A visit from the Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan A visit from the Good Squad

A couple of months ago I was buying most of my books from amazon.com. This is before discovering how great thrifting books can be. What I like about amazon is the "you may also like" section. They suggested I read "A visit from the Goon Squad" and I looked it up and found that it won the Pulitzer prize. I figured it must be good, but I went in blindfolded only going by that amazon suggested this to me.

It's a rather unusual book spilt up into 13 chapters and 13 different stories all connected. Several characters have a recurring role in the book, but you meet them at different stages of their life. One main character is Sasha who is working as an assistant in the music industry and then later in the book you meet her again when she's married with kids. The whole book goes from the past to the future. Several characters you only hear from once, but you get a back story that somehow connects you to another character. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Egan takes you in the future NYC, 10 years from now and how in January it's warm out. I thought that was a cool twist in the book.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize

The ending is full circle and satisfying ! I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants a fun read.

Thrift and you shall find...

     I spend at least one day a week going to my local thrift store and buying used books. It's exciting for me to walk in and not know what I might find. Although don't get me wrong I love amazon.com, but the hunt is a little more exciting. Several months back I found "Eat Pray Love" which I had seen in the theaters last year. I liked the movie and thought it was OK, but I felt that the book might have more to offer me. If I didn't find it at the thrift store I may of not considered reading this book.

     I have read a lot of reviews on this book wondering what others felt. For me I became engrossed into it and couldn't put the book down. Some people felt that Elizabeth was a bit selfish, but it was a memoir of her experiences. I felt the book was smart, funny, and witty. I'm not gonna lie while riding the subway I laughed out loud. I could relate to some of her experiences knowing several people that went through a divorce and just going through the trials of life myself.

     After I finished the book I took away so many ideas of what life could be. I know that sounds a little crazy, but I think we all get a bit lost sometimes and it's good to reflect on it. Especially someone who lives in NYC you tend to be going at the speed of light and you get lost in the city life. If you're unhappy you don't get to dwell on it so much until you are deeply unhappy. Your busy busy busy in work.

Julia Roberts played Gilbert in the 2010 movie.

     My favorite line from the book: "Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must male a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."

     My favorite part of the book was that it was spilt up into three different sections. Each section a different country that she traveled. Elizabeth travels to three countries on her journey to rediscover herself after a divorce and another bad relationship. The countries ironically all starting with I.  Italy, Indonesia, and India. My favorite country that Elizabeth traveled to was Indonesia. It definitely makes you want to visit the country and learn more about it. The country I took the most from was India. I already was into practicing yoga, but after reading her describe yoga it made me want to do a little everyday. In India I think she discovered herself the most. I'm very happy I picked this book up at the thrift shop and can't wait to see what treasures I find this week!

Elizabeth Gilbert

I would really like to read some of Elizabeth's other books if anyone has any suggestions!


   

My first Post

Reading is a hobby that has consumed me since I was young. A couple of months ago I took it one step further and decided to try a book club with some friends. Since we only meet monthly it left me wanting more. So I decided why not share what I'm reading with more people so I can have many conversations about the books I'm reading.

In my first post I decided to discuss a book I've read several times and I'm sure most people have read it as well. The book is "Valley Of the Dolls". This is one of my favorite books of all time. For those who haven't read the book, I suggest you do. I read this before I moved to New York City a couple of years ago. Although New York has changed some, it still delivers such a captivating view of the city. I fell in love with all three characters Anne, Neely, and Jennifer. Although by the end I was quite surprised with the transformation of Neely's character. Which later I read was based upon Judy Garland and Francis Farmer. After reading the book, I also viewed the movie which I wasn't as big of a fan of, but it had Sharon Tate in it which I adore!

Jacqueline Susann who wrote the book is one of my favorite author's and I suggest if you liked "Valley of the Dolls" that you also read "Once is Not Enough" and "The Love Machine".

 Please feel free to send any book suggestions!