Sunday, September 29, 2024

Review of My Father's Business by Adam Haslett

This book review was written by Eugene Kernes   

Book can be found in: 
Genre = Novel
Collection = You Are Not a Stranger Here by Adam Haslett


Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

Daniel has many mental health problems, some of which have been inherited from Daniel’s father.  Daniel is bipolar, alternating between mania and depression.  Therapists had tried to give Daniel various medications, which did not work.  To get to know oneself, Daniel makes various tapes which are left with the therapist. 

 

Before taking a trip to visit a friend, Daniel obtains the interview tapes, and some therapists notes.  Daniel is a bit afraid to look over the content, while does not want to be afraid of the information.  Then begins to get to know oneself, with the therapists’ notes providing a grim conclusion to Daniel’s health.  The taped interviews are of Daniel’s various friends and family members.  Who is Daniel interviewing?


Questions to Consider while Reading the Book

•What is the raison d’etre of the book?  For what purpose did the author write the book?  Why do people read this book?
•What are some limitations of the book?
•To whom would you suggest this book?
•Who is Daniel?
•Why does Daniel obtain Daniel’s therapy records?
•What is Daniel’s mental state?
•Who does Daniel have interviews with?
•What was the purpose of the interviews?


Book Details
Edition:                   First Anchor Books Edition
Publisher:               Anchor Books [Random House]
Edition ISBN:         0385509529
Pages to read:          237
Publication:             2003
1st Edition:              2002
Format:                    Paperback 

Ratings out of 5:
Readability    4
Content          2
Overall          2