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mazloum's review against another edition
4.0
This was a nice surprise. I walked into Hologram not knowing what to expect, the title seemed a bit on the sci-fi side, and the synopsis was intentionally vague. So, I started reading it, and it seemed to be one of the most honest works of fiction in recent memory. Eggers lays out the protagonist Alan Clay bare to the reader; his feelings, his thoughts and all his weaknesses and loathsome character traits. They're all there for you to see and feel, and it's done wonderfully through concise prose that feels familiar and inviting. Even the other characters are seen through his eyes.
I would also be wrong to fail to mention the other star of this novel: Saudi Arabia. Having spent some time there myself, I found the cultural references and implications to be largely true, and the novel manages to be honest, lacking the whole 'Westerner in the land of arabs' angle. I found myself curious to know more about Youssef and his guitar-strumming friend, a testament to the novel's well-developed characters.
So, pick this up sometime. It's a lot of fun.
I would also be wrong to fail to mention the other star of this novel: Saudi Arabia. Having spent some time there myself, I found the cultural references and implications to be largely true, and the novel manages to be honest, lacking the whole 'Westerner in the land of arabs' angle. I found myself curious to know more about Youssef and his guitar-strumming friend, a testament to the novel's well-developed characters.
So, pick this up sometime. It's a lot of fun.
bthooper's review against another edition
4.0
Egger's prose is clear, concise, simple. But he wrestles thoughtfully with contemporary themes. Granted, a middle-aged white American male might relate to this book more than others, it is still a simply told but sophisticated story that is worth a read.
jdintr's review against another edition
4.0
There is only one reason to get into this book: you are an American or a US-phile who cares enough about the country's place in the world.
This is a parable, to be read for its message more than mere entertainment. Eggers has strong opinions of America's generation-long decline (Being a fellow Gen-Xer, the use of Schwinn bicycles was poignant. I remember how they were THE bike of my childhood, yet now they're just Chinese-made knockoffs not worth buying for my own kids.)
They closing scene of the book, an unsuccessful sexual encounter, goes beyond parable to allegory. The surreal scenes of Clay's young colleagues in the tent are hilarious, almost Beckettian.
I care deeply for my nation as it is cannibalized by me-first economics and political dreams of Limited Greatness. Hologram really brings this to light.
This is a parable, to be read for its message more than mere entertainment. Eggers has strong opinions of America's generation-long decline (Being a fellow Gen-Xer, the use of Schwinn bicycles was poignant. I remember how they were THE bike of my childhood, yet now they're just Chinese-made knockoffs not worth buying for my own kids.)
They closing scene of the book, an unsuccessful sexual encounter, goes beyond parable to allegory. The surreal scenes of Clay's young colleagues in the tent are hilarious, almost Beckettian.
I care deeply for my nation as it is cannibalized by me-first economics and political dreams of Limited Greatness. Hologram really brings this to light.
bahoulie's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this better than some of Egger's other post-Heartbreaking Work fiction. Less frenetic. However, I found the ending fairly unsatisfying, which may have been the point. The life of the protagonist is certainly unsatisfying. But, as always, I enjoyed a lot of the strange, unhappy stuff that seems to go on inside Egger's mind.
a2zbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Clean prose, good storytelling. Not so great story/character building. Extremely one-dimensional protagonist who, despite the self-examination of his faults and misguided but seemingly good intentions, never changes. The shallow storyline (which obviously isn't the focus of Eggers' book) goes nowhere. This would have been okay if the the character had experienced some kind of growth or development.
scottnygaard's review against another edition
3.0
"Small,"unambitious but beautifully written and designed. Very enjoyable.
carrieliza's review against another edition
3.0
I was with a friend about to buy this book and she told me it wasn't really worth it. Probably should have listened and gone to the library instead. I always enjoy Eggers' writing, but there just wasn't much too this. Most of it was a sad look at recession-riddled America from afar, which was interesting! But the resolution felt too rushed, convenient, and nothing special.
gperry's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5