chrustyslice's review against another edition
3.0
The last ten pages or so reflected a recent reality our region is facing, where the aftermath of a natural disaster leaves some with the chance to return to a normal routine while, just blocks away, others can have their entire lives uprooted. I had grown desensitized to hurricanes, but now their menace shows up in ways that feel much more chilling.
danuunad's review against another edition
4.0
The epigraph of 10:04 reads as follows:
The Hassidim tell a story about the world to come that says everything there will be just as it is here. Just as our room is now, so it will be in the world to come; where our baby sleeps now, there too it will sleep in the other world. And the clothes we wear in this world, those too we will wear there. Everything will be as it is now, just a little different.
Much of the book that follows is a meditation on this theme of changing/unchanging, of things being the same, yet totally different. It is exemplified in a number of very interesting situations, ranging from dreams and a potentially life-threatening storm that fails to materialize to one person's discovery that their self-constructed identity is almost entirely based on a lie and the transformation that art undergoes upon being declared worthless by an insurer.
It is also reflected by the frequent recurrence of certain "signature words" or phrases (a concept that is, of course, mentioned explicitly somewhere in the book) in various contexts, such as "craquelure", "coeval", "proprioceptive", "dissected", "bad form of collectivity" and especially "unseasonably warm", which started to drive me nuts towards the end of the book.
This book is also highly self-referential and metafictional, with Lerner frequently breaking of the fourth wall and wondering aloud whether his (fictional?) acquaintances would be mad if he used their stories in this book. These stories, incidentally, make up some of the most memorable parts of 10:04. This book also shines when Lerner channels his inner David Foster Wallace, using personal recollections as a springboard for short essays on famous artworks, literary pieces, poems or, in one memorable case, a presidential address.
The problem with these often fascinating and occasionally hilarious interludes is that they make the main narrative arc seem just that, a springboard, with not much inherent value beyond setting up Lerner's next brilliant outburst. It is a testament to Lerner's wit that this book nevertheless kept me entertained all the way through.
The Hassidim tell a story about the world to come that says everything there will be just as it is here. Just as our room is now, so it will be in the world to come; where our baby sleeps now, there too it will sleep in the other world. And the clothes we wear in this world, those too we will wear there. Everything will be as it is now, just a little different.
Much of the book that follows is a meditation on this theme of changing/unchanging, of things being the same, yet totally different. It is exemplified in a number of very interesting situations, ranging from dreams and a potentially life-threatening storm that fails to materialize to one person's discovery that their self-constructed identity is almost entirely based on a lie and the transformation that art undergoes upon being declared worthless by an insurer.
It is also reflected by the frequent recurrence of certain "signature words" or phrases (a concept that is, of course, mentioned explicitly somewhere in the book) in various contexts, such as "craquelure", "coeval", "proprioceptive", "dissected", "bad form of collectivity" and especially "unseasonably warm", which started to drive me nuts towards the end of the book.
This book is also highly self-referential and metafictional, with Lerner frequently breaking of the fourth wall and wondering aloud whether his (fictional?) acquaintances would be mad if he used their stories in this book. These stories, incidentally, make up some of the most memorable parts of 10:04. This book also shines when Lerner channels his inner David Foster Wallace, using personal recollections as a springboard for short essays on famous artworks, literary pieces, poems or, in one memorable case, a presidential address.
The problem with these often fascinating and occasionally hilarious interludes is that they make the main narrative arc seem just that, a springboard, with not much inherent value beyond setting up Lerner's next brilliant outburst. It is a testament to Lerner's wit that this book nevertheless kept me entertained all the way through.
michaelwong's review against another edition
5.0
That Christian Marclay viewing scene though.
And Whole Foods coffee.
And touching Alex's hair.
And looking for the correct poetry book.
And the Christian Marclay scene.
And Whole Foods coffee.
And touching Alex's hair.
And looking for the correct poetry book.
And the Christian Marclay scene.
yrsbrn's review against another edition
4.0
Probably going to have to read this one again eventually. A lot of meta-commentary that I must have stumbled over in the first half and was thoroughly engrossed in as the book marched to a close. Wonderful symbolism and recurring themes, though.
theycallherphia's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
chavens88's review against another edition
2.0
I read this while I was waiting for Topeka School a more current release from the author. It was decent but very understated and unassuming. The only part I could resonate with was the main character's grapple with settling down.
thefateofivalice's review against another edition
4.0
This was, for all intents and purposes, a difficult read. Not because it was bad or "challenging" academically, but it broke a lot of rules of writing. At least, rules that I've been made aware of.
Lerner, I think, writes a lot about the human experience in this. His thoughts and mind are scattered, never remaining on one thing for too long. I think his flightiness, his fear, his combat against writing his novel and making his mark on the world before his disease consumes him.
I relate, in a way, to his struggles. I really do. Even if this book was a difficult read, I think it deserves some recognition and love.
-1 star because I *did* have to go on sparknotes afterward. It breaks several fourth walls, so I really struggled to understand it all the time.
Lerner, I think, writes a lot about the human experience in this. His thoughts and mind are scattered, never remaining on one thing for too long. I think his flightiness, his fear, his combat against writing his novel and making his mark on the world before his disease consumes him.
I relate, in a way, to his struggles. I really do. Even if this book was a difficult read, I think it deserves some recognition and love.
-1 star because I *did* have to go on sparknotes afterward. It breaks several fourth walls, so I really struggled to understand it all the time.
kp577's review against another edition
1.0
I couldn't make it more than 20 pages in. You know that arrogant douchebag at a party who thinks he superior because he has a word of the day calendar? This reads like you are talking to that guy.
quintonraymond's review against another edition
5.0
Lerner weaves words in a way that makes me feel like I’m dreaming while reading. After reading Leaving The Atocha Station I was nervous this work wouldn’t provide the same experience. Fears assuaged.
annikabro's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Funny and entertaining throughout. Very symmetric and complete and whole, which I like. Just the right amount to think about.