by Diana Raabe
Member since:
August 31, 2005

The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson: It Just Might Be the Last Book You'll Ever Need to Read...

June 23, 2008 05:56 PM EDT (Updated: August 04, 2008 07:07 PM EDT)
views: 473 | comments: 27

The Gargoyle by Andrew DavidsonAfter reading The Gargoyle  several weeks ago, my first thought was that nothing could possibly top it. After 44 years of reading anything I could get my hands on, including Moby-Dick, reading Andrew Davidson's debut novel made me feel as if I were done. The Gargoyle  had it all - all I'd ever wanted or needed from a book.

My next thought was - how on earth was I going to review it? Simply put, it's hard to explain.  Read the review here - and watch for it on the NYT Bestseller list.


UPDATE: The Washington Post has posted its own positive review and is hosting a live Q&A chat with Andrew Davidson. The author will be online taking questions and comments on Tuesday, August 5 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Click here to leave a question or join the chat.

 

Buy it from Powell's or Amazon.

Publisher: Doubleday Books
Author: Andrew Davidson
Release Date: 5 August 2008
ISBN: 9780385524940
480 pages

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Comments: 27

Diana Raabe Jun 23, 2008, 6:22pm EDT
Andrea - I had an extremely difficult time putting up with some of the subject matter. It is offbeat - in a genre all its own. I suggest you give it another chance. Skip the first 50 pages - the story has so, so much to offer. (Redemption, anyone? Everyone?)

Most people find it odd that anyone truly liked Moby-Dick. I honestly thought it was a spectacular experience - a book that made you think (and say!) "Wow!" at the end. The Gargoyle will make you say "Wow!" too - if you let it. Did you read the linked synopsis of the book? I would love to hear at what exact point you set it aside. You see, I almost did the same thing.

Another recent favorite of mine is "The Gift of Rain" by Tan Twan Eng. I would love to hear what you thought of that book, if you've read it. I hope to write it up one day, but, alas, have so many that await review...
Michele M. Jun 23, 2008, 7:22pm EDT
You've got me curious now and I'm going to have to give the book a try.
Diana Raabe Jun 23, 2008, 7:30pm EDT
Michele - don't be surprised if you, too, are tempted to set it aside after reading a few pages. In fact, I'll even suggest that you borrow the book - or check it out from the library, rather than run right out and purchase it (just in case).

It is not possible to judge 480 pages by only reading 50. You can, however, certainly judge 50 by reading 50. I would love to hear what you think of the full 480 pages.
Diana Raabe Jun 23, 2008, 8:23pm EDT
Andrea is correct - there's only one Moby-Dick! But I did find a similarity in the level of impact that Moby-Dick had on me to that which I got out of The Gargoyle.

The thing about Melville is that there is so much more to him than Moby-Dick. If someone wants to start a Melville group (or a Moby-Dick discussion) here on Gather, count me in!
betty eakman Jun 23, 2008, 8:40pm EDT
I AM GOING TO GIVE THIS BOOK A TRY AND I THINK I KNOW SOMEONE WHO WILL LOAN ME THEIR COPY!!!
Delaune Michel Jun 23, 2008, 8:45pm EDT
Well, now I am very interested! as a friend of mine says, better for people to be passionate either way, then lukewarm in the middle!!
Gretchen Lee Bourquin Jun 23, 2008, 9:11pm EDT
It definitely sounds like it may be difficult to begin, but may be something that grows on you. It has been years since I tried to read Moby Dick in college, and wasn't too fond of it. Sometimes one's response to a book depends on their mindset when they pick it up.
Patricia J. Jun 24, 2008, 1:48am EDT
It sounds like an awesome book and I am going to read it. I'm not sure if my library will have it but perhaps my book club will.
Ellen B. Jun 24, 2008, 2:22am EDT
Interesting quip here. It sounds like quite the experience. I think Gretchen has hit it right on the nose; mindset is everything. I am not sure that "best-seller" has anything to do with how good the book is. And I mean that simply because it is a best-seller doesn't mean it is good, but it also does not mean it is fluff. Honestly, choosing NOT to read (or like) a book just because a lot of other people do is just as bad as choosing to wear those genie pants just because somebody told you it was "in".
I will give it a chance. Thanks for the heads up!
Wanda H. Jun 24, 2008, 4:25am EDT
I am really intrigued now. I read Moby Dick and many other classics on my own, not as part of school assignments, and frankly, I loved it. I was in my 12th summer and spent many days at the library getting new books, conversing with the librarian and reading those books at home. How can one not love Moby Dick?

I will add this to the list. Thanks
Susan O. Jun 24, 2008, 8:35am EDT
You have peaked my interest.
Sarah (I want points) Jun 24, 2008, 11:02am EDT
Interesting that people can have such different experiences with books...
Vicky Duggins Jun 25, 2008, 4:49pm EDT
This article has been featured in the group, So Many Books So Little Time. Thank you for the excellent input to the group.
Diana Raabe Jun 26, 2008, 11:23am EDT
Sarah, isn't it great?!
Digital Dogs Jun 28, 2008, 6:14pm EDT
This sounds like something I would enjoy Diana. I'll look out for it at my local library.
Kimber L. Jul 7, 2008, 3:23pm EDT
Great review!
Helen W. Jul 8, 2008, 1:41am EDT
Great review, Diana. Hope to read it sometime.
jessie voigts Jul 8, 2008, 9:48am EDT
thanks, diana! i'll check it out.
John F Walter Jul 8, 2008, 10:04am EDT
Thanks for the tip, Diana. I´m going to the review site right now. Hope you are having a delightful July, and, since you live in Minnesota, enjoying the lakes to the utmost this year. Don´t forget I´m a Laker fan.
Barbary Chaapel Jul 8, 2008, 3:47pm EDT
I enjoyed your review, Diana.
I'll check it out at the library. Thanks!
Haim Kadman Jul 25, 2008, 2:02pm EDT
It's very interesting and I've read your review. Seven years of research, it's amazing. Thanks Diana.
Vikki M. Jul 26, 2008, 2:10pm EDT
I'm definitely intrigued! I'll have to try and find this book to give it a read.
Shelbia C. Jul 29, 2008, 2:56pm EDT
Great review. I may check it out on my next trip to the library.
Sarah Honenberger Aug 11, 2008, 11:07am EDT
When I first read this review, I went right to Amazon and read those reviews. Tried to buy it at book store on vacation and it wasn't out yet. Now I've read the Post and his Q and A on web, so will go back and get it to read. Sounds fascinating, and he has that nice humility that I so admire in authors who are instant celebrities. Good for him. Thanks for the review.
Wow; what an impressive review! This one is definitely going on my list!
Bruce K. Aug 12, 2008, 4:02am EDT
Obviously this is a book I will have to read .... that is, if gargoyles could read!
Bryan B. Oct 23, 2008, 10:57pm EDT
After reading your review from your site I must admit I am interested. Thanks for the great review!

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