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latlansky's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this - some sections more than others. Some made my eyes glaze over as I read them. I skipped the chapter on Cormac McCarthy's The Road, because I am just about to read it and didn't want to get spoiled.
I wholeheartedly agreed with his thoughts on comics today, and the lack of comics for kids, but not necessarily "kid comics". I go to the comic book store once a month or so, and I am hard pressed to find something for a 6 year old to read that isn't too lame or simple, but the next step up seems to be anything weird, dark, and violent. Too adult in language and content. It is frustrating.
I wholeheartedly agreed with his thoughts on comics today, and the lack of comics for kids, but not necessarily "kid comics". I go to the comic book store once a month or so, and I am hard pressed to find something for a 6 year old to read that isn't too lame or simple, but the next step up seems to be anything weird, dark, and violent. Too adult in language and content. It is frustrating.
gengelcox's review against another edition
4.0
Pulitzer-prize winning Michael Chabon speaks to me and for me in this book of essays on writing. Chabon believes that fiction, specifically short fiction, has lost its power because of the limitations placed upon it by critics and other literary types, who turn up their noses at anything that smells like genre, unless it's written by an author who has an uncommon style. Direct prose that uses plot as much as character is anathema to these people, to which Chabon says, "get over it." Chabon, an unabashed fan of genre work (science fiction, fantasy, comics), provides a needed counterpoint to the New Yorker style where nothing ever happens in a story.
Other essays in this slim volume cover some of Chabon's influences. I especially enjoyed his memoir of Will Eisner as well as the critical commentary on one of my favorite comics, Howard Chaykin's American Flagg! But even the essays on things I was more unfamiliar with, such as the use of the golem and Yiddish, were fascinating. Chabon's easy style and obvious enthusiasm for his subjects help make this volume fly by. In the end, you really do want more--although if it takes Chabon away from his fiction writing, perhaps we are better off with just this little bit.
Other essays in this slim volume cover some of Chabon's influences. I especially enjoyed his memoir of Will Eisner as well as the critical commentary on one of my favorite comics, Howard Chaykin's American Flagg! But even the essays on things I was more unfamiliar with, such as the use of the golem and Yiddish, were fascinating. Chabon's easy style and obvious enthusiasm for his subjects help make this volume fly by. In the end, you really do want more--although if it takes Chabon away from his fiction writing, perhaps we are better off with just this little bit.
danarama's review against another edition
4.0
I love reading about writers talking about writing. He talked a lot about growing up, stuff he likes to read, and wrote in defense of genre fiction and writing for entertainment.
Also finally learned how to pronounce his last name!
Also finally learned how to pronounce his last name!
kaylynn's review against another edition
4.0
Chabon has an amazing use of language. It was interesting to see his views on things that I liked and disliked. I'm excited to read his novels.
panxa's review against another edition
3.0
Chabon's essays on reading, writing, and the imagination. They are enjoyable, but the fabulous book design promises a magic that just isn't there.
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