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A review of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

by Dave Eggers

A young adult and his little brother learn to get by without their parents.

Reviewed by: Michelle Miller Detwiler
About Michelle Miller Detwiler

A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius All the hype received for David Eggers' "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" is completely warranted in each and every praiseful word. Wrought with humor, irony, heartbreaking sadness and genuine honesty, this book was THE book to read in 2001. And for very good reason.

Eggers tells the story of his life beginning at 22 years old, when both of his parents died within less than a year of each other from cancer. As an "orphan," he becomes the guardian and mentor to his 8-year-old brother. Leading a fraternity-esque poor life, the two struggle through Eggers' struggles to be both a brother and a makeshift father, all the while attempting to retain some sort of himself as a 22-year-old slacker with a mission.

The book is cleverly devised, and includes a list of "Rules and Suggestions for Enjoyment of This Book," as well as a comprehensive page of acknowledgements and apologies to people who have been mentioned in the novel. He even gives readers the option of sending him love- or hate-mail, including his home address - obviously unaware of the ripples this book would cause through the publishing world. He even draws a stapler.

It's very difficult to not read this book. On an 8-1/2 hour car trip to Memphis Tennessee, I single-handedly alienated my driving husband because I could not put this book down. Eggers is funny and a damned good and compelling writer, which was first demonstrated in the short-lived but humorous Might magazine, and further flourished in the now-defunct McSweeney's. Short stories of Eggers' have appeared in various venues, and his writing has earned him the distinction of a senior editor of a high-falutin' men's magazine.

Many have said that the book is self-indulgent and whiny, but they're just jealous because they can't write this well. Next to "Catcher in the Rye," "A Heartbreaking Work ..." is the best novel I've read in the last 10 years, if that counts for anything. If you're one of the five people who have not yet read it, I highly recommend rushing to the library or nearest bookstore to obtain a copy.

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius

Copyright © by Michelle Miller Detwiler, 2002

Reviewed by Michelle Miller Detwiler:
-- And I Don't Want To Live This Life - by Deborah Spungen
-- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - by Dave Eggers
-- England's Dreaming - by Jon Savage
-- I'm With the Band - by Pamela Des Barres
-- Our Band Could Be Your Life - by Michael Azerrad
-- Maus: A Survivor's Tale - by Art Spiegelman
-- Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung - by Lester Bangs
-- Healing Digestive Disorders - by Andrew Gaeddert
-- U2 At the End of the World - by Bill Flanagan









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