Angelos Final.

“ A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” By Dave Eggers

It’s a mouth full to read the title, so I just refer to it as “genius” because, that is exactly what it is.

“This was uncalled for” that’s how the book starts.
I guess, his situation was uncalled for.

This book is 400 and something pages literary greatness. Ok, maybe it hasn’t quite been discovered as that, but you can just take my word for it and read for yourself. But you really get that 90’s feel from it- surely we all remember the 90’s

Eggers does a brief introduction on his middle American/suburban household. His upbringing was normal, he has a sister, he has a brother. A very young brother.

And, he had his parents. Both who mysteriously die of cancer within months of each other.

Because he was now considered to be the man of the house, he was left to take care of his little brother. And, he does. They pack up- move to California, and begin a new life.

While Eggers struggles, to raise his brother, he becomes neurotic, cynical, angry, and I guess a father too.

Although this book seems to be full of heartbreaking work, Eggers leaves no room for anyone to start feeling sorry for him. No, eggers takes rough situations and gives a mundanely response as to how he has handled it; and he admits, that maybe he is a tad bit paranoid. Well, he doesn’t… but I totally get the vibe.

He loves his brother, and aside from his sister, that’s the only person he has left. He does not want to lose him. I get it.

I don’t really understand Eggers; and I guess that is exactly why I consider this to be great literature. I hate reading, and being able to figure everything out. I like mystery, and there is something very attractive about not figuring a person out completely. Eggers is an artist; he does not hide it.

I guess I feel like writing this doesn’t give the book justice; and I feel like I’m giving a boring summary on the book that changed my life.

But, I fell in love.

I love the writing, I love the words, I love the story, I love all the awkward moments… but mostly, I love that this book was the book that re-assured me that I wanted to me a witty- sarcastic writer too.