Entertainment - Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:09 - 1 Comment
Books That Are More Interesting Than Your Calculus Textbook
Considering the sheer amount of book nerds that comprise the NYU Local staff, it’s surprising how little book coverage we do. We’d like to change that by bringing you a few good book recommendations every month. We know that you’re all probably too busy recovering from midterms to bother reading anything that isn’t strictly required for class — but if you happen to find yourself with some free time on your hands, consider neglecting statistics to pick up one of the following books.
Netherland: Joseph O’Neill
Review by Kenneth Hsu
As the City section editor, I feel obliged to recommend O’Neill’s uber-introspective novel, often referred to as a modern Great Gatsby. Granted, I’m not much of a fiction reader, but I was recommended the novel multiple times since the story almost entirely takes place in — you guessed it — New York City. The novel’s plot appears simple: the romantically-troubld Dutch narrator works in post-9/11 Wall Street and befriends a sketchy Caribbean man through cricket, apparently his only passion in life. Through their relationship, O’Neill reaches far (sometimes too far) into abstract themes: fatherhood, youth, America! In sum: a perfect mellow read, especially for New York City lovers. (Also, President Obama told the New York Times he’s read it, so you know it’s good.)
