I think calling it a board game narrative is an excellent description of this book. I read it in chronological order, I guess I would call it. I read the Ship of Theseus first, then the 1st set of margin notes, then the 2nd etc. and I liked that order but when I reread it I think I might read it differently to see how it compares. Also, I completely agree, the story in the margins was far more fascinating =)
Awesome. I've been wanting to read this one for a while. Another book that has similarities to this kind of genre/plot device is Possession by A.S. Byatt which I have heard great things about and want to read also.
Awesome video review. I have been aware of "S" for quite awhile & although I love Abrams' show "Fringe" I was very skeptical about his ability as a fiction writer. I adore multimedia books (one of my favorite reads this month was Marisha Pessl's "Night Film) so I am looking forward to giving it a shot. I would be interested in seeing you do a video of your favorite multimedia books.
Nice idea! As for Abrams, I admit I still have no idea what his role in the whole thing. If I got it correctly, he contributed toward the idea (and lent his name, of course), while Dorst wrote the actual thing. But I plan on doing some research on the book soon.
S has sat on my bookshelf since release, I've just found it too intimidating to start as you said, it seems all over the place. Thanks for making this seem manageable, it isn't the first time either, I wouldn't have finished and enjoyed Gravity's Rainbow without your videos. I'm 2/3 of the way through V and would be interested to see what you have to say in comparison to the later Pynchons I haven't read yet but that you seem to absolutely adore.
A fun note for you, or for other potential readers. There are (potentially real) extra content all over the internet. =3 Like alternate endings, covers for other V.M. Straka novels, discussions of hidden messages throughout the novel, and of course Radio Straka.
There's another book named after a letter from the alphabet that I want to hear you talk about: V. Have you read it yet? I think it is the only Pynchon haven't heard you talk about.
I agree with Bohemia! Also, gimmicky novels like this have been around since quite a while (since postmodernism for sure, and probaby longer). I think the reason this has gathered some critical attention and many other haven't is that JJ Abrams lent his name to the project.
In all honesty, from what I gathered it seems like Dorst did most of the actual writing, while Abrams (and others) coordinated the project from the perspective of design and script and such. It's still great though! Here's a great interview where the two talk about writing the book: www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-story-of-s-talking-with-j-j-abrams-and-doug-dorst
Sounds like Pale Fire by Nabokov. Brian Boyd even helped produce a deluxe edition with the handwritten note cards. God that book was good!
You've convinced me to read both this and House of Leaves!
Glad to hear you liked it. I really want to read this book!
I think calling it a board game narrative is an excellent description of this book. I read it in chronological order, I guess I would call it. I read the Ship of Theseus first, then the 1st set of margin notes, then the 2nd etc. and I liked that order but when I reread it I think I might read it differently to see how it compares. Also, I completely agree, the story in the margins was far more fascinating =)
Awesome. I've been wanting to read this one for a while. Another book that has similarities to this kind of genre/plot device is Possession by A.S. Byatt which I have heard great things about and want to read also.
Oh really? I keep hearing about her (I know a girl who's doing her PhD on Byatt) but I had no idea Possession was like this -good to know ;)
Awesome video review. I have been aware of "S" for quite awhile & although I love Abrams' show "Fringe" I was very skeptical about his ability as a fiction writer. I adore multimedia books (one of my favorite reads this month was Marisha Pessl's "Night Film) so I am looking forward to giving it a shot. I would be interested in seeing you do a video of your favorite multimedia books.
Nice idea! As for Abrams, I admit I still have no idea what his role in the whole thing. If I got it correctly, he contributed toward the idea (and lent his name, of course), while Dorst wrote the actual thing. But I plan on doing some research on the book soon.
Love love loved this book!
S has sat on my bookshelf since release, I've just found it too intimidating to start as you said, it seems all over the place. Thanks for making this seem manageable, it isn't the first time either, I wouldn't have finished and enjoyed Gravity's Rainbow without your videos. I'm 2/3 of the way through V and would be interested to see what you have to say in comparison to the later Pynchons I haven't read yet but that you seem to absolutely adore.
I'll probably review V before the end of the year! Glad I could be of help :)
A fun note for you, or for other potential readers. There are (potentially real) extra content all over the internet. =3 Like alternate endings, covers for other V.M. Straka novels, discussions of hidden messages throughout the novel, and of course Radio Straka.
I know!! At one point halfway through the reading I explored the web a bit but decided I'd put that off for later to avoid spoilers
OK, I'm buying this book. Now.
Fantastic book. Such an explosion of creativity.
There's another book named after a letter from the alphabet that I want to hear you talk about: V.
Have you read it yet? I think it is the only Pynchon haven't heard you talk about.
It's on my shelf - I'll read and review it before the end of the year. It is the one Pynchon book I still haven't read!
Is this book an archetype for the future of novels?
It's only one of many avenues- the future of the novel is vast just like the past.
I agree with Bohemia! Also, gimmicky novels like this have been around since quite a while (since postmodernism for sure, and probaby longer). I think the reason this has gathered some critical attention and many other haven't is that JJ Abrams lent his name to the project.
Please, a board game video!
i love the way you say juicy 😂
jouisy
JJ Abrams wrote a book?! Damn. Gotta add this to the TBR list.
In all honesty, from what I gathered it seems like Dorst did most of the actual writing, while Abrams (and others) coordinated the project from the perspective of design and script and such. It's still great though! Here's a great interview where the two talk about writing the book: www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/the-story-of-s-talking-with-j-j-abrams-and-doug-dorst
Thanks! Will definitely check out the link after I read the book (which I'm hoping to get my hands on tomorrow)!