BOOK CLUB! BOOK CLUB! BOOK CLUB! YEA!

After trying out a zillion books--based on (a) recommendations, but also relying on (b) what was on the shelves (I'm not an Amazon-type of guy)--I was starting to lose hope. Oprah has put her book club on hiatus several times, citing a lack of new releases worth reading. I now see her point.

But a little while ago I was listening to "This American Life" on NPR, and they played a section of Fears Of Your Life, written by a man named Michael Bernard Loggins, who has some sort of developmental disability. He wrote a list of things he's scared of, some entirely basic and some surprisingly deep and profound; after the writings were published, they were recorded as a spoken-word performance which you can buy online somewhere (and as part of a a fundraiser for NPR). I can't explain Fears, it's pretty cool, I recommend a listen.

But that's not the book.

Pondering the view of life through a mental disability, I picked up The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon, which was recommended by a friend: it's the story of a boy who finds his neighbor's dog murdered, and he sets out on an 'adventure' to solve the case. The catch: he's autistic, basically a math savant, with perhaps a touch of OCD, and he lives in a world very much of his own creation, solving life's riddles with bizzare mathmetical calculations and unflinchingly-rigid logic. And is always the case with these things, his adventure goes much further than just that dead dog.

This book was published a few years ago, and received heavy praise from daytime talk shows. I know it sounds like a handful, I know it sounds dry and weird, but it's enlightening and fun. If you've read my weblog for any length of time, you can trust I am not a super-duper intellect who feeds on inaccessible literature. (I am the guy who has seen Bring It On 14 times.)

You have to be patient with this book; there are lots of tangents, he busts out the calculus a few times, but there's no need to be intimidated. Once you get going--and realize (a) you're not supposed to understand the math, and (b) those tangents eventually do have a point--the book is brilliant. And despite all the graphs and such, it's a really easy read.

I have all sorts of issues and questions we'll be discussing. Good stuff. I'll put up the topics in a week or two.

So go get Curious Incident; I found it at Barnes & Noble, it's easy to find.

Comments

[T.]

Great book! I have read it & can't wait for the discussion- I have a child with autism and it was given to me to read.

[Cody]

Ok, so I will be trying to find this book as I am trying to get myself into reading something besides Vogue. I just read an amazing book though! It is titled "Cassandra French's Finishing School For Boys". It is about a woman who thinks men are not fit for society and takes it upon herself to correct them. I love it, very humorous! And you can't miss it, it's hot pink with the silouette of a woman with a whip on the cover.
I will definately be getting the book you suggested as I need something new....

[Catherine]

I just finished Haddon's second book "A Spot of Bother" and really loved it! Can't wait to start this new one.

[Robert]

Yaaaaay! I love this book. It was so incredibly well written and I couldn't it down. I attempted reading A Spot of Bother and had to stop after like four chapters because it bored me to death. But Curious Incident is one of my faves. Can't wait to discuss!!!

[wendi]

Sounds good,Dan.I'll be heading off to find it as soon as I can :)

[Glenn C.]

The last book I read was a year ago and it was about wholesaling real estate. I just don't have time to read non trade books. Please join my group for fans of Dan Renzi at:

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/DanRenzi/?yguid=224617745

But maybe I will read this book. And I have seen Bring It On 15 times at least. Maybe we can discuss the social and political ramifcations of that movie. And there's a sequel.

[kristin]

Ooh, yay! Book Club! I can't wait!

[Kara]

You made a great choice. It's an entertaining book and not a difficult read at all.. I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

[Leo]

ohhhhhh
you surprised me!
never thought you'd use such a book to start it!
it is great!

[rene angel]

I just picked up that book about a week ago....everyone will enjoy it, I know I am.

[John from Boston]

Hey Dan, John from Boston says this is a great book and an easy read. Nice pick!

[AimeeG]

Hey, Dan... you may be interested in the fact that Michael Bernard Loggins was featured reading from his book in Miranda July's short film, "Nest of Tens."

And it's just a little slice of awesome.

-A Miranda July Fan

[Laurie]

Hey guys - also, I just found the audio book on Itunes if anyone is interested.

[Emilita]

LOVE LOVE LOVE that book. Its one of my favs!

[no name slob]

I love, love, LOVE this book. While I found it took a few chapters to really get Christopher's voice, once I got it, I GOT IT. And I must issue one other warning to those who haven't yet read it -- it sort of ruined my life for about three days because I couldn't STOP reading it. I was hiding it under legitimate worky things at my office and sneaking reads when no one was watching too closely. Fortunately, it's short enough and goes quickly enough that this obsessiveness needn't last long. Anyhow, wonderful choice!

[Brett C]

Bought it Monday and finished it this morning. As the above post stated... I couldn't put it down. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

Has anyone read "The Kite Runner??"

[Fendie]

One book I totally enjoyed was 5 People You Meet In Heaven..Forgotten who wrote it though..It keeps me optimistic.