It seems that people either hate it or love it, and I’m the latter (it helped that the book was set in two of my old stomping grounds: Lake Forest, IL, and Berkeley, CA). HWOSG is, well, genius. Purchased upon the solitary recommendation of a genius in his own right, I took forever to finish it, owing to the fact that it was the behind-the-passenger-seat time-sink for me when The Girl is sleeping in the car. Finally, months later, I finished the final addenda and declared it ‘done’. Besides Didion, it is the best view into the tumultuous world of grief that I’ve come across, and a revealing confession of self-pity and a harrowing search for meaning. Self-help guides and religious band-aids for grief? You can keep ‘em, thanks. Eggers writes from the middle of staggering grief, and the result is heartbreaking and comforting and dizzying.
Posted in: Dave Eggers, grief
I liked it, too. Though I’m depressed by how seldom books like these actually effect any change in me! Especially as I read it, oh, about six years ago: (below is a quote from the person you linked to)
I wish I had read this book 6 years ago. It would have been much more seminal in my thoughts of life, worldview and faith.
Or, maybe it made a difference, and I didn’t realize it. In any case, cool book.
mike – glad you liked it. when I finished that book a year and a half ago, I thought to myself, I am sorry I am late to this party. It would have been extremely seminal to my transitionary faith thoughts . woulda-shoulda-coulda . . . . I am glad I finally took the advice of a couple friends. thanks for the props too. you are genius my friend.
ok, this is really wierd. I just NOW read the above comment and now feel a little embarrased that I typed the exact same comment but completely support Kate for quoting me. I am a jackass and A.D.D. I am now officially late in linking this blog.
I read this in the time of my life that other’s had wished for themselves. It was profoundly affecting. I had moved to a new town and rode the bus to work every day. I often found myself crying in a crowd of people. Coupled with the words, was humbling in a good way.
mike
finished A Force of Will. deeply moving in so many ways. I am glad you wrote this book. honored to be allowed a little closer inside your journey with Will and grateful to have this book be a conduit for all kinds of my own personal raw emotions.
I don’t recommend reading on an airplane (which I did) because it led to several awkward “is that guy crying” moments . . .
told my wife on the way home why everyone should read this book and I probably will become the guy you don’t want me to become by handing it to a few people stuck inside grief.
glad to know you from afar.