This is a lyrical explosion of a book, a challenge to literature, and particularly to narrative non-fiction, as we know it.
Our books no longer reflect the way we understand our lives, Shields argues. They are not fractured enough, not various and stolen, too hemmed in. We are all of us increasingly hungry for the "real", and have created monuments of commodified irreality in a desperate attempt to find it.
This book is indeed a manifesto in the best sense, a call to action for readers and writers. Shields is demanding reader interaction, greater risk, more serendipity and - as difficult, possibly, to acheive as it is easy to say - more reality in our use of the written word. It's a stirring book full of more questions than answers, and one I'm very excited to have as the topic of a conversation here at the store..
News of Note
George's Secret Key to the Universe
Written by Stewart
Friday, 20 November 2009
Lucy & Stephen Hawking (Simon & Schuster Children's, $9.99)
A delectable middle-readers book. It is also a great way for adults to touch up on their astronomical comprehensions. The second book of this series - George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt - has recently hit the shelves, as well.
A delectable middle-readers book. It is also a great way for adults to touch up on their astronomical comprehensions. The second book of this series - George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt - has recently hit the shelves, as well.