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3.37 AVERAGE
3.37 AVERAGE
Franzen’s a good, intelligent, well-rounded writer, and essays are an under-appreciated medium. The literary equivalent of stand-up comedy, artists lay themselves bare for others to pick apart. Lots of good, motivational insights here, however the interplay of (admirably passionate) bird watching discourse with grand pontificating of the state of the modern world in this form comes across as a tad messy and unfocused.
A collection of essays - as usual with collections, some good, some uninteresting. The ones I liked made me want to read some of his novels
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
You're a bad liberal.
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
You're a bad environmentalist.
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
You don't understand Edith Wharton.
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
Jonathan Franzen is one of the greatest living English writers. That's a fact and it's hard to dispute. He's intelligent, poignant, and a master of his craft. He has a voice that's specific, unique, and reflects our time. He's also contrary and a curmudgeon who doesn't understand those different from him. And he has no plans to do so. I love to hate him and will continue to read his work.
Reviewing Franzen is to be pulled against two counter ideals: He's too good of a writer, but his message is too off putting. He's the liberal "elite" poster-child the right-wing doesn't know it would love to hate. He's so liberal "elite" that liberals hate him.
I'll split the difference. 3 stars.
Themes: 1 star
Writing/Prose: 5 stars
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
You're a bad environmentalist.
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
You don't understand Edith Wharton.
But don't worry, Franzen will correct you.
Jonathan Franzen is one of the greatest living English writers. That's a fact and it's hard to dispute. He's intelligent, poignant, and a master of his craft. He has a voice that's specific, unique, and reflects our time. He's also contrary and a curmudgeon who doesn't understand those different from him. And he has no plans to do so. I love to hate him and will continue to read his work.
Reviewing Franzen is to be pulled against two counter ideals: He's too good of a writer, but his message is too off putting. He's the liberal "elite" poster-child the right-wing doesn't know it would love to hate. He's so liberal "elite" that liberals hate him.
I'll split the difference. 3 stars.
Themes: 1 star
Writing/Prose: 5 stars
Thoughtful reflections on current events; a few of the birding essays are interesting, but most of them have limited appeal.
informative
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced