A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave EggersMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone recommended this book to me with the comment, “This is so you. You’re going to love it.” They were right—at least about the loving part. I’m not sure if I write, think, or act like Eggers, but if I do, I take it as a compliment.
This quickly became one of my all-time favorite books. From the very first pages, I was hooked by how conversational Eggers remained with the reader. I really appreciate that, especially I like to be just, where straightforward communication is often terse and formal. Sometimes, the warmest and most engaging conversations are the ones that are long, nuanced, and complex, even if the underlying ideas are simple.
For me, a good book is one that makes me think, not just follow a plot. A great book is one that makes me jot down thoughts in the margins, and this book had me turning entire pages into a notepad. While it tells an interesting story, what made it extraordinary were Eggers’ reflections on the world around him. Too many writers simply describe events without sharing their thoughts or feelings about them. Most of us are used to those kinds of books, where the plot keeps us engaged, but the end result feels superficial. Often, I finish such books feeling accomplished, but that excitement quickly fades into dissatisfaction. I never understood why until I read Eggers. He reminded me that an author can offer much more than just an entertaining story. I now believe writers have a responsibility to do so.
Though I’m not a fan of gimmicks and was initially skeptical about the random quirks Eggers included—like the odd copyright page at the beginning or the strange autobiographical note at the end—his self-awareness and humor put me at ease. Few things draw a reader closer to an author than when they can laugh at themselves. The book is filled with moments like that. For instance, Eggers warns early on that the book becomes a bit boring towards the end, and he’s right. But when you reach that part and recall his warning, you’re still amazed by how great it is. Maybe it’s because it’s a memoir, or because Eggers draws you into his life, making you feel as though you’ve known him for years. Or maybe it’s the desire not to agree with a comment that should, in theory, discourage you from finishing the book. Whatever the reason, even at its slowest points, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius lives up to its title—genius.
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