Since I immersed myself BACK into writing about a year ago, I kept hearing this term "literary" being thrown around. I would hear other writers say, "this wasn't literary" or "that wasn't literary" and I was confused. I thought (I know I'm putting myself on the line to be called dumb) that if you wrote a book and it was readable, then it was literary since it pertained to literature. Since I knew it couldn't be that simple, I asked a couple of writers whose work I respect a great deal. When questioned they both spoke of writing that contained a certain life to it, a voice that took the reader on a journey of the senses, a journey that opened their eyes to the common, yet in a way previously unimaginable. I received their explanation in concept and I've read writers that have delighted me with their choice of words, but after reading DROP, I finally understand. Thoroughly.
Mat Johnson does an excellent job of taking the reader on a literary journey in this heart felt love letter to Philly; his native residence. It was well paced, funny, and delightful. The characters came alive to me and as I spoke of the story to my wife and daughter I spoke of the main character as if I knew him. They chuckled at how taken I was by the story. So, although these words don't quite express how much I really liked his book, I will end by simply saying it was quite a delightful read.
The book was his first novel, and you may have to order it either from your bookstore or someplace like amazon, but it is worth the wait.
I do however fear that not everyone will like him, because of his choice to be "literary", but if you are like myself, seeking to better yourself in this craft or just wanting to read "the good stuff", take a glance at Mat Johnson's work as he holds class.
He also has a blog that has long been a part of my links, practically since day one, and to think I just read my first book by him. But like most things that are divinely appointed, his book was right on time. I love the lessons it contained.
Check him out y'all.
Matt Johnson
The book was his first novel, and you may have to order it either from your bookstore or someplace like amazon, but it is worth the wait.
I do however fear that not everyone will like him, because of his choice to be "literary", but if you are like myself, seeking to better yourself in this craft or just wanting to read "the good stuff", take a glance at Mat Johnson's work as he holds class.
He also has a blog that has long been a part of my links, practically since day one, and to think I just read my first book by him. But like most things that are divinely appointed, his book was right on time. I love the lessons it contained.
Check him out y'all.
Matt Johnson
10 comments:
I actually picked this up at my local library - along w/ another of his. But, I'll have to revisit his work. It didn't immediately pull me in...maybe i've been spending too much time w/ romance novels. lol!
I think one of the factors that caught me right away is that the lead character was an african american male near my age. So, I immediately identified with the character.
I have that book, I have not read it yet.
By the way, you have been nominated for an award. Please stop by my blog.
It's Bloghog247!
This is refering to your last blog:
We talked about the meaning of your name. It is a powerful one. The "light" that you look for in people...what does it look like? Have you seen it?
The light can't be seen with natural eyes bloghog --- what you know about that?
thanks for the reading recommendation.. I'll check it out and get back to you
I'll have to check this out. Thanks for the recommend.
thanks for stopping by...
shhh don't tell...
~secret
I bought this a few years ago, love it and emailed the author..it was pretty cool that he emailed me back and thanked me for reading the book...
Post a Comment