Vernon God Little: A 21st Century Comedy in the Presence of Death

Rating:
Summary: Funny "Ha Ha"?
Review: I liked the book, very readable - killed a long overseas flight. I have to admit, though, that I was disappointed which is most likely due to the expectations that are part and parcel of being a Booker Prize Winner. The book is obviously meant to be a satire, but c'mon... Americans are fat, Texans like guns, tabloid journalism is out of control. Not exactly breaking a lot of new ground here, and I never found myself laughing out loud (unlike Confederancy of Dunces, for example). I think the book is most interesting in the context of being held in such esteem by overseas critics.

Rating:
Summary: fast, exhilarating, wonderful read
Review: just finished it. fabulous book. highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Smart Book
Review: In theory one wouldn't think a book a bout a Columbine type schoool massacre would be funny, but this has moments of laugh out loud hilarity. Set in Martirio Texas the book is narrated by 15 year old Vernon Little, a foul mouthed kid whose best friend shoots sixteen classmates and then turns the gun on himself. But the real story is what happens after, when Vernon unfairly gets linked to the murders and the circus that erupts. The author with keen and razor sharp insight satirizes small town America, the media and the public's gross infatuation with it, reality television, and even the constitution. Based on the direction this country seems to be heading at the present time I found this book more than relevant and almost a little frightening in it's accuracy.

Rating:
Summary: Very Funny and thought provoking.
Review: I have not read a novel in years. I saw this book in the new book section of our local library and decided to read the first page. I could not put the book down and spent the whole weekend reading the novel. It is a very funny and gripping book which will certainly offend a lot of Americans. I laughed out several times. The prose is very well thought out and flows smoothly. The characters are very realistic. Very enjoyable novel.

Rating:
Summary: Booker, but of course you ARE a Texan!
Review: As an american, being one meaning residency within the contiguous United States, one cannot fully appreciate the accuracy in which an outsider, being one meaning residency outside the US, has nailed its mark. Let's narrow the playing field a bit to lend creedence to the extent of this special feat which has been accomplished. USA-Texas is the setting. 21st century is the timeframe. My only question is how not only does Pierre BECOME an American, but ALSO capture that microcosm of America that he so effectively parodies -yes the George 'W' Bush Texas. No question that the novel is chock full of originality, but the booker-worthiness comes from the transformation that takes place. One , may I dare, species becoming another- so believably.

Rating:
Summary: sonorous
Review: I don't think I'm easily impressed, so I'm puzzled at how few reviewers here have gone over-the-top with praise for this book. The plot outline alone would have assured a good read, but it takes second place to Pierre's razor-sharp execution. His writing is a torrent of perfectly struck notes (and never a false one). I often had to deliberately slow my reading pace not to miss any. If physical laws govern creativity, Pierre's next book won't be here any time soon. Those who savor good writing, including some that bites back, ought not let this one get away.

Rating:
Summary: Put it On Your Must Read List
Review: If there are only four books that you read this year "Vernon God Little" should be on that list. It is irreverent, funny, sad, and just plain good. It's about a teen on the run from the law in Texas (and subsequently Mexico). It is flavorful and fun with plenty of darkness. Personally I hope that you read more than four books this year. Even if you do only read four books, you don't have to take my list as gospel, but in case you need a point in the right direction I suggest: "My Fractured Life" - a brilliant, slice of life trip into the hallows of Hollywood; "The Fortress of Solitude" - a poetic look at the life of motherless boys in Brooklyn; and "The Da Vinci Code" - a great book that just happens to be a mystery.

Rating:
Summary: a funny book
Review: I will not bore you with the details of explaing the book. all i will say is that this a good book, and that everyone should read it.

Rating:
Summary: Funky All Get Out Cool
Review: Vernon God Little is worth buying for the title alone. The book is mind blowing to boot. The humor is so bitter sweet it tastes good and makes you cringe at the same time. Same funky slant as My Fractured Life and Catcher in the Rye. If you don't get the humor have a beer and try again.

Rating:
Summary: Daring and Incredible
Review: An audacious and bold debut novel about a young boy who is accused of participating in a heinous crime (the Columbine-like shooting of his classmates). Deeply troubled and damaged by his life with an uncaring mother and a father who disappeared one day Vernon is unable to fathom the severity of his situation and falls further and further into a hole he unwittingly helps dig. Masterfully written in a gritty and original style 'Vernon God Little' mixes dark comedy and drama to perfection. It certainly deserves a spot among the classics.

I must add that I was surprised to see the reviews that criticize this book. They seem to be caught up in the world Vernon lives in and fail to see that the book is not actually about that and is in fact about Vernon. I got the impression that this was intended as parody rather than fact and more condemnation of media extortion than of crass Americans. As for the ending: anyone who tries to tell you that this book has a cheap happy ending probably didn't get it. But the hallmark of a good book is that it is open to interpretation ('Life of Pi' being another example).