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Will Self...........

24 replies

LEMisdisappointed · 29/04/2013 22:24

Barking?

Pretentious?

Insightful and challenging??

I read "the book of Dave" i enjoyed it, im not sure i got it, but i enjoyed it.

Downloaded and started reading "My idea of Fun" and i'm not too sure, i suspect it is going to be quite dark but wow - there are a LOT of big words there and well, they all seem rather extraneous (theres a big word, right there!) I'm not entirely sure they are all correct and in context either.

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maillotjaune · 29/04/2013 22:56

Up until a couple of months ago I would have picked 'pretentious' from that list based on reading his columns in the Statesman. Then I read Umbrella.

I loved it, almost started reading it again as soon as I had finished.
Not sure if I fancy any of his others though.

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MrsCosmopilite · 29/04/2013 22:59

I've read quite a few. I found 'book of Dave' really hard to read, but I did enjoy it.

Got into his books after going to a book reading. Afterwards he was signing copies, and was happy to chat and recommend reads for a 'Self' virgin.

Having said that, I've not read any of his for a few years. Perhaps it's time to pick one up again.

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LittleMissLucy · 02/05/2013 21:42

I hate to say it but I find him very much a writer for men more than women. Its just his whole style and sensibility.

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Nagoo · 02/05/2013 21:46

Great Apes is fabulous.

I had a dream I was a chimp after reading it. It was a bit intense.

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Nagoo · 02/05/2013 21:47

That wasn't a very intellectual review was it? :o

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LittleMissLucy · 02/05/2013 21:48

funny though.

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LEMisdisappointed · 02/05/2013 21:49

I haven't found that Littlemiss but then i probably tend not to read books directed at women specifically.

I am really enjoying this one - its quite disturbing and dark and im not always sure im getting it but its gripping

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LEMisdisappointed · 02/05/2013 21:50

I don't do intellectual :)

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LittleMissLucy · 02/05/2013 21:50

I don't think I've ever read a book directed at a woman. you sound snooty and I'm the one with a Phd in Literature...!

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Corygal · 02/05/2013 21:53

Underrated genius. Trouble is, the writing is so good more than one sentence at a time is exhausting, which can be inconvenient.

A short story of his called Scale will blow you away - and you can read the whole thing without stopping. It's a delight.

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LEMisdisappointed · 02/05/2013 22:08

snooty? me?? ahahaaahahaahahahahahaaahaaahahahahahaha oh, bless you - thanks

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CoteDAzur · 03/05/2013 09:10

"very much a writer for men more than women. Its just his whole style and sensibility."

Some of us find that style pretty awesome. In fact, if you can think of any other such authors you would call "a writer for men more than women", please share. I only recently found out about Will Self and would be happy to find other authors like him.

I don't read women's lit, either, and don't think this has anything to do with being "snooty". I generally don't enjoy them so steer clear of that section in bookstores.

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CoteDAzur · 03/05/2013 09:11

By the way, if you like Will Smith, you must read J G Ballard.

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LEMisdisappointed · 03/05/2013 10:45

Will smith???? Tee hee

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OneHolyCow · 03/05/2013 10:51

Will Smith?? He writes now, does he??
As Self?
Smile

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fubbsy · 03/05/2013 10:59

I like the idea of Will Smith pretending to be Will Self Grin

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MrsLettuce · 03/05/2013 10:59

I love his writing. How the Dead Live is one of my all time favourite books.

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CoteDAzur · 03/05/2013 11:47

LOL I will just blame that one on auto-correct Grin

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LEMisdisappointed · 03/05/2013 12:36

I once started a thread in AIBU saying AIBU because i wouldn't chuck Will Self out of bed - when what i MEANT to say was AIBU because i wouldnt chuck Will Mellors out of bed (Two pints of lager and a packet of crisps - phwoooaaar), it wasn't until i got some perplexing YABUs that i realised my error, i didn't know who Will Self is at the time. I do now though because i've gone all snooty Grin

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OneHolyCow · 03/05/2013 12:51

Cultured, like, that's what you is!
Grin

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LEMisdisappointed · 03/05/2013 13:13

Yeah, proper culchered i am bruv ;-)

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LEMisdisappointed · 03/05/2013 13:15

now see, ive just googled Will Self on images - i'd do him too! i aint that fussy it would seem - its good to have a bit of diversity though, wouldnt you say?

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CoteDAzur · 03/05/2013 14:05

Oi calm down you lot Grin

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BumpingFuglies · 03/05/2013 14:09

How the dead live is one of my all time faves but haven't read any others. Mr self does strike me as rather self absorbed though Smile

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