A review by erinray82
Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon

4.0

I really wish I had read this book before I saw the movie. Unfortunately, not having done so, I feel like it spoiled the book for me a bit. It also wasn't tied up as neatly as in the movie, which I usually prefer in books, but instead found unfulfilling. I enjoyed the fucked-up writer neurosis, if a little over the top at times. Chabon is really good with character quirks, and so I felt as though I could see all characters incredibly well. He managed to make Grady an epic douche, yet leave enough there to be somewhat endearing. I felt as though Grady was on some sort of wayward odyssey, but nothing noble or heroic. If nothing else, Grady's journey only sees him to the point of a new beginning, though I suppose at times we all should find ourselves so lucky. It felt decidedly male, had a strong sense of randomness... a lack of clear direction, but I enjoyed it. It reminds me that life is messy, particularly the life of a writer. It's something worth recognizing.