When I was a teenager, I loved two things: Anne Tyler books and Woody Allen movies. During recent, stressful times I have found myself drawn back to both of them. I guess it makes sense that in trying times you might reach for nostalgia. But I have also noticed a similarity in them that wasn’tContinue reading “Comfort Works”
Tag Archives: books
Execute This
Without question, many intriguing premises collapse in the execution. A gripping opening gives way to flat characterization, unnecessary subplots, or a sluggish midsection. Fabulous twists don’t hold up to scrutiny when the culprit is revealed. Although the killer is a surprise, his motivation is implausible. If you read in the mystery/suspense genre, you know whatContinue reading “Execute This”
In Praise Of Premises
There are two essential parts of a good suspense book: premise and execution. A good story masters both. The premise is the elevator pitch: a brief, bare-bones sketch that hooks the reader from the opening pages. The execution is the final product, comprised of pace, characterization, twists, internal logic, and believability. It is much easierContinue reading “In Praise Of Premises”
Location, Location, Location
I have never been to Baltimore, but I seem to cross paths with it a lot. I have read many whimsical Anne Tyler novels set there, where the worst that can happen is a divorce. On the other end of the spectrum, I have heard plenty about Woodland High and Leakin Park on Serial. ThisContinue reading “Location, Location, Location”
Book Learning
Years ago I lived for a brief time in Phoenix. My apartment complex resembled a motel, complete with flimsy hollow wood doors, a kidney shaped pool, and palm trees. One of my neighbors was this slightly creepy guy who would watch my front door from his living room and make any excuse to pop overContinue reading “Book Learning”
Pathologize Me
Therapists in fiction often take on heroic qualities. Dr. Lowenstein in The Prince of Tides is a savior, immortalized in the last moments of the book like some kind of demigod; Dr. Berger plays a pivotal role in the family catharsis in Ordinary People. It gets a little more complicated, and interesting, when you lookContinue reading “Pathologize Me”
The Problem With Book Clubs
I have been a part of three book clubs and have yet to find one that seemed like a perfect fit. I judge myself for this. In my darkest moments I wonder if my participation comes across like Meg Ryan in that double date scene in When Harry Met Sally when she turns away fromContinue reading “The Problem With Book Clubs”
Siding
The first rule of reading memoir is to expect an unreliable narrator. Even the most gifted writer can be forgiven for some manner of curation. Memoirists also face potential blowback from their supporting players. Imagine how anyone might feel if their marriage, parenting, or friendship skills were laid bare in someone else’s book. I thinkContinue reading “Siding”
The Most List
I don’t often read the same author twice. With so much talent out there, I like to diversify and seek out fresh voices. There are a few exceptions, though. Here is the Most List: authors I have read more than ten times. Anne Tyler Every reader has that book that changed everything. For me itContinue reading “The Most List”
The Motels
What is it with horror and hotels? If you are old enough to remember Psycho and The Shining, you probably have certain built in expectations while reading. When a couple pull up for a night’s lodging, you have been conditioned to squirm a bit. I guess it makes sense that motels represent fear in stories.Continue reading “The Motels”
Books Smitten 