It's that time again. Time for VeryGnawty's random promotion of Dave Eggers' A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. I mean, what can I say (no, really, what can I say)? It's a heartrending piece of genius. Staggering genius. Stupendously staggering genius. It's so staggering that...well, you get the point.
Eggers' "non-fiction" account of himself is amazing indeed. Full of pain-coping humor, unusually placed witticism, and sharp insight...Eggers provides everything you really need to know to understand the true meaning of life, such as how to use the entire length of the kitchen floor as a surface for sock-sliding competitions. Complete with the author's description, clearly laid-out themes, and "THIS WAS UNCALLED FOR" written in big letters before the title page, there really isn't much not to like about this book. As an added bonus, the book contains guidelines for enjoyment of the book, including which parts you should read, which parts you shouldn't read, and apologies for the parts that you shouldn't have read should you already have read them.
The book is ultimately about one young man's journey to find meaning and purpose in a crazy world.
Two thumbs up for Dave Eggers and his great book.