Play Book Tag discussion

Less by Andrew Sean Greer - 4 stars - My Review

PBT Comments: I was surprised to find Pulitzer Prize winner on the list of Beach Reads, but it just goes to show the breadth of this tag.

Protagonist Arthur Less is a middle-aged gay novelist living in San Francisco. When he is invited to the wedding of his former lover, he decides to avoid attending by going on a lengthy trip around the world, combining his need to escape with various literary events and opportunities. He travels to New York, Mexico, Italy, Germany, France, Morocco, India, and Japan. He had success with an earlier novel, but his publisher has declined his latest effort.

It flows back and forth in time. The narrator, initially unnamed, creates a slight disconnect for the reader. It is told in first person present, as if the narrator is on the trip with Arthur, when we know Arthur is traveling solo. This is eventually sorted out, but it is good to be aware of it going in.

It is full of literary references, and pokes fun at the publishing industry. It contains flashes of humor. Its theme seems to be that it is never too late for a journey of self-discovery. The writing is clever. The ending is satisfying. There is a lengthy section where Arthur comes close but does not find out a key element of the story, which wears thin toward the end. But overall, I enjoyed accompanying Arthur on his journey.

It is good to know that you liked it.

It is on my tbr as I was entranced by the description, but then, I read one bad review after another. I keep thinking that I should give it a try and as we often like the same books perhaps I will read this soon.

I actually didn’t care for this one at all. But everyone has such different taste. There were people who raved about it. Maybe I was just in a mood. But clearly not a good one, LOL.

I'm in camp of really enjoying this one. It took me a bit to warm up to Arthur but then I was all in.

Jen K wrote: "I'm in camp of really enjoying this one. It took me a bit to warm up to Arthur but then I was all in."

That is good, Jen K as we often agree as well. I think I need to read it. It wasn't in my plans this month but perhaps, I can move it up.

Jen K wrote: "I'm in camp of really enjoying this one. It took me a bit to warm up to Arthur but then I was all in."

I very much agree with this statement - at first I was lukewarm about Arthur but I grew to like him and very much enjoyed the book by the end.

I enjoyed it because, as an overeducated person, I have a fondness for academic satires. The ending surprised me, in a good way.

I really enjoyed the world travel aspect of this one. It is not overly long, so if you are on the fence, I say give it a try. Also, if you are into audiobooks, this one is very well done.

This has been on my tbr for a very long time. The world travel aspect really appeals to me for a summer read. Maybe next summer I will be traveling instead of just reading about it.

NancyJ wrote: "This has been on my tbr for a very long time. The world travel aspect really appeals to me for a summer read. Maybe next summer I will be traveling instead of just reading about it."
Yes, it will be wonderful to bring back travel!

It seems interesting and fun...Anyway, It is on my TBR list...Thank you...

I'm reading it now. My favorite chapter so far was Germany. It was so funny. The translations of the phone calls with the publisher's rep were great. And the class he taught sounded really clever. I will want to reread it when I'm done. His writing is very clever, and sometimes very touching too.

Some of the chapters didn't click with me, and the shifts from present to past are sometimes confusing. I just noticed what you said about the narrator, so I'll pay more attention to that now.

Do you think 50 year old gay men really find it that easy to find new lovers? I have a friend who is absolutely gorgeous and fun, but she had a hard time finding men to date after her divorce at 49. (Though if she just wanted sex it would have been easier I suppose.)

I'm reading it now, but just started.

NancyJ wrote: "I'm reading it now. My favorite chapter so far was Germany. It was so funny. The translations of the phone calls with the publisher's rep were great. And the class he taught sounded really clever. ..."
I enjoyed that chapter, too, Nancy.

Regarding dating at 49, I cannot say how it is for a gay man. As a straight woman, I can say it isn't easy to find someone who is not a liar, cheater, psychopath, narcissist, or solely interested in sex. I went through a couple horrible situations before I found my husband. (My first husband died when my son was young and I didn't date until he was out of high school.)

Booknblues wrote: "I'm reading it now, but just started."
Hope you enjoy it BnB!

Patricia wrote: "It seems interesting and fun...Anyway, It is on my TBR list...Thank you..."
It's definitely a fun book, especially once I finished and looked back on it.

Joy D wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I'm reading it now, but just started."
Hope you enjoy it BnB!"
So far, so good.

Joy D wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "I'm reading it now. My favorite chapter so far was Germany. It was so funny. The translations of the phone calls with the publisher's rep were great. And the class he taught sounded ..."

That sounds like my friend's experience too (but she was divorced). When her son graduated, she tried online dating, but the men she met were obnoxious, married, and mostly just interested in sex.