Just found out about Erasure from American Fiction trailers. I decided to read the book as I await the streaming release. I'm only halfway through and its already the funniest book I've read in over a decade. Everett builds a great narrative around the satire. No wonder its hailed as a masterpiece. I'm now looking forward to finishing the book and seeing the movie more than ever.
Hi Jack ! This was such a great commentary. I very recently discovered this author thanks to the Oscar buzz, and I’ve seen the movie “American fiction” yesterday (and loved it). I’m shocked that the Academy is celebrating a film that is at this level of intelligence. With “American fiction”, with “Oppenheimer” and another couple of masterworks, you might even be forgiven for thinking that intelligence is back in fashion! (spoiler: it’s not). But this tells me that the 2024 Oscars could be going to truly great “writing” for the first time in some years. Have you seen “American fiction”? And if you have, how did it compare to the book?
My local library does not yet have Erasure....so I read two other books by this author, Mr. Percival Everett. First was 'I am Not Sidney Potier' a book about a kid from L.A who eventually moves to Atlanta and attends Morehouse University. Perhaps an 'early' work, insightful assessments of the intricacies of the mind by age and experience. Second, was 'Assumption' about a mixed race US Veteran turned Arizona town deputy sheriff. Again, insightful but disappointing because the 'how' is not elaborated on. I must just say this: reading this book inspired me to think that a certain registry is needed to protect us all.
I read I Am Not Sidney Poitier a few weeks ago and am currently reading Erasure. I'm interested in reading James, which is due to be published in March 2024., it's a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective.
I’m not usually into books about writers (or college teachers) so I’m likely to pass on this, but I’ll keep the author’s name in mind, which is new to me.
Just found out about Erasure from American Fiction trailers. I decided to read the book as I await the streaming release. I'm only halfway through and its already the funniest book I've read in over a decade. Everett builds a great narrative around the satire. No wonder its hailed as a masterpiece. I'm now looking forward to finishing the book and seeing the movie more than ever.
Hi Jack ! This was such a great commentary. I very recently discovered this author thanks to the Oscar buzz, and I’ve seen the movie “American fiction” yesterday (and loved it). I’m shocked that the Academy is celebrating a film that is at this level of intelligence. With “American fiction”, with “Oppenheimer” and another couple of masterworks, you might even be forgiven for thinking that intelligence is back in fashion! (spoiler: it’s not).
But this tells me that the 2024 Oscars could be going to truly great “writing” for the first time in some years.
Have you seen “American fiction”? And if you have, how did it compare to the book?
My local library does not yet have Erasure....so I read two other books by this author, Mr. Percival Everett. First was 'I am Not Sidney Potier' a book about a kid from L.A who eventually moves to Atlanta and attends Morehouse University. Perhaps an 'early' work, insightful assessments of the intricacies of the mind by age and experience. Second, was 'Assumption' about a mixed race US Veteran turned Arizona town deputy sheriff. Again, insightful but disappointing because the 'how' is not elaborated on. I must just say this: reading this book inspired me to think that a certain registry is needed to protect us all.
Great review! This sounds great. I’ve been wondering where to start with Everett’s back, back list.
This one was excellent, though I want to try one of his earlier works that recontextualize Greek tragedies.
I started with Dr. No. (I’ve watched a lot of the 007 movies and appreciated all the little nods to them.) Started Erasure last night.
The name of the Vice President in Dr. No had me giggling. Like how did I not think of that one myself?!?! 😂
Dr. No has so many jokes going on! How did you enjoy Erasure, Georgina?
Cheers, Jack
I read I Am Not Sidney Poitier a few weeks ago and am currently reading Erasure. I'm interested in reading James, which is due to be published in March 2024., it's a retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim's perspective.
Yes, my wife and I are very excited to read James! How did you enjoy Erasure?
Cheers, Jack
I'm reading Erasure during the holiday break. @@ramblingraconteur1616
I’m not usually into books about writers (or college teachers) so I’m likely to pass on this, but I’ll keep the author’s name in mind, which is new to me.
James is a retelling of Huck Finn, but there are several other works that are less focused on writers, David.
Try Wonder Boys (film included Michael Douglas, Robert Downey and Toby McGuire and Frances macdormond