A Confederacy of Dunces

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Summary: The Funniest Book Ever
Review: This book made me laugh out loud over and over again in many public places. Poor, pathetic Ignatius- so misunderstood by the public at large. Haven't we all been there at one time, or every day? I think the book itself is also misunderstood by the general populace. As for the people who don't get it, we on the other team know your type and could tell if you'd get it or not before you even picked up the book. Just kidding (a little)! I think John Ritter's character in Slingblade is carrying the paperback edition of this book in a brief scene. He answers the front door or something and I really think he's holding this book. Everyone should read this book- if you hate it that means something.

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Summary: I'm back in Jackson Square again!
Review: Not only is Ignatius one of the most memorable characters to come off a page since Vonnegut was in his prime, the entire Crescent City is invoked in the patois of Jones, the cityscape (looking towards Algiers, the Lucky Dog carts, Canal St), the whole seedy, sensual, seductive wench that is New Orleans. The author had a gift for dialogue that has me green with envy. What a tragedy he took his life before his mama got his manuscript into Mr. Percy's hands. I wonder how much of Ignatius' misanthropy was autobiographical?

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Summary: Excellent book, but
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book in print; however, readers from Louisiana and especially the New Orleans area should beware of the unabridged recorded version. This city has many many idiosyncratic pronunciations of street names, etc., French as well as Native American, (e.g., Tchoupitoulas St.). The recorded version is rife with mispronunciations, which is a real distraction to readers from that area. The New Orleans accent is also unique to the South, and it is this reader's fondest wish that those who record books about southern Louisiana be more careful in recruiting native Orleanian or Cajun readers, or at least long-time residents of those areas in order to have the accent be more authentic.

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Summary: I read it for the smells!
Review: I am currently in the midst of reading this thoughtful and humourous novel. I am an avid reader and am reading other books at the same time. What I would like to mention is how I came to discover _Confederacy of Dunces_. It was mailed to me by a dear friend from Canada. In a letter she tells me how much she adores it and how she laughes out loud each time she re-reads it. The book was accompanied with a self-portrait photograph and a wonderful scent within its pages. Though it hasn't been very often, everytime I open the books a nostalgic and pleasant smell assaults me and makes me thinks instantly of the time we spent together. I love fiction, and attempt to write myself, but sometimes I have trouble accepting everyday life. I am enjoying the read but even more I am enjoying the momories it envokes. For if good literature succeeds in reinforcing the idea of a life-affirming ethics it can be the most gratitfying of all passions.

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Summary: A Brilliant Work
Review: I have come to the sad conclusion that those who fail to see the humor in Toole's masterpiece are seriously lacking the genetic components which enable a human being to laugh. Yet, one individual's taste(or lack of taste) in comedy can be forgiven. What can't be so easily forgiven is the dismissal of Toole's writing ability. To say that Toole's writing is amateurish displays a questionable ability to discern quality. "A Confederacy of Dunces" is magnificent; almost unanimous raves and a Pulitzer Prize are hardly negligible affirmations of this. Toole was indeed a Maestro.

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Summary: ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BOOK ABOUT HUMAN NUANCES EVER WRITTEN
Review: nothing else to say...those who don't think it's funny, don't get the nuances of human behavior...they probably also think the movie "TWISTER" was a brilliant film. PLEASE PRAY HOLLYWOOD DOESN'T TOUCH CONFEDERACY.....it will only destroy it.

Rating:
Summary: Funniest book I have ever read
Review: This book had me laughing out loud, which I rarely do when I read a book. I had to restrain myself while reading it on public transportation. It is tragic for him and for us as readers that Mr. Toole took his life before this book was even published. I am thrilled to have found out through Amazon that another book by Mr. Toole is available (Neon Bible). I am eager to read that one.

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Summary: Fantastic. Made me a reader for life.
Review: When I read this novel my freshman year in college, I couldn't put it done. It was humorous, insightful and greatly entertaining. I recommend this for young adult readers.

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Summary: This is terrible!
Review: Please! Pulitzer prize? I didn't know they had a prize category for terrible books. This book was so slow and horrible I just want to get it out of the house now. Funny? Funny like watching the grass grow or maybe listenig to traffic noises. Why do so many like this book?

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Summary: Talent? What talent?
Review: The amazon review says that had the author lived, his critics and fans would have had the opportunity to determine if his talent was genuine or a fluke. Oh, really? Who said he had any "talent"? What I found in this book was pure amateurism -- in plot, character development, atmosphere, you name it. If Dunces demonstrates genius, then the Three Stooges are on par with Chaplin. The amazon review also says this drivel cannot be easily dismissed. Again, says who? This is one "book" I plan to forget as soon as possible.