The Leftovers
Tom Perrotta
September 2011
368 pages
Published by St. Martin’s Press
********************
Dear Mr. Perrotta,
I do believe I owe you an apology. You see, I judged your book by it’s cover. That’s right, I took one look at those stinky shoes and closed my eyes and ears as to what the book was even about. But then Jenners (aka She Who Is On Break) kindly sent me her ARC because I wrote (okay, parodied) a song just for her (and by the way Jenners, I’m still waiting for that vlog), and because Jenners had awesome things to say about your book, I read it. And sorry I didn’t buy a copy, but you’re really not out any money, since I never had any plans to buy it in the first place.
Back to that apology. Despite the stinky shoes cover, I actually loved the book, with all of its totally flawed characters. Even if I did keep waiting for some logical explanation of The Rapture (like some mysterious virus, or something). I guess this is why you’re the author and I’m the reader…I never would have been able to write such a powerful novel about how life just doesn’t make sense, and how it continues to just go on.
Also. Loved the crazy religious cults, with their hugs and cigarettes and bull’s eyes.
And I’m so glad that the character you named after me (Jill…I’m pretty sure there weren’t any softdrink’s in the story) pretty much came to her senses by the end of book. I probably wouldn’t have liked it so much if Laurie was the one with the name of Jill. Oh, and hey…I just realized one of the characters shares a name with you. that’s kinda weird.
Anyways. There are plenty of other bloggers who have written intelligent posts about your book, so I’m not going to rehash the book again. Just know that I loved it and I appreciate you writing it (and Jenners sending it to me). But seriously dude, you need to have a chat with the art department about those stinky shoes.
Thanks,
softdrink
P.S. You kinda look like my brother. Just at first glance. When I did a double take and looked more closely at your author photo, I realized my brother is handsomer. Sorry, but it’s true.
Ha ha! I went back and forth about reading this too, but not because of the cover, just because the premise could have gone wrong in a million ways. I actually thought it was really smart that Perrotta didn’t explain how the rapture happen (but like you, I did want to know).
Teresa´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon: Reading–The Superior Hobby?
Ha! Great “review”! Have you read any of Perrotta’s other books? I read Little Children years ago and really liked it. For that reason, I want to give this one a try even though the post Rapture concept is no really my thing. From what I have seen in the reviews, it is really less about a post Rapture world and more about the characters and their interactions.
Colleen´s last [type] ..Halloween Picks
I’ve heard so much good about this book – I have to read it! And now that I know there is a character named after ME (not YOU, MEEEEEEEEE), it becomes essential!
rhapsodyinbooks´s last [type] ..Review of “Reamde” by Neal Stephenson
Oh, I am so glad that you liked this one! I have it and have been looking forward to reading it as well. I am sort of a big Perotta fan, and have been really curious about the reactions to this book, as some have been lukewarm. I am hoping that I love it, and that I can get to it soon. Such a wonderful letter today!
zibilee´s last [type] ..Bossypants by Tina Fey — 288 pgs
I’m listening to this one on audio right now and I’m also enjoying it. I am also guilty of first judging this one by the cover…did not think I would like it!
Jo-Jo´s last [type] ..Audiobook Review: To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal
I love the letter! I have a feeling I’ll like this book too.
bermudaonion (Kathy)´s last [type] ..Weekend Cooking: Robin Takes 5
Your wit never ceases to amaze me! That letter had me laughing out loud. And I can see why the stinky looking shoes would be a turn off!
Stephanie´s last [type] ..The Sunday Salon: RIP Wrap Up
I’m glad you ended up liking this one. I kept waiting for the rapture to be explained – or for the seven years to pass, to see what happened to all the smokers in white – but I sort of like how he left it all ambiguous.
Amanda´s last [type] ..Feast of the Heart 5K
This one is on my wish list! Thanks for the thoughts… I am sooooo curious about this one!
Sheila (Book Journey)´s last [type] ..It’s Monday! What are You Reading?
Yay, I’m glad you liked this. I can’t wait to read it!
I’ve only read The Wishbones which I really liked.
I thought of the shoes being smoky rather than stinky, but I have issues about that. My parents used to put my shoes in the trunk on long car trips in the summer. I could have them back when we got out to go somewhere.
bybee´s last [type] ..Canadian Book Challenge 5: Who Brought the Cat?
I keep hearing good things about this book. I did read Little Children by Perrotta. I think it looks like the shoes are smokin’. Your letter is witty and it was nice of Jenners to pass the book to you.
Michelle´s last [type] ..Weekend Cooking; Road Trip to peace.
Love this!!! I guess I’d better dig out my copy.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Review: The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson
Never read any of his stuff which is stupid. Not his stuff, I am stupid for having not read any of it when I have two of his books on my shelves. Hmmphf.
Andi´s last [type] ..The Poop on the Pages and Whatnot
I was going through all the unread posts to see if there was anything I absolutely HAD to read before I hit all as read (as I’m ending my rather short blogging break) and realized I had sent you this so I had to see what you thought. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did!!!! I’m glad I somehow forced you to read this book. I think that is payment enough and you don’t really need a vlog from me. : )
Jenners´s last [type] ..My Triumphant Return to Blogging … And A Guest Post By Mr. Jenners
Haven’t read anything by Perotta though I saw the film based on his book Little Children and thought it was pretty good. I loved your p.s. in your letter, ha ha!
Christy´s last [type] ..Wicked by Gregory Maguire
I picked up another os his books based on Jenners recommendation (I think). Thankfully, there are no stinky shoes on the cover.
stacybuckeye´s last [type] ..Scariest Character Results, RIP, and another winner
“Dear Mr. Perrotta” will be happy to receive such a heartfelt – if unusual – fan letter
I haven’t read any Perrotta novels (shame on me, he’s a Mass. author!), but did enjoy his short story “The Smile on Happy Chang’s Face.”
I wondered about the shoes, too. Perhaps it’s not stinky feet waves, but the wisps of the person who was vaporized/raptured? (or is that Raptured?)
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