it's always interesting to feel some sort of obligation when reading a book--a thing i felt in reading this one though for the life of me i would not be able to explain why. must be that i kept it far longer than i'm supposed to, and so i might as well read it, being overdue from the library and all.

the characters in the novel are varied and interesting, and i cannot decide its lack of apparent plot a strength or a lack. all the blurbs rejoice in how funny it is but i hardly laughed--until i reached the very end. also the prose is dry but appealing.

i was kind of annoyed by the felt need to include a note from the cover designer. but i am overall grouchy about pop culture making its way into my books. and when an artist has to explain their vision rather than have it be apparent--especially when it comes to books, which tend to be obvious and has no room for subtlety at the behest of the managing editors--it trips and falls flat on its face.