I am reading I am Charlotte Simmons |
I am reading I am Charlotte Simmons |
Oct 15 2009, 10:19 AM
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#1
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Senior Member Group: Administrator Posts: 2,648 Joined: Apr 2008 Member No: 639,265 |
I started reading Tom Wolfe's I Am Charlotte Simmons a couple weeks ago, but I read pretty slowly so I'm only on chapter 5. Has anyone else read this? If so, what do you think of it? I'm going to be honest: it's the first thing I've read by Tom Wolfe, and...I expected better. My thoughts on the book thus far:
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Oct 15 2009, 12:20 PM
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#2
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Senior Member Group: Member Posts: 944 Joined: Jul 2008 Member No: 663,413 |
I just checked that book out from the library! My mom wanted me to read it.
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Nov 3 2009, 05:20 PM
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#3
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Senior Member Group: Administrator Posts: 2,648 Joined: Apr 2008 Member No: 639,265 |
I'm getting more into this book. From a storytelling perspective, it's a bit non-traditional, and has more of a journalistic feel; I think you have to keep this in mind when reading it, because it doesn't read quite like a traditional novel. Wolfe is more of a journalist than a novelist, of course, and he approached his book the way a journalist would -- he interviewed dozens of college students and even "embedded" himself in a frat party to get material for the book. It's mostly a critique of modern relationships and the associated college "hook-up" culture, and having graduated less than 2 years ago, I'm finding it more and more fascinating as I go along.
I still don't like any of the characters, though. The only character I sort of like is Charlotte, but even I think she's a bit whiny. I'm kind of digging her transformation, though -- not because I like her personality, but I think it's pretty standard for even the most introspective of students to become superficial during college, especially in a social context. I wish I really had a character to root for, though. |
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Nov 30 2009, 10:03 PM
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#4
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Senior Member Group: Administrator Posts: 2,648 Joined: Apr 2008 Member No: 639,265 |
Almost done with this book. I have about 200 pages to go. I should've finished it on my combined 4-hour train ride home yesterday, but unfortunately I was stupid and accidentally left it at my girlfriend's house, so I'll have to wait to finish until she ships it up to me.
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