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infinitejoe

Infinite Joe

I like challenging books that make you think, and leave you happy that you did. Typically, I find character driven literary fiction the most satisfying, although I in no way think of myself as a serious literary critic.

Currently reading

Unaccustomed Earth
Jhumpa Lahiri
Progress: 282/333 pages

The Dinner

The Dinner - Herman Koch, Sam Garrett A good, quick, and easy read. Probably a 3.5, but rounding up for its departure from using typical commercial fiction elements, such as having a likable character that you can relate to. There was not one single character in this book that was good or admirable, but who says you need one of those to make an interesting story? I felt that the plot was well laid out, the writing was acceptable, and the book held my interest throughout.

This is the second novel in a row that I've read now where the child of the main character has done something horribly, and purposely, reprehensible. It makes you a little uneasy because you think about what you would do in that situation, or at least what you would like to think that you would do. I'd certainly like to think I wouldn't act like these morally bankrupt characters, who seem oblivious to the fact that their thoughts on capital punishment, eugenics, and society's "assholes" completely work against them and their children.

The one thing that really had me scratching my head, however, was the section about the mother's hospitalization, which was devoid of details, and gave us no conclusion as to what happened with regards to her obviously miraculous recovery. It seemed like a long way to go just to highlight their son's unfeeling, uncaring attitude. It felt out of place to me.

As for the ending, it was good, but nothing spectacular. Gone Girl has it beat easily. I would still recommend this to read, though, if you're looking for something fun, quick and easy.