All About Books discussion

Only two more entries after this one! Week 98 brings up to 1997 with Don DeLillo's 11th novel:

"Underworld is the work of a writer wired into contemporary America from the ground up, spookily attuned to the weird vibrations of popular culture and the buzz of everyday, ordinary conversations on bus and subway. According to Joyce Carol Oates, he is “a man of frightening perception”, an all-American writer who sees and hears his country like no other. This ambitious, massive (832pp) and visionary edifice certainly looks like a masterpiece; widely acclaimed by critics on first appearance, it is often chosen by lists like this."

You can read the full article in the Guardian here.

Now this is a novel I have heard of -- I just bought a copy a few months ago! But I haven't read it yet nor any other book by this author...

I haven't heard of this book or the author.

I haven't heard of this either

Leslie, were you thinking of doing some other list of books weekly once this one is over? Even if I don't comment I've enjoyed finding out about new books and the discussion on them.

Giorgia wrote: "Leslie, were you thinking of doing some other list of books weekly once this one is over? Even if I don't comment I've enjoyed finding out about new books and the discussion on them."

I am just filling in for Jenny while she is busy with work & family, so I can't really say. However, I love lists so I would not be surprised if another similar thread starts! It is interesting to see what book critics pick for such lists (compared to us lowly readers) & I too find new books and authors to try from them.

I have heard of him but fear he will be a bit too seedy/gritty/dark for me. Maybe I will give something by him a try one day.

Red it almost 10 years ago and didn't like it AT ALL.
It was a gift from my brother, with whom I've never got along well and I've now totally broken any relationship - maybe is it the reason why? ;)

I have read four of Don DeLillo's novels, including Underworld. Have you ever had something that you are not quite sure you love, but you keep going back to? That is Don DeLillo for me. At times he is work. He can certainly be challenging, at least for me. But he can also be incredibly enjoyable. And amazing. I recently read Libra and really enjoyed it. DeLillo is someone I am cautious about recommending. I tell others to try at ther own risk. However, if you are tempted, read the first 70 pages of Underworld. I was wowed.

Thanks Albert, your comments are very helpful to me! I do like some "difficult" authors (Faulkner for example) but not others. I will have to just try DeLillo and see.