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kelseyo's review against another edition
2.0
Intrigued by the cover, and generally obsessed with maps and places and borderlands, I picked this up.
But I was sadly disappointed. I found the essays long winded, and felt like I was intruding on some kind of effigy to fan fiction.
I will say the Holmes and Pullman pieces piqued my interest, but overall I think I would stick to his earlier stuff, if given the choice.
But I was sadly disappointed. I found the essays long winded, and felt like I was intruding on some kind of effigy to fan fiction.
I will say the Holmes and Pullman pieces piqued my interest, but overall I think I would stick to his earlier stuff, if given the choice.
mbayne's review against another edition
4.0
As a reader and writer, there were many moments in this book of essays about reading and writing that were very poignant to me, that mapped similar journeys and thoughts on the process of creating and interpreting stories, as well as ideas that pushed me into new areas of exploration. Admitingly, I have actually never read any of Mr. Chabon's novels, although his name has been on the periphery of my to-read list for a few years now (my to-read list is always overgrowing and overflowing). I imagine a person who is a fan of this author would appreciate reading about his influences and experiences. However, I can also recommend this to those would like to think deeply about the processes of reading and writing (like I do), and I will definitely be bumping up a Chabon novel to a higher priority spot in my to-read list.
mscoutj's review against another edition
5.0
Fabulous, as all Chabon is...this is an exploration of the spaces between: fiction/non-fiction as well as "Literature" and genre fiction. Insightful essays, well-craftedand thought-provoking.
milandeep's review against another edition
3.0
When I started reading Maps and Legends by Michael Chabon I was expecting a peek into the mind of the author - what he reads, how it influences him and how it moulds his craft. However, the essays seem to be written in a hurry and lack depth. A couple of essays were definitely good. I liked his take on other writers and how he supports fantasy books and comics.
In this book, he is trying to cover topics like - genre fiction, his childhood town, comics, Sherlock Holmes, Norse mythology, Philip Pullman, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, golems, being Jewish and a few more things in around 250 pages. Most of the topics are thinly spread over the book. The essays show his love for genre fiction, sci-fi and comics. He says that the primary job of a writer is to provide entertainment. I totally agree. Stories make our life better. The essays were a pleasure to read but they were not very insightful.
In this book, he is trying to cover topics like - genre fiction, his childhood town, comics, Sherlock Holmes, Norse mythology, Philip Pullman, The Road by Cormac McCarthy, golems, being Jewish and a few more things in around 250 pages. Most of the topics are thinly spread over the book. The essays show his love for genre fiction, sci-fi and comics. He says that the primary job of a writer is to provide entertainment. I totally agree. Stories make our life better. The essays were a pleasure to read but they were not very insightful.
wmhenrymorris's review against another edition
I really want to not like Michael Chabon. I suppose it's part jealousy, part irritation with his McSweeney's association and a whole lot of feeling like the dude gets to have his cake and eat it to.
However, although I still think his work is mixed, he certainly establishes credibility in this collection by expressing serious love for (and knowledge of) genre fiction (esp. sci-fi, fantasy, mystery and comics) and by diagnosing (mostly correctly, imo) what's wrong with much modern American literature.
The essays vary in quality and interest, but as a set, they gave me some things to think about and made me feel a bit warmer towards Chabon and his work (and reminded me to ignore the media hype surrounding him).
Although I still don't think that he should have received the Nebula for The Yiddish Policeman's Union.
However, although I still think his work is mixed, he certainly establishes credibility in this collection by expressing serious love for (and knowledge of) genre fiction (esp. sci-fi, fantasy, mystery and comics) and by diagnosing (mostly correctly, imo) what's wrong with much modern American literature.
The essays vary in quality and interest, but as a set, they gave me some things to think about and made me feel a bit warmer towards Chabon and his work (and reminded me to ignore the media hype surrounding him).
Although I still don't think that he should have received the Nebula for The Yiddish Policeman's Union.
pajama_johnson's review against another edition
5.0
I love Chabon. His essays are as engaging and emotionally interesting as his fiction.
fallchicken's review against another edition
3.0
Some good stuff, some ok stuff. And a bonus essay that's not in the printed book, or in the %read on the Kindle. Especially liked the one on Sherlock Holmes and the ones about Chabon's starting to write.
wrestleacademic's review against another edition
4.0
The more I read Michael Chabon, the more I enjoy him. This one is a collection of essays about writing (and life), which is something I always enjoy--and he does it well.
jayshay's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed Michael Chabon's collection of essays. He reminded me of some writers to check out (M.R.James, Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, Howard Chaykin, D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myth, maybe even Cormac McCarthy). I found some of the pieces rather slight (they were introductions to other books - repurposed here) but really enjoyed the slippery "Golems I Have Known" which finishes off the book.)