Book Review - Divisadero

Date: June 24, 2007
Author: Michael Ondaatje
Title: Divisadero
Rating: 8/10

I bought it where and why: Politics & Prose because I love Michael Ondaatje's works. I've been waiting a few years just to find when the next one will come out.
Where I read this book: Because it is in hardcover it's not easy to take on the metro. I just read it at home on my couch or at my kitchen table.
This book made me feel: Like a keen observer.

Why I like it: The writing. Grabbing is too harsh a word, but interesting is too bland. It flows like a river almost wild, amost full after a storm with diversions in rocks and wood only big enough to reach the top layer of water.
Why I don't like it: I have to read it a couple more times, and I would prefer that I discuss it with someone. Some of the depth in the writing may need to be pointed out to me, I know it is there, but I wanted to know more about Coop. Even though I consumed the Lucien section, as it was well written, I would need just a little nudge to discover why it was so necessary to the story of Coop. I think it has more to do with parallel themes as opposed to one person, Anna, bridging the two stories.

The plot in five words: France/California/Kids/3s/Redirection
The book made me think of who/what: When I read the book I only wanted to know about the characters in the book. I craved more information, like a seasoned archeologist about to reach the ultimate dig. I didn't think of anyone outside the book.
Memorable Character: Coop (FYI, each character and the surroundings of the character are fully developed)
Memorable quote: Perhaps he had already imagined and written every kind of letter in the voice of those other soldiers when he had helped compose their messages to wives and lovers using so many verbal emotions that honest literary empathy did not exist in him anymore.
Person I met while reading this book: When I was at WholeFoods yesterday the couple behind me talked loud enough for me to hear that they think I would be a good person to know. I had many baking ingredients on the grocery belt. I said I was baking cookies with a shy smile.
Something memorable that happened in my life during the time it took to read the book: My niece mentioned twice in one day that she wanted me to give her an uncle.

If I could recommend this book to one person, it would be: Kim Nickolaus, my former boss at Fremont Place Book Company in Seattle.
How this book changed my life: I was reading good non-fiction, but bored last night. I decided to pick this book off where I left off. I stoped reading Divisadero about a week ago to finish this non-fiction book because it is a book for a book club later this week. Instantly when I continued with Divisadero I discovered the life within each moment again.

Will I read it again: Most likely
Notes: I'm looking foward to reading it again. I want to be full of food, but not tired. I want my brain at full capacity not just caffeinated. I want to read it slowly and accept all of it's power like the medicine that drips from an IV tube.