Book Club, Anyone?
On the heels of David N. Scott’s recent comment that he “should read more books of real quality”, I’m throwing out a title for David’s intellectual appetite and perhaps for group discussion.
The title in question, one of my favorite novels of all time, is Nathanel West’s comedy with tragic implications, Miss Lonelyhearts. A novella, actually, Lonelyhearts runs a sparse 128 pages but reads like an acerbic, caustic lightning bolt and can be devoured in one sitting — but the impact will stay with you for a lifetime.
Published in 1933, West’s protagnist is a nameless newspaper advice columnist who cracks under the strain of the heartbreak he reads in his daily mail, ultimately succumbing to a fall that all faithless people eventually make.
Aside from David Scott, anyone interested in opting in for the read can buy Miss Lonelyhearts in paperback here for a mere $10.36 . And then we can all meet up here, say, early May for discussion.

April 12, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Best double feature read. Miss lonelyhearts and day of the locusts in one low price. Its my staff pick and the last two months sales have doubled.
April 12, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Wow. Serendipity, Don, but I imagine West would do well at City Lights if showcased like you did.
April 13, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Count me in. Your suggestion fits in with my program of re-reading works I didn’t like way back when. I don’t remember why I didn’t like West’s writing, but I’d almost bet I’ll think differently this time around.
April 13, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Sandy, Loneyhearts is a book I return to about once a year. I think you’ll love it. It’s sad, surreal, and as contemporary today as it was in 1933.
April 14, 2008 at 11:19 am
I’ll scope it out… horrah for Amazon Prime!
April 14, 2008 at 11:20 am
Hrm. ‘Horrah’ sounds really bad when you say it out loud.
April 14, 2008 at 11:27 am
Are you going to buy the book, David, and participate in discussion? If enough readers do, then I’ll set up a seperate page for chat some time in early May.
April 14, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Yep. I think J may have already done it, but if not I’lll have it Thursday-Fridayish.
April 14, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Excellent. I look forward to having a back and forth with both of you (and Sandy as well and anyone else who cares to enlist).
April 14, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Hey, Zel … are you going to opt in for this?
April 15, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Book has been ordered. It should be in on Friday.
April 15, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Excellent!