Jeff says:I like the idea of outsider artists that still create their art no matter if they become famous or wealthy from it. Nik even mentions Henry Darger who was a Chicago janitor who was found, after his death, to have written and painted a great deal of work. Nik is this type of character. It seems like Denise, his sister, remains his biggest fan even though she is no longer willing yo loan him money for rent or agree with the way he lives. This is a great book about brother/sister relationships, mother/daughter relationships and the success and failure people find in their families and friendships. Ever finish reading a book and wonder what it was all about? This happened to me and it is a first. I am not sure if it's me or maybe I seriously missed something in Stone Arabia. The funny thing is I can't say I hated it but I can't say I loved it either - I can say it left me saying HUH????I had a problem with the tone of the book. I felt as if I was reading the ramblings of some woman with a neurotic edge telling me about her brother but not really divulging details. Her lack of details let me speculate an awful lot. The book was boring but I was hopeful that would change in the next chapter and I kept hoping and was let down chapter after chapter. Despite the book being boring and a plot that left me scratching my head I know there is a story somewhere in there waiting to be developed into something really good. Call me an optimist. The lack of character development was frustrating. I can see this as "maybe" a book club selection because each person could speculate about the characters and phantom plot or give much needed details that one might not pick up while reading. Once again I am an optimist. The jacket summary made Stone Arabia much more appealing than the actual content. I must repeat, I didn't hate or love it - just left me flat and blank. This is definitely a book that you will have to read to judge for yourself. This wouldn't be a bad "filler" read in the event it doesn't appeal you won't felt like you wasted your time. Just my humble opinion. Unsure if I would read other works by Ms. Spiotta, so many great books out there, so little time to devour them all.
What do You think about Versioni Di Me (2011)?
Transcendental writing. If you pick it up, you won't put it down.
—Aastha
this does what "a visit from the goon squad" did, but better.
—alanna
