Suggestions?

[butter_of_69]

I'm finally to the point where I have time to read during my lunch break every day.

So, I picked up 2 books that caught my eye at the library today, and was hoping someone could point me on which one to start on first.

I got Zadie Smith's "White Teeth" and Chuck Palahniuk's "Lullaby".

Any opinions on either of these?

[Kwyjibo]

Me: I don't read books...

Buttah: Well, what about these two?

Me: Oh they suck.

B: But these are the same two books.

Me: I hope it feels good.

B: You hope what feels good?

Me: I hope it feels so good to be right to point out the shortcomings of others.

B: I don't appreciate...

Me: I don't appreciate your ruse ma'am.

B: My what?

Me: Your ruse. Your cunning attempt to fool me.

Wait... what was the question?

[DogStarMan]

Flip a coin.

[butter_of_69]

Actually, I was hoping anyone could tell me if either of these sucked before I wasted my time on them.... there's lots of other books to read, but I just picked these up on gut feeling alone.

I have officially rolled the 20 sided die, and it has come up "hit for 6 HP's damage"... wait, that's not right... it's come up "Lullaby".

Not that you care, smart alecks. :p :p

[DogStarMan]

I care...I really do. Wait....no I don't.

Don't you just hate smart Alex?

http://www.ericneely.com/images/photos/20020803-2.jpg

[Slugworth]

For what it's worth, I've been reading Palahniuk's books lately. Managed to finish "Choke", "Survivor", and "Lullaby". All three were really good, but "Lullaby" has been my favorite so far.

So I have to say read "Lullaby". I know nothing about the other book you've got. Read it anyway! Reading is fundamental, MAN!!!

[postfeminist]

I liked Invisible Monsters by Palahniuk, even though it was hard to follow *there's a surprise* at times.

I recommend Lamb...the unauthorized gospel of Biff , which is told by Jesus' "childhood bestfriend" and it was hilarious. how can you not like a book where Jesus and the word fuckhead are used a lot? (not calling Jesus a fuckhead; i'm not trying to offend..) Anyway, i think the author is Christopher Moore.

[DudeMan]

I actually like both White Teeth and Chuck's books, so for me it's all good.

I think they're making a mini-series out of White Teeth, which would be good if done well. White Teeth, probably more than any other novel I can think of, does a great job giving you a sense of England's culture in the early 21st century. I've read a number of Zadie's short stories in the New Yorker, Granta, and elsewhere, and she is a terrific writer, especially when you consider she's still in her mid-20s.

That said, I recommended White Teeth to a friend a few months ago and she really didn't like it, and even got a little annoyed at me. Zadie's second book came out this year, The Autograph Man, and it was definitely a sophomore slump for her. Blah.

So, maybe you should try Lullaby first. Let us know what you think.

[bwingrave]

White Teeth airs on PBS on May 11th and 18th as part of Masterpiece Theatre. Check your local listings for more info.

Altho the book may end up being quite different from the miniseries. The author was on Charlie Rose a few nights ago and said that for her the best part of the book was the relationship between two men. The clips I've seen of the show imply that the main character is a young woman torn between spreading the Good News and dating.

b