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Topic: Mary Jo's new book (Read 426 times)

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Mary Jo's new book
« Thread Started on Oct 11, 2011, 1:58am »

I've enjoyed her stories a lot and am planning to pick this up...

Mary Jo's Book

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #1 on Oct 11, 2011, 3:03pm »

Ordered. Report when done.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #2 on Oct 12, 2011, 1:08am »

I'm going to see if it's on bookshelves this weekend. If not I'll do an order as well.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #3 on Oct 13, 2011, 6:24am »

Ordered. I enjoyed MJ's last book very much.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #4 on Oct 13, 2011, 5:04pm »

I'm ordering this

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #5 on Oct 14, 2011, 4:27am »

I would also like to order the book. I always admire her writing. I "Lived With My Parents and Other Tales of Terror" is my favorite of all her books.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #6 on Oct 14, 2011, 11:09am »

Arrived yesterday. The first story made my wife shiver and squeal in revulsion.

In other words: good so far!

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #7 on Oct 14, 2011, 8:50pm »

So I liked it. Not exactly a laugh riot, but it wasn't supposed to be. About half of the essays have the feel of NPR-esque monologues, the kind of things that mix insight, awkward situations, and "slice of humanity" kinds of things.

That's not to say that there aren't laugh out loud moments. Without spoiling anything: a taxi-driver and a misused bridge metaphor. A dead mouse (under strange circumstances). The story of how Mary Jo met RAD (and his crotch, a scanner gun, and Target). Fat chicks in wet suits. Hating children who can't read.

Good stuff. Lots of self-reflected humor about her quirks and "Midwestern-ness." The stories of her dating failures were particularly good for laughs (at her expense and at others' weirdness).

And the last essay is a loving jab at over-zealous MST freaks.

My favorite was probably one that wasn't particularly funny called "The Worm," which is about her growing irritation and self-conscious doubts about a writing job. She visits a circus to interview a priest who works for Ringling Bros., and, in the process, ends up watching a young boy just get completely absorbed in the show. Kind of a renewal of innocence story, but it was also just really well written. (Plus, there's a peeing-bull.)

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #8 on Oct 14, 2011, 11:46pm »

And I forgot. Those of you who know me well will understand why I giggled in glee when I read this line:

"I waddle to the lake, like a triumphant Teletubby." (85)

In one sentence, Pehl/Pearl announces how, in my deepest dreams, I wish to leave this world. Glory knows nothing higher.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #9 on Oct 15, 2011, 2:40am »

Nice overview, thanks for sharing. Most of her stories have struck me as less wildy funny and more reflective and amusing, as you said.

I'm looking forward to reading it.

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Re: Mary Jo's new book
« Reply #10 on Mar 21, 2012, 4:44pm »

Nice read. I very much enjoyed it.

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