Ha. Deb. I know what you mean. I hesitate a bit too, but then I just say what the heck?!

Hey Bryan: I like For Whom the Bell Tolls too. Probably Hemingway’s best. We are here still having fun with family in Idaho. Worn out from skiing … we might visit Hemingway’s grave this afternoon. Unfortunately the history museum in town is closed till we leave, argh. As for autofiction, it’s not for everyone. It can be too slow!

Favorite Hemingway novel: For Whom The Bell Tolls.

Autofiction: Hadn’t heard of it, but I think I’ll pass. I like slowing down, but not that much. 🙂

Thanks Dorothy: we’ve made it to Ketchum and it seems gorgeous here. We will stay a couple more days, having a ball. Glad for your input on autofiction … some of it is quite worthwhile & quite smart. I read Cusk’s first book Outline. Some of Topeka School I think flew right over or by me.

Ha Ti, I think your Otter Pup is also a book assistant. Either that or she just wants your attention. I don’t think you would’ve liked Topeka … too much was a slog to me, so I think I’m done with autofiction for awhile, though I almost picked up that new Jenny Offill book.

I’ve had several terrific reading experiences in recent years with “autofiction” including Rachel Cusk’s books. When it’s done well it is both entertaining and thought-provoking, so I guess we can count me as a fan.

Your book assistant. Haha. My pup likes it so much when I read. She jumps on top of me or totally obscures my reading view. I think she just likes it when I am sitting down and not going anywhere so she tries to keep me there but I like to think that she reads too.

Yeah Susie, I agree. I wasn’t a real fan of the Topeka School. I’m beginning to realize I don’t like autofiction too much either … so I probably shouldn’t read Jenny Offill’s books right? Ben Lerner says he’s critical of himself in these books or he plays with material that he’s ashamed of or such … but to me it gets pretty boring. I’ll need to grab something totally different next.

Hey thanks Carmen! I was just on this when your comment came thru. I almost did cast aside The Topeka School but I made myself finish it, argh. I’m glad you found a good book to get you out of the slump. I have liked Lisa Genova before. Her alzheimer novel (which ironically i forgot the name of?). Ha. Still Alice, yes. I don’t think I’ve ever read Old Man & the Sea but I should. I have read 4 of Hemingway’s … but should read more someday.