n+1 is a New York journal dealing in things literary, political, and intellectual (and probably in a lot more than that, too). I first heard about it in connection with Ben Kunkel, the author of a much doted upon coming of age novel, Indecision (the linked to review at Slate is slightly more measured than others).
The link that follows is to an unrestrained piece about the so-called crisis in reading in America today. It’s great. It makes Dave Eggers, whose writing I like but whose politics I find annoying, sound like a wimp.
2 responses so far ↓
1 NanMel // Jan 18, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Well, I didn’t read the review, but I still have something to say. I understand that it was doted upon, but I say unjustifiably so. Perhaps I am too much of a cynic. I thought I was really going to enjoy it. The beginning was wonderful. Getting through to the end, however, was painful. I don’t want to get too specific in case I spoil it for someone that has some sort of need to read it, but really, let that need be quelled - Dear Ben Kunkel: Grow a pair and be a man. Please stop berating us with masturbatory tales of sexual fantasies in the jungle. I stopped caring halfway through, and your novel would have been better served by a nuclear explosion ending it all, therefore bringing about your self discovery - you are now dead. Please stop writing. Thank you. Nancy
Also, I agree with Tom about Dave Eggers. I probably wouldn’t marry the guy, but I would be his lady on the side. (To be clear, Tom never said he would be Dave’s lady. That is just me.)
2 tlitchfo // Jan 18, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Kunkel’s novel should never have gone to the jungle.
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