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Reading the new Martin Amis book, House of Meetings, on the trolley today made me want to smash a person's face in--that's how annoying it is. I even looked around for someone who looked like Amis, just for daydreaming "fun," but slim, effete, dashing, straight-toothed British gentlemen are in short supply on SEPTA's 34.
Liz Spikol is senior contributing editor of Philadelphia Weekly. She writes the award-winning column The Trouble With Spikol, which began as a chronicle of her struggle with mental illness, and has since expanded into humorous musings on everything from graphic novels to how to use a mop. She also writes the paper's book review column, Lit Gloss. This blog -- named one of the Top 10 Bipolar Blogs of 2007 by PsychCentral -- is about mental illness policy, news, personal journeys and more.
Comments
That grating? I read a review saying it was a pretty bad (and quite tasteless) book, but thoughts of violence?
Having said that, I read "A Farewell to Arms" last week and the dialog between the two lovers in that book was so terrible it made me contemplate smashing somebody's face in, so I feel you.
Posted by: BSP (a nerd for all things Russian) | March 21, 2007 12:54 PM
I loved his 'Money: A Suicide Note' in the 80's. He seemed to me to be a very good writer.
Recently read his memoir, 'Experience'. A lot about his teeth problems - he has a whole mouth of implants, and that is no walk in the park, though it may sound trivial. And it was about his dear old Dad dying.
Maybe I'll put this one on my library list. My disposable income doesn't go to fiction generally.
But now I'm really curious how annoying the book is or if I agree with you. Amis can seem to be so full of himself, with his wealth, connections, talent, good looks - though those may be near gone by now.
Posted by: Annette | March 21, 2007 03:22 PM
Only $13.88 on Amazon. Why is Zoya standing out so vividly in my head? It seems I've heard her story before but can't think of where I know it from..
That is the only thing that is compelling me to pick that book up at the library..
Posted by: ttq | March 21, 2007 04:27 PM
Just read the reviews at Amazon. Sounds like something I'd hate for sure. Idealised beautiful women, heroic historical romance. I'd be tossing it against the wall.
I like comic novels. Amis did a good job with some in the past. And that $13.88 on Amazon does not include shipping and handling.
Posted by: Annette | March 21, 2007 07:12 PM
The book wasn't in the library, it was checked out..
Posted by: ttq | March 22, 2007 07:41 PM