The Rad Librarian

I always judge sequels more harshly than an original work.  If I’m thrilled with the freshness of a book, why would I want anything else or risk critically re-evaluating a beloved text.  So when the sequel is as good as or better than the first, it’s a cause for celebration.  This is a long way to saying that even though I loved loved loved The Magician, this is even better.  It adds more depth and pathos in the tale of Quentin and Julia as they leave Fillory as they desperately try to return.  This is not a stand alone work.  You will need to read the first to understand the second.  May Lev write 5 more and kick Narnia to the curb.

I’m re-reading all of the David Foster Wallace novels and essays in tribute to an amazing writer and critic who succomed to depression this fall.  All except Infinite Jest.  IJ is a mighty, crazy, challenging work that I’m thrilled I read, but like reading Ulysses, once was enough.  I needed to trust Wallace that IJ wasn’t just a bunch of post modern techinques without substance, and he delivered a tremenous reading experience.  If you don’t want to tackle IJ,  go with Oblivion: stories.  I know when Haruki Murakami dies, I’m going to completely fall apart.