Paul Auster

[Mark F.]

I didn't find a thread about him so thought I'd start one. I'm currently reading "Oracle Night" which has gotten off to a good start. This year I studied "City of Glass", the first part of the New York Trilogy and although it was very interesting to read I thought the last two parts, "Ghosts" and "The Locked Room" were far better. I'm probably going to read all of his other novels over the next year or so, he's probably my favorite contemporary novelist.

I also watched his film "Lulu on the Bridge" and he seems to be as talented at directing films as he is at writing. I'm going to pick up "Smoke" and "Blue in the Face" on dvd as well some time soon.

Any other fans on the forum?

[Wild Apple]

I've read "Ghosts" from the New York Trilogy. I thought it was ok. I usually stay away from post-modernism, but after reading this short story, my opinion has somewhat softened on the movement in general.

It didn't alter my life or amaze me, but I found it very readable and it at least got me thinking about the role of the reader.

[Basil]

I LOVED the Peter Stillman sequence in "City of Glass"--Peter Stillman the Younger, as it were:

"This is what is called speaking. I believe that is the term. When words come out, fly into the air, live for a moment, and die. Strange, is it not? I myself have no opinion. No and no again. But still, there are words you will need to have. There are many of them. Many millions, I think. Perhaps only three or four. Excuse me. But I am doing well today. So much better than usual. If I can give you the words you need to have, it will be a great victory. Thank you. Thank you a million times over."