Being a child of the seventies, I am surprised I never read any of his books, but since listening to a number of past interviews on NPR I have added some to my constantly growing list.
Diana, I would rather depart this mortal coil with books on my list still unread, then reach the point that there is nothing else I’m, pardon the pun, dying to read.
I read 322 last year and made my goal 372 for this year, which I am not going to make since I’ve been reading immense books. I’m okay with that. I am never short of something to read.
I read this when it first came out. Personally, I found its deus-ex-machina ending rather illogical, but the rest of the book is gripping and terrifying. So, if it’s flawed, it’s flawed because Roth always dared to do interesting things, which makes even his failures better than most writers’ pale successes.
It is even more terrifying and chilling today than when it was first published.
“To have enslaved America with this hocuspocus! To have captured the mind of the world’s greatest nation without uttering a single word of truth! Oh, the pleasure we must be affording the most malevolent man on earth!”
“And how long will the American people stand for this treachery perpetrated by their elected president? How long will Americans remain asleep while their cherished Constitution is torn to shreds”
I tried reading American Pastoral recently and just could not get into it. Will have to put on my big girl panties and give The Plot Against America a go….
I’m watching it now, but not on television.
I’ve read his book, “Nemesis” it’s excellent.
Being a child of the seventies, I am surprised I never read any of his books, but since listening to a number of past interviews on NPR I have added some to my constantly growing list.
I have about 1000 (possibly more) books on my to be read list….this is not helping. After I read the synopsis…breaking down and adding another one.
Diana, I would rather depart this mortal coil with books on my list still unread, then reach the point that there is nothing else I’m, pardon the pun, dying to read.
I read 322 last year and made my goal 372 for this year, which I am not going to make since I’ve been reading immense books. I’m okay with that. I am never short of something to read.
Of course, I could always hit up the children’s section at the library to take up the slack…or comic books.
@Diana make number of pages read your goal instead of number of books
I read this when it first came out. Personally, I found its deus-ex-machina ending rather illogical, but the rest of the book is gripping and terrifying. So, if it’s flawed, it’s flawed because Roth always dared to do interesting things, which makes even his failures better than most writers’ pale successes.
I love Portnoy’s Complaint.
He did make you think
He just passed away last week
I read American Pastoral and was bored. So that’s it for me and Roth.
Yes, but you must read the classic anti-fascist novel of the Thirties, “It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis as well. It’s even better.
That is our next book for book club!
I can’t imagine a more timely read!. You all will have LOTS to discuss!
This book made my stomach hurt. It scared the devil out of me.
Loved it too
It is even more terrifying and chilling today than when it was first published.
“To have enslaved America with this hocuspocus! To have captured the mind of the world’s greatest nation without uttering a single word of truth! Oh, the pleasure we must be affording the most malevolent man on earth!”
“And how long will the American people stand for this treachery perpetrated by their elected president? How long will Americans remain asleep while their cherished Constitution is torn to shreds”
It was published in 2005…
Very much love this quote-so pertinent for our times-loved the book!!
I tried reading American Pastoral recently and just could not get into it. Will have to put on my big girl panties and give The Plot Against America a go….
I would need to wear Depends.
I have that book, so I’m moving it up on my tbr list.
I need to read that. Maybe I will get it today..it is my birthday…I need a book!
Enjoyed most of it, but thought it petered out toward the end.