The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint
1 journaler for this copy...
"If I could tell you only one thing about my life it would be this: when I was seven years old the mailman ran over my head. As formative events go, nothing else comes close." What a crazy opening line. Purchased at the cannon beach bookstore.
The pull quote on the front cover says this has pages that are laugh out loud funny. I have not found that to be the case. There is much humor, indeed, but it's not the laugh out loud kind...more the smirk and shake your head at humanity kind...or the laugh to keep from crying kind. I'm 2/3 through the book right now. This is a beautifully horrific book. I'm having a very visceral reaction to all the trouble and pain surrounding Edgar's life, and I think that that may be affecting my ability to burst out laughing. It's gorgeously written, but so sad.
Also, am feeling a little schizophrenic with the narration style...constantly switching between first-person and third-person (sometimes in the same paragraph) makes my brain hurt. Still, a very rich novel. Would love to have a Lit class teach this, to help me tease out all the meanings.
When the mormons enter Edgar's life and he was picked up at the bus stop, I wanted things to work out so strongly that I felt actual tension/clenching in my gut. I put aside my negative feelings about Latter Day Saints, especially about their "adopt a heathen redskin" program, just wanting Edgar to have someone, ANYONE, in his life show him some kindness and tenderness.
Also, am feeling a little schizophrenic with the narration style...constantly switching between first-person and third-person (sometimes in the same paragraph) makes my brain hurt. Still, a very rich novel. Would love to have a Lit class teach this, to help me tease out all the meanings.
When the mormons enter Edgar's life and he was picked up at the bus stop, I wanted things to work out so strongly that I felt actual tension/clenching in my gut. I put aside my negative feelings about Latter Day Saints, especially about their "adopt a heathen redskin" program, just wanting Edgar to have someone, ANYONE, in his life show him some kindness and tenderness.
Okay, I can feel the constriction (is that even a word?) around my chest lessen now that I have finished this novel. Things don't end all puppy dogs and roses, but I was satisfied with the novel's conclusion. And, I'm still glad I read this, even though it was very upsetting and horrible in parts (my heart still aches for Edgar). But, Edgar P. Mint is one of the most amazingly memorable narrators.
Plus, this novel (combined with the National Novel Writing Month contest happening...and I'm not participating, but sort of wish I were) is making me want a good, old-fashioned typewriter SO BAD!! *sigh*
Plus, this novel (combined with the National Novel Writing Month contest happening...and I'm not participating, but sort of wish I were) is making me want a good, old-fashioned typewriter SO BAD!! *sigh*
