Read Shoplifting From American Apparel (2009)

Online Book

Author

Tao Lin

Genre

Humor

Rating

3.18 of 5 Votes: 3

Your rating

ISBN

1933633786 (ISBN13: 9781933633787)

Language

English

Publisher

Melville House

Shops

Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble

Free Online

Shoplifting From American Apparel (2009) - Plot & Excerpts

Tao Lin's piece is not a story, nor does it provide some great meaning the reader can come away from. The whole point is the readers experience while reading it. We follow the main character through the mundane, everyday, and not particularly exciting. And even when it is something interesting or to be excited about, the writing style is so dry and emotionless it just sucks all the life out of the text. The sentences are short, there are no chapters, or any sort of organization to it all. It just is. To be taken at face value. There is not a single important or life changing line in the entire book. It's amazing. I thought this was going to be a how-to book. Just kidding. I had real problems with the writing style. I know the author has purposely chosen this very basic and seemingly naturalistic style, but the sentences are flat. I read this because it's one of those books you're supposed to have read if you're cool and hip in Manhattan. It took an hour or so to read, so I wouldn't call it a waste of time. Just kind of irritating.