T.C. Boyle – Cannonball Read 17

A slightly imperfect suit

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

May 28, 2020 by octothorp Leave a Comment

You always know when a comparison is accurate when it’s not entirely flattering. I identify strongly with Frank Lloyd Wright – obviously I am no architect, but I surround myself with artists and love the marriage of form and function. I also have an issue with balancing this with the cost of such luxuries. “I don’t buy junk. When I buy something, it’s got to be perfection or I don’t want it. You won’t find me coming home with five cheap suits, one for each […]

CBRBingo – The Collection. Stark, Interesting, Confusing (so, T.C. Boyle)

The Relive Box and Other Stories by T.C. Boyle

July 9, 2019 by cheerbrarian Leave a Comment

CBR Bingo – The Collection Short stories have recently become one of my favorite genres to tackle. There is something delightful about being able to, in one short sitting, devour a whole tale, a microcosm of a world and characters as a quick bite. Certainly this taps into my need for achievement, checking something off the never-ending to do list: progress is charted quickly and swiftly. Also, I have a bit of a reverence for short story authors, for how they are able to […]

Well, I’m glad I read this once

The Harder They Come by T.C. Boyle

April 21, 2019 by octothorp Leave a Comment

Like all of Boyle’s books, this is beautifully written, but the craft of the writing is the ONLY place you’ll find beauty in this book. This CBR has been my year for depressing books, and the only reason this didn’t feel AS bleak is that my heart’s been ripped out too recently by some of my other selections for this to make a dent. But no one in this book comes out unscathed. It also helps (hurts?) that none of the characters here are particularly […]

The Anti-British Bake Off of Short Story Collections: sombering and heavy.

March 2, 2017 by cheerbrarian Leave a Comment

I have been a fan of T.C. Boyle for the past few years. I first read “Tortilla Curtain” in 2011, and followed that up a few years later with “Drop City.” Boyle has a distinctive voice, cutting and dour, but also reflective. His examination of topics through, and he tackles tough subjects and places characters into situations of existential crisis with almost a relish. His books cover hard topics and hardened people, often in hopeless situations, but his writing forgives him for taking you down […]

Go North, Young Hippie

February 25, 2016 by cheerbrarian Leave a Comment

I read Tortilla Curtain previously and thought it was a solid novel, so was excited to pick up another book by Boyle, and one that was recommended from my favorite podcast, Literary Disco. If I had to describe Boyle’s writing in one word it would be “unrelenting.” His style can feel like a bit of a slog, but he is a compelling storyteller who shines a light on sub-groups that I don’t often read about, so for me it has felt like I learned a lot […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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