/Geek Love/ is the story of a carny family, whose children are all diffent in their own way -- fins instead of hands, Siamese twins, an albino dwarf and a boy who can shape matter with his mind make up the complete cast. Although this element could have easily run away with the plot, it is not what the book is about. Rather, it explores everything from family dynamics, sibling rivalry and most important, the reversal of the perceived value of being normal.
Katherine Dunn's writing drew me into the world immediately -- she has a strong gift for engaging the imagination, which ultimately is what makes this book successful. After I bought this book, I noticed it was also an audio book and think it would be fantastic in that format.
Read this if you are looking for a break from the typical novel and are open to exploring why we carry the social archetypes that we do.
What a train wreck!
Omigosh, I don't know of ANYONE who's read this book. What made you pick it up? Christina gave me her copy of it to read, and I just couldn't believe what I was reading! It was like a train wreck wasn't it, you just can't look away for a second!
Jayne
Community Manager
"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh"—Agnes Repplier
hi
Although it is not something I would probably pick up, it sounds really interesting. Like watching some of the shows on the Discovery Channel which is a fave of mine. Great review
Jeannie
Yes I am a readalholic and I don't want the 12 step program!!!
Who doesn't love to talk about train wrecks?
Hey Jayne,
I wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, but my bookclub is doing it so I felt obliged. I completely agree it’s a total train wreck, I felt as if I should be minding my own business the whole time, but couldn’t resist it at all. I also loved Oly, even though she had trouble sticking up for herself.
Hey Jeannie,
I really like the Discovery Channel, too, but never have enough time to watch it. It is definitely interesting, if you’re looking for a bookclub pick, I’d really recommend it – you’ll talk for hours!
Isn't that a sign of a good
Isn't that a sign of a good book though? That you talk/thinkabout it long afterwards?
Add some SPICE to your life.
judging a book by it's cover
You know, from the title and cover, I would have thought the book was about computer geeks - not sideshow geeks.
Sounds really intriguing - I'll have to pick it up.
Hold that thought
Eleanor, you might want to wait until after the baby is born to pick this one up...seriously! And when you do read it, I promise we'll go and have lunch to talk ALL about it.
Jayne
Community Manager
"We cannot really love anybody with whom we never laugh"—Agnes Repplier