So, I'm a little behind on my 50-book goal for 2008, but with a five-day impromptu vacation to upstate NY coming up next week, I hope to get back on track and be on book eight by the end of February (I will of course choose a few shorter and more easily digestible titles than those below). Also, stay tuned in the coming weeks for two interviews, first with Jessica Stockton (code name: The Written Nerd) -- a book industry insider and recent recipient of Brooklyn's PowerUp! Award -- and flash-fiction author Adam Maxwell, who's own website, www.adammaxwell.com, is in the running for a UK North East Digital Award. Until then, please enjoy these two brief reviews.
Johnny Mad Dogby Emmanuel Dongala
Huge huge HUGE disappointment in this one. Set to the backdrop of war-torn West Africa, the novel follows the parallel narratives of Laokole -- a 17-year-old refugee -- and Johnny Mad Dog -- a ruthless guerilla fighting against the current government. Chaos ensues as Laokole fights (futilely) for her family's survival, all the while Johnny establishes himself as embodiment of pure evil.
But Dongala's attractive conceit unravels as it becomes apparent that he lacks the writing skill to execute such demanding narratives. The characters each reveal themselves to be shallow to an almost unreadable extent, with Laokole's every thought and action drenched in saccarine emotion. Johnny's ruthlessness becomes repetitive and loses shock value within pages of his introduction. Dongala even takes a few transparent and poorly contrived swipes at Western culture and America's selfish interests in such African conflicts. No unique story develops out of the premise, save for that of the civil war itself, and even that seems to lack originality and depth. On the whole, not at all worth the read, and I will do my best with the next 46 selections to choose my reads not based solely on an in-vogue premise or a flashy cover.
The Devil in the White Cityby Erik Larson
Larson's bestselling account of the events surrounding the 1893 World's Fair hinges largely on the tales of two men: Daniel H. Burnham, the Director of Works for the World's Columbian Exposition, and Dr. H. H. Holmes, one of our country's most prolific mass murderers. Part true crime story, part history lesson, Larson's story is carefully crafted and exhaustively researched. That Larson is one of the most skilled writers I've encountered in years makes his book all the more impressive. Though at times heavily sentimental, Larson has a better grasp on mystery and suspense than most fiction writers, and he makes tantilizing stories out of even the most seemingly menial events.
Larson makes it clear that the events that transpired during the Fair's construction and exhibition are an insight into our nation's entire history, and had no small impact on shaping 20th Century American cluture, art, industry, and economy.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Chris Steib is a writer and digital media guy living in New York City. He hopes to read 50 books this year, and though he's got quite a list prepared, he is open to suggestions.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 11
Luke (& Paul): If you haven't read it, I think you'd love the Larson book. I found myself heartbroken to finish it, mirroring perhaps the immense sadness that befell Chicagoans after the world's fair closed in 1893.
Wurdzgurl: best of luck with your goal as well. I found I had accumulated too many books I haven't yet read, so at least half of my list has to be from my own collection -- but on your recommendation I'll gladly add the new Enger novel when it comes out.
Thanks, all.
I enjoy reading these brief reviews and your opinions, Chris.