A review by elpanek
The Disappointment Artist: Essays by Jonathan Lethem

5.0

If Reviews-of-pop-culture-objects-as-autobiography qualifies as a genre, Letham is one of the masters of that genre. This melding of liner notes and personal anecdotes has popped up in his novels; The Disappointment Artist strips away the pretense of plot and character. Rather than explain why a particular movie (2001), artist (The Talking Heads), or song ("Shine On You Crazy Diamond") is great, or what the work Means, Letham analyzes his relationship with the works and artists. Whereas someone like Chuck Klosterman may offer insight and entertainment by revealing the ways in which culture speaks through pop, Letham works in a more intimate, confessional style. This would come across as solipsistic and/or masturbatory if the writing weren't funny, erudite, and original. I came away from the book with a better understanding of my own intense feelings for particular songs, artists, and movies (as well as a desire to listen to "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" again).