Thursday, November 21, 2013

Review: Spiral Bound Brother by Ryan Elliot Wilson


I am usually more of a YA/NA reader, but every now and then an adult book or series will pique my interest.  When I first read the description, Spiral Bound Brother reminded me of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.  A friend recommended that book to me last year and I really enjoyed it, so I decided to give this book a try.

Anyone who enjoyed Staggering Genius, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, will most likely enjoy this book as well.  It contains a similar sense of humor, but without the depressing subject matter.  

The characters are quirky, but they definitely held my attention.  The use of three different narrators, as described in the overview above, was essential to the success of this book.  I enjoyed hearing Craft's side of the story, but I don't think I could have read an entire book from his POV.     

The writing was brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  I never would have guessed this was the work of a debut author.  If this is any indication of the quality and originality of Wilson's work to come, he will have a very successful career.

I am extremely happy I read this before Christmas.  I now know what I am getting for the friend who needs absolutely nothing, but recommended A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius.  The fact that there are even E.E. Cummings quotes and references is an added bonus.  He is a huge fan of Cummings and I think he will enjoy this immensely.

 


3 comments:

  1. Awesome review, Jacque! I hope your friend loves it too--that way the two of you can discuss! Thank you for joining us on this tour and for cross-posting your review to Amazon and GoodReads when you have a moment. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter and random commenter contests for yourself too.

    Em :-)

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    1. Thanks Emlyn! I just posted it on Amazon and Goodreads. Sorry...I'm usually a little slow with that.

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  2. Thanks for the honest review. Checked it out on Goodreads. :)

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