Goon Squad - Read of the Year

Don't know why I haven't posted about Jennifer Egan's Pulitzer prize winning Visit From the Goon Squad - about time I'd say.

I got this book for my birthday, shortly before it won the P.P. - heard a lot of buzz about it, had no idea what it was about. Two pages in, maybe even one page, I knew I was going to love it. As a writer, I wonder - how the hell do you do that? There was a voice, a sense of character, drama, suspense, and a feeling that I was going to go down a road that I hadn't been before. I remember that from an Ondaatje quote - trust the writer that he will lead you into town, safely. Good advice when you are reading non-linear works like Ondaatje's or Egan's.

Goon squad swirls with great language, equally funny and painful moments - I found myself having to set the book down in admiration. When I got to the last chapter I had chills - it was hard to read what Egan thought the next few decades might be like.

I am going to read it again this month, and discuss it with my men's bookclub (yes, those exist!) It will be a challenge for those who like the modern beginning, middle and end stories. But already I know a few who are reading it and just loving what they call the "detective work" of following the storylines.

Best thing I've read this year - no question.