A Visit from the Goon Squad (Corsair) (Paperback)
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Short Description for A Visit from the Goon Squad A novel that deals with the lives of Bennie Salazar, an aging former punk rocker and record executive, and Sasha, the passionate, troubled young woman he employs.
Full description- Publisher: Corsair
- Published: 01 September 2011
- Format: Paperback 349 pages
- See: Full bibliographic data
- Categories: Contemporary Fiction | Short Stories
- ISBN 13: 9781849019910 ISBN 10: 1849019916
- Sales rank: 670
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Reviews for A Visit from the Goon Squad
Who is the Goon Squad? You'll see.
Jennifer Egan's novel/collection of short stories (pick your preference) is an ultimately nostalgic and somewhat sad exploration of the passing of time. Different characters are presented in separate, yet ultimately connected, short stories with certain people reappearing later on and being foreshadowed in prior chapters.
However, with most characters you are exposed to some of their most poignant moments and then are made privy to the effects these pivotal moments have had later on. It's almost like reading through someone's diary or listening in on a therapy session; you don't get everything about the character's lives, but significant glimpses that get pretty close.
Egan's novel observes these different characters, their youth, their middle age, their dreams and what eventually becomes their reality. She asks the question "How did I get from there to here?"; a question we have all asked at some point. Her writing style is emotive and vivid, and it changes perfectly to suit the differing characters from middle aged men to college students to twelve year old girls; you believe that their voices are authentic.
A story for everyone who has ever wondered at how things can change so much and yet so little at the same time. by H.A good read
If you've ever felt a little bit lost and wondered where life will take you, Jennifer Egan's A Visit From The Goon Squad is worth a read.
A kleptomaniac, a burnt out record producer and a group of teens discovering sex, drugs and rock n' roll are just a few of the eclectic mix of characters in this award-winning book.
A Visit From The Goon Squad is their coming of age.
Egan writes with wit, care and humour in this interconnected collection of short stories.
She creates a tapestry of characters whose lives evolve and intersect as their stories progress.
A Visit From the Goon Squad visits each character at key turning points in their lives. It explores how we get from A to B, what can happen when life takes a detour and the impact of the passage of time.
As you move from chapter to chapter, pay close attention to the minor characters and names that are mentioned in passing. Chances are they will turn up in a major role later on.
It's fun trying to pick the potential comebacks and discovering what has transpired between one story and the next.
Also, look out for the chapter told entirely in Powerpoint slides - surprisingly, this was my favourite chapter in the book (if only all Powerpoint presentations could be so engaging).
A Visit From The Goon Squad is the recent winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize For Fiction and the 2011 National Book Critics Award. by Louise Marsh
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