I finished the book. The main reason- I was searching for the staggering genius. I just did not like this book at all. The book starts off fine, but then the focus is shifted from Eggers' relationship with his brother to a zine he starts with his friends. There is also a lot of talking about MTV's The Real World...and it's all sandwiched in between him whining and preaching about how everybody in the world owes him something because of his situation. So basically, I didn't enjoy this book. It kind of made me mad that he would give it such a high and mighty title. Maybe people thought it was so great because they were blindsided by the name. Whatever. In my opinion, I give it MM.
Now, I'll move onto the second contender: Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn. This title seems like it's trying a little too hard, and from that, I really didn't expect to be overwhelmed by the book. But I was surprised. In my opinion, Flynn should be the one with the Pulitzer nomination. Maybe he and Eggers should just go ahead and switch titles??? So anyways, this is the memoir of Nick, a man whose father has never been a part of his life. Nick begins working at a homeless shelter, and eventually his father comes in as one of the guests one night and their relationship evolves. There is
more before and after that, of course, but that's just a general idea. Flynn writes beautifully, without taking unnecessary detours that have nothing to do with anything. Unlike Eggers, he keeps things relevant. I was caught up in Flynn's journey, and was able to sympathize. It is dark but witty. At times it was intense, but never uncomfortably so. It didn't beg. It was just right! I give it MMMMM! DING! DING! DING! We have a winner. Bravo, Flynn!






















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