The Selected Works Of T.S. Spivet (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
It's been a while since I last read this book, probably 4 years at least. I'm perhaps a bit biased, since I tend to love strange rambling books with quirky introverted protagonists, but I adore this book. The format is so unique and ingenious, and the story and gentle pathos of the book was very moving & memorable to me. Critics who disliked the book tend to focus on the second half of the book as derailing or taking away steam from the first half, or being anti-climactic. I can see where they're coming from, I guess, but I don't feel that way at all. Despite its unusual format and jumping between plots, the book is an experience that you have to let wash over you to fully appreciate. It skirts the boundaries of magical realism, and is full of improbable situations and characters, but it rings so true to my own experiences of being that age. It's a time when life is full of things that are beautiful and heartbreaking and fascinating and deeply confusing and no matter how smart you are, you're still just a kid trying to make sense of it all, and that's the feeling that comes across for me. You have to accept that, just as in real life, the plot is going to be strange, and may not flow together or lead up to a satisfying climax just the way you think it should, but in the end you're left with a lot to think about and things to be hopeful about. It's a coming of age story I would recommend anyone read, although I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea. Give it a try. Although the author, Reif Larsen, sometimes struggles to get the tone of language close to an approximation of a twelve-year-old's, he succeeds wildly in putting the hero, T.S. Spivet, in situations that he doesn't have the wherewithal to handle. Spivet has trouble relating to the subtleties of the big world and Larsen captures that.Otherwise, this is a delightful tale of magic and maps, a tale that anyone with gifted children can relate to. A lovely novel
What do You think about The Selected Works Of T.S. Spivet (2009)?
Loved the graphics/marginalia - good story too, but felt it was a bit rushed at the end.
—wow
Fun book but ultimately a little frustrating. Recommended, but not highly.
—NickMandalik
Utterly charming and thoughtful change of pace. Really liked it.
—AWESOMNESS
