The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (Pulitzer, '07)

This book also won the National Book Critics Circle Award, Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize. I must had read a review of this book and decided to buy it - because it has been sitting on my book shelf. But, that is a good thing. I want to be surprised by a book. Just like a movie. I don't want to know too much of the plot so it can be revealed as I read. This is why - when someone recommends a book - I seek it out. Also, it why I hope a book review does not reveal too much -- so I can later forget and pick up that book - only remembering "I wanted to read this". We will see.

REVIEW - It took me a little while to engage with this book, but I always like the style where an entire section is devoted to one character -- then we see the perspective from another character. Here, it also takes some time to figure out who the narrator is. Both of these elements of style worked well for the author. I liked it. The story is about a son of Dominican heritage who is fat, loves to write, is a nerd, enjoys sci fi, has the protection and love of his sister Lola, but otherwise feels unloved and like a loser. He seeks the fulfillment of true love reciprocated -- throughout the entire book. The authors uses footnotes often to explain in greater detail a cultural story or a political figure, and he peppers the dialogue with Spanish phrases - which I found very different. I do not know what makes a Pulitzer Book - and I would not have likely selected this one as prize-worthy. It was well-written and with an unusual story -- plus it was sophistocated in style (unlike THE HELP). So, it is worth the read -- but more troubling than joyous.