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sariggs's review against another edition
3.0
Ok, there isn't much plot. You can put it down for weeks and not wonder what the characters are up to. On the other hand, its basically short stories with the same setting, so that can be forgiven. All I can say is given the world's obsession with Shades of Grey, I don't understand why this book isn't famous. Its hotter. It has totally fantastical things happening in it, and its still more believable than Shades of Gray. Reading this book is like flipping through a bunch of porn, but you get to be a character instead of just watch.
patrickwonders's review against another edition
3.0
If this book had been 90pp, I’d have given it five stars. The book was 220pp. Three stars.
Extra credit though for unique nicknames for penises.
Extra credit though for unique nicknames for penises.
danadanger's review
4.0
the filthiest thing i've ever read, hands down. also hilarious and touching.
jeffy's review
3.0
Subtitled "a book of raunch", this is pretty much pr0n as advertised. But Baker's twisted brain applies a healthy dose of straightforwardness and quirky humor making it a pleasant read. I'd have rated it higher only there is too much of what I consider standard pr0n tropes which aren't actually titillating, but just stand in for actual sexiness in modern pr0n. YMMV.
museoffire's review
5.0
Very appropriately subtitled "A Book of Raunch" Nicholson Baker's delightful, completely filthy journey through the fantastical sex resort "The House of Holes" has got to be one of the most unexpectedly charming and uplifting books I've read in awhile.
It took me some time to figure out just what it was I was enjoying so much about this series of ever so slightly connecting and intersecting tales of the various patrons of a metaphysical, is it real or isn't it, sex resort where patrons can realize their innermost (to the point where THEY may not even know they have them) fantasies.
Having never read Baker before I've got nothing to compare this to, but I was immediately struck by the impersonal nature of his characters. His writing is very crisp and impersonal. No one is surprised by even the most bizarre sexual kink and everyone is willing to try anything! There is a jarring lack of feeling in Baker's character that is at first a little disturbing given the nature of his material. But about a 1/4 of the way through the book I realized I was kind of enjoying the distinct lack of emotional hang ups. His characters are just so happy! It's extremely liberating to read about people having lots of crazy, kooky, fantastic sex and using the most insane, filthy language while doing it and not having to wade through a lot of emotional drama. No one is worried about anyone's feelings or self esteem or whether they'll be respected in the morning. When love is discussed or mentioned its as a beautiful, warm bath, kind of sentiment that's meant to be enjoyed and given freely not treated like a sacred cow that needs constant stroking and analysis.
I'm not saying I'd like to live in Baker's House of Holes but damned if it doesn't sound like a nice place to visit.
If you're not bothered by epically filthy language (this man has invented ways to describe penis's and vagina's that no one in the history of language as even considered before) take a chance with this. Its just a real feel good read. A REALLLY feel good read.
It took me some time to figure out just what it was I was enjoying so much about this series of ever so slightly connecting and intersecting tales of the various patrons of a metaphysical, is it real or isn't it, sex resort where patrons can realize their innermost (to the point where THEY may not even know they have them) fantasies.
Having never read Baker before I've got nothing to compare this to, but I was immediately struck by the impersonal nature of his characters. His writing is very crisp and impersonal. No one is surprised by even the most bizarre sexual kink and everyone is willing to try anything! There is a jarring lack of feeling in Baker's character that is at first a little disturbing given the nature of his material. But about a 1/4 of the way through the book I realized I was kind of enjoying the distinct lack of emotional hang ups. His characters are just so happy! It's extremely liberating to read about people having lots of crazy, kooky, fantastic sex and using the most insane, filthy language while doing it and not having to wade through a lot of emotional drama. No one is worried about anyone's feelings or self esteem or whether they'll be respected in the morning. When love is discussed or mentioned its as a beautiful, warm bath, kind of sentiment that's meant to be enjoyed and given freely not treated like a sacred cow that needs constant stroking and analysis.
I'm not saying I'd like to live in Baker's House of Holes but damned if it doesn't sound like a nice place to visit.
If you're not bothered by epically filthy language (this man has invented ways to describe penis's and vagina's that no one in the history of language as even considered before) take a chance with this. Its just a real feel good read. A REALLLY feel good read.
mrjoe's review
3.0
Avant-porn. A 3.5 that I rated as a 3 because I didn't want people to think I was a perv.
superdilettante's review
2.0
Although Baker's inventive raunchy vocabulary made me laugh a few times, I found this pretty one-note.
devnull's review
3.0
Corky and fun. No real point to the book but it's an interesting read with lots of crazy situation that shows you how weird the inside of Bakers head is. The vocabulary along is something to marvel and enjoy. If foul language offends you, you should pass.
havermeyer's review
4.0
Wow. Strange, fun, dirty. If anything, wish I knew more about the characters, but mostly just a really fun read. I really intend to read more Nicholson Baker in the future.
Sam Lipsyte's NYT review really got it right:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/books/review/house-of-holes-by-nicholson-baker-book-review.html?_r=1&ref=books
Sam Lipsyte's NYT review really got it right:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/14/books/review/house-of-holes-by-nicholson-baker-book-review.html?_r=1&ref=books