Special Topics in Calamity Physics

I just finished reading Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl last night.  It took me quite a while to read because it is somewhat long (at over 500 pages) -- but I'm not afraid of a book with a little weight to it  :)  (Pete on the other hand loathes books this long and simply doesn't read them.)

I have to say that the story was somewhat interesting and kept me reading, but I truly think this story could have been told in 1/2 to 2/3 the number of pages.  Get this woman an editor!  I believe she's quite young and it was a good effort for what I believe is her debut novel -- she just needs to learn to tell things in a more concise manner.  And drop the weird parenthetical references to books, movies, etc.  Ugh!

Despite these issues I didn't stop reading the book.  I found myself somewhat involved with the main character and kept plodding along.  It's a strange story about a high school student, her father and her teacher who dies.  It's sort of a mystery, I guess.  Things aren't wrapped up neatly at the end -- which was a good thing.  If it was any "neater" I would have been very unhappy.

I'm reading a short graphic novel next -- Ghost World by Daniel Clowes.

Comments

[jo]

I just heard a review of this book on the radio this morning. the reviewer said the same thing - she needs a good editor. Apparently she's too cute (to take herself so seriously..)

[Gina B.]

I've tried twice to read Special Topics in Calamity Physics. I don't know if the thickness is making it too intimidating. I think if I read it, I would like it though.

[carolyn]

i agree, the constant referentials (see Webster blah blah) really felt immature, and while perhaps it was supposed to be immature on the part of the main character, it instead felt immature on the part of the author (see young girls who get paid big advances).