A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius: A Review

When I headed up to edmonton with Pat, I did a little soul searching and made a top ten list consisting of things that i'd would like to accomplish. I came up with nine things and got stuck. Pat recommended that I'd read "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius". He said it was a great book and that it's worth the read. Considering I haven't read anything but textbooks for the last five years, I figured reading a novel on my own accord would be a accomplishment. I finally finished after 4.5 months.

What I immediately loved about this book was it cadence. The pace and tone of his writing is remarkable. Dave Eggers can write as if he is streaming thoughts from his mind to your own. He captures both the logical progression of his thoughts as well as the irrationality of his neuroticism.

It's also very funny. Its hard to imagine a book about cancer, death, and responsibility could be funny. Some of the humor is dark and morbid but it works because he provides an appropriate backdrop. Another thing Eggers does well is his use of pop culture references. He briefly talks about Clinton, and drops names of movies like the Nutty Professor, every now and then. It provides a time reference and it helps in the setting the story.

It's tragic yet hopeful. It's also hard to believe that most of this book is autobiographical. It will definitely put things into perspective for you if you take the time to read it. Two thumbs up.