Comments on: november: notes on michael chabon

By: patricia

patricia — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:42:31 +0000

What is a relational aggressor? It can’t be a good thing, I’m guessing.

By: susan

susan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:18:50 +0000

I like the original Berenstain Bears books, the picnic one, and the vacation one, but the didactic franchise built upon them is loathsome. I can’t tell you how I relished the news (in the book Nurture Shock) that the Berenstain Bears books teach kids to be more skilled relational aggressors.

By: patricia

patricia — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:51:25 +0000

I know, I’ve already blown it with my long-time approval of Captain Underpants. I used to rush H to the bookstore when a new edition came out. What a failure of a parent I am! At least I’ve vociferously disapproved of the Berenstain Bears and those Magic Tree House kids. And have displayed an admirable sense of annoyance when they’ve been read anyway.

And you’re right about how he uses both specificity and inspecificity to fine effect. There’s so much to learn from masterful writers.

By: susan

susan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:04:27 +0000

Who knew I was depriving my child of a small enchanted precinct of parental disapproval and the opportunity to thrill to the deep, furtive pleasure of annoying me. I’ll have to pick something to disapprove of. It is too late to disapprove of Captain Underpants.

I loved the people on the towel hooks, too–I reread it thinking we enjoy the specificity of the Dinty Moore can, but here it is the tongue-in-cheek inspecificity that charms.

Oh, and the passage on each day as a child’s work of art offered up with a ceremony and offhandedness. Brilliant.

By: patricia

patricia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:22:21 +0000

I know, the “people” thing. I re-read so many lines in this book to appreciate all those little details.

And can’t you see it, if I run across him again: “Oh hi! My friend Melissa and I just wanted to tell you that we’re big fans! We loved the people hanging from your towel hooks!”

By: patricia

patricia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:24:58 +0000

Do buy it as a holiday treat for yourself. You’re a writer, and I know you’d appreciate it!

I’ll bet you’re right about the publicity for her book. She also probably knew better than to release hers second. It would be awfully hard to follow up a husband who writes like Michael Chabon.

By: patricia

patricia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:21:16 +0000

Hi Gonzomama! I’m honored that you’ve visited my blog! I love yours.

Did you get to read the Wilderness of Childhood essay in its entirety? It’s online. I loved that one.
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/22891

Maybe reading it will convince you not to wait for the paperback.

By: patricia

patricia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:14:27 +0000

I read the other book too, Diane. I suppose it isn’t fair to compare, but it’s hard not to. I found myself reading her book for the titillating tales she was telling and her willingness to be honest, while his book was all about the writing for me. And he puts an interesting spin on every topic he writes about.

Since you read hers first, you really ought to try his. I’m not sure I’d recommend the other way around…

By: patricia

patricia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:08:05 +0000

Nice to hear from you again, Lise! You must have read every word because you commented on the last paragraph. I’m always grateful for patient readers!

By: melissa s.

melissa s. — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:59:37 +0000

If you see him again, can you tell him I love him, too? I think I have a new author crush. (and I love how it was “people” hanging from the bathroom towel. funny detail!)