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Summary: From Sir Ignatius J. Reilly himself!
Review: Heresy! This book regarding my important life is full of half-truths! And gives me valve trouble. Burn it. Burn every copy.
Rating: 
Summary: A Confederacy of Dunces
Review: I was interested in reading this book due to the positive comments and information I received about it and the intriguing information I had heard about the author. I had been told that the book was hilarious and that the characters were quirky and indiosyncratic creations reflecting the absurdity of the world itself. I could not wait to open the pages and to begin the journey. Upon cracking open the first pages and entering the world of Ignatius Reilly, I perceived something very different indeed. Ignatius is an intellectual and selfish individual that is as highly sterotyped and stylized as a character of this nature might ever be. The same goes for the other characters of the book. Jones speaks in an expected ignorant southern "black" style of the period. Myrna is a picture perfect rendition of an off-the-wall, political, independent thinking, student, and Dorian and his gang are the ultimate pictures of a stereotyped flaming gay social group. The story starts out a bit slow but picks up as the reader covers the first few chapters. What happens as the story develops, one might ask? It develops into a slapstick and absurd comedy of a total loser and the subplots of those around him. One stupid act or lie leads to another and before you know it, or as you might suspect, Ignatius has created a giant nasty snowball of nothing but trouble. Loose ends begin to tighten as the characters finally collapse, one on top of another, in front of a trolley that has come to a screeching halt. If you are a reader that enjoys the Three Stooges then this is the book for you, no underlying meaning, no symbology, just pure slapstick with a touch of grease and filth. Jones, the ignorant vagrant, is the only character with any redeeming qualities in the entire novel. He thinks. He questions. He has the capabilities to learn and to want more for himself. He is the only virtue to the book. And talk about unsatisfying! Does this sound unsatisfied now? Wait until you reach the end of the story! All of the things you could have accomplished in the time it took you to read this book - mopping the floor, paying bills, picking up that gallon of milk...
Rating: 
Summary: This is THE litmus test
Review: You either "get it", or you don't. Some people will walk away from this great book shaking their heads with incomprehension, "how is this a great book?", they'll mutter to themselves. Like parents from 35 years ago who couldn't understand what the attraction was with 4 guys with long hair from Liverpool- those "who don't get it" will be puzzled at joy of those who do. This book is a great way to make friends- those who "get it", not only share a love at poking fun at the absurdities of life, they are simply more aware of what the true absurdities are. I am tempted to suggest that the like or dislike of this novel is the best indicator of one's intellectual and emotional acumen. If you truly think you're brilliant or wise- read this book. If you don't like it, let me be the first to tell you that you are either an intellectual midget or a PC zealot, or both.
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Summary: The funniest novel ever written
Review: It is certainly the funniest book I have ever read, and one of the best books ever written.
Rating:
Summary: the first good book I've read in a long time
Review: A Confederacy of Dunces was reccomended to me by my eighth grade teacher. I am forever in debt to her. It was the best book I've ever read. I saw myself in Ignatius. It helped me to relieze who my confederacy was and get away from it.
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Summary: I LOVE A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES
Review: A Confederacy of Dunces is my favourite funny book. I think everybody who loves funny things must read it. If you do you will go back to read it again later. I have read it four times. The other funny book I recommend to everybody is "Rastus Reilly." This one is a new book which I have only recently read but it is another one that I know I will read again another time.
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Summary: The one book I recommend to friends without reservation
Review: I first read this book over 15 years ago, and it hasn't loss its freshness. It is not only funny (like others, my sides hurt from laughing), it is poignant and meaningful. The only other novel that I can compare it to is Heller's "Catch 22". Those who don't appreciate satire should avoid this one. However, if you can laugh at yourself and the world around you, invest in this book. You'll come back to it time and again.
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Summary: The best I've read in a long time
Review: I was unfamiliar with the tragedy surrounding this book and its author, Mr. Toole, and I admit that if I had known the facts, I probably would not have read it (I'm a writer myself, and the worst fate I could imagine is a "mercy Pulitzer" for someone who did himself in because he couldn't sell his work. But I did read it, and I can assure you that the Pulitzer was most deserved: Dunces was one of the most pleasant reads I've had in many, many months. The setting for the book is New Orleans, a place that I love and love reading about. But it's not a novel about New Orleans, it's a story about some very interesting people who're just trying to make it in this world as best they can. But it's no Steinbeck novel -- it's funny, warm, provocative and touching all at the same time. I rarely laugh out loud while reading a book, but this one had me doing so on several occasions. And there were times that I felt an overpowering sadness for the characters as they made their way in life. There were times while I was reading this book that I'd think that Ignatius was me -- clumsy, pompous and just plain wierd at times -- but for all that, people seemed to accept him for just being... Ignatius. I suppose that's all any of can hope for. The only bad part is that Mr. Toole is no longer with us. I'm going to miss Ignatius and his family and friends. Thank you, Mr. Toole, for a most pleasurable experience.
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Summary: There is no middle ground with this book!
Review: I think it is important for people to know that you will either love this book or hate it. I know of about 20 people who have read this (including a women's book club) and most people loved it. However, the people who did not like it (mostly in the book club), had little good to say. If you look at the reviews, they are mostly 5 stars and the few 1 stars. If you are open, like a little dark humor and appreciate good writing this book is for you. Let's just say, it will keep your "valve open".
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the funniest book I have ever read
Review: I laughed until I hurt. The writing is wonderful. The characters are great. It is my favorite book of all times.
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