Calamities

I absolutely love this wonderful book. I thought it was assigned for a class so I bought it. I couldn't understand why it was assigned, but I read on. Soon, I began to giggle. Then laugh out loud. I couldn't put it down. It really is the most delightful book I've read - maybe ever. It stays on my nightstand. I've been reading out of it each night. It makes for pleasant dreams.Later, I discovered the book was listed in my silibus because the author, Renee Gladman, would be doing a writer's workshop with us. So I bought the book on accident, but I am so happy I own it. And Ms. Gladman graciously signed it for me.I highly recommend this book to everyone. It will make you smile, laugh, think, and laugh harder.

An insightful and challenging read intellectually, not for the casual reader. Read this as part of college lit class. Composed of essays about the narrator’s struggles and dilemmas with the writing process (the “calamities”). I think that this book is not to be “enjoyed” in the usual sense of the word; the reader isn’t given a literary “payoff” or climax of any kind. “Calamities” is a thought-provoker. Not a standard literary experience. And quite satisfactory at that.

Lovely writing. The structure of this book makes it a fast read but also quite stimulating.

Terrific!

Bought for my son for a college class. It was what was required so he was happy