Monday, September 23, 2024

Review of Notes To My Biographer 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
Intriguing Connections = Ways To Help Oneself and Life Lessons


Watch Short Review

Review

Is This An Overview?

This is a story of Franklin Caldwell Singer, who is supposed to take medication, but does not take the medication.  Not wanting to take the medication, to not become docile.  A story of how the mind shapes how the individual perceives oneself and others.  Franklin is a supposed engineer, an entrepreneur.  Uses one’s mind in creative ways.  Seeing opportunities to improve everyone’s quality of life.  Seeing opportunities has consequences, of not seeing the consequences. 

 

This story is about Franklin wanting to see Franklin’s children.  With only Graham responding.  But when Franklin arrives, Franklin becomes distracted by the opportunities for projects.  Barely noticing, barely hearing Graham.  As Franklin spends time with Graham, Franklin becomes ever more anxious as Franklin sees that everyone in public is trying to steal Franklin’s ideas.  How can Graham be heard?


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 Franklin Caldwell Singer?
•How does Franklin’s mind operate?
•Why is Franklin not taking medication?
•Who is Graham?
•Why does Franklin want to see Graham?
•What happens when Franklin visits Graham?
•Who is Eric?
•What are Franklin’s ideas?
•Who is after Franklin’s ideas?
•What does Graham think of Franklin?


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    5
Content          3
Overall          3