The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective
I have no idea how this book ended up on my library request list, but it did. The premise sounded good. The author's life was changed by a man named Jones, when the author was living homeless beneath a beach boardwalk. Except that it was the biggest bunch of garbage I've ever read and I don't know how this book was labeled non-fiction because it was basically a bunch of trite stories that we've all heard before, all centered around a mystical man named Jones who shows up in this town when people need him. He already knows their names and their problems and how to save them. Oh, and he's only Jones if you're white. If you're Asian, he's Cheng. If you're Hispanic, he's Garcia. If you're in to, say, Chicken Soup for the Soul books, you'll love this one, but I only finished it because I started it and really just wanted to throw it at a wall.
Casebook: A novel
Fortunately, this book removed the bad taste in my mouth that was left by the previous book. Told from the point-of-view of Miles with occasional interjections from his best friend Hector, this book spans years but does it so fluidly that you don't even realize that you're watching Miles grow up. It begins just before Miles' parents announce that they're getting a divorce and follows along the path of Miles' mom's new relationship, as Hector and Miles act as amateur spies to try and uncover the truth behind his mom's boyfriend.
The voice in this book was perfect, but it was also the type of book where you could see how it could change when told from so many different point-of-views. It is a coming of age story, but it is also the story of a family, a story of lies and half-truths and of sometimes finding out more than you've bargained for--and in the end, I was in tears. Read this one.
What are you reading?
4 comments:
I see you like to punish yourself too. I have such a hard time putting a book down once I start, no matter how bad it is! There have been plenty of books I have wanted to hurl at a wall, or set fire to.
Casebook sounds interesting!
I just finished Donna Tartt's The Secret History. It started out slowly for me but then I couldn't read fast enough. She is a master at creating flawed, intriguing characters. Up next? The Golden Notebook.
I'm sooooooo behind on reading!!!! Haven't picked up a book in over 2 weeks!!! Ack!
I just read Pictures From the Past. It was about a piece of art that connected the dots between people and generations and survivors of the holocaust. I always like some good historical fiction. The writing of this book wasn't perfect, but I enjoyed the story.
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