David Clark's Blog
October 3, 2012
BYU Studies Says...
Shelah Mastny Miner, writing in the latest issue of BYU Studies says:
"In Death of a Disco Dancer Clark is able to do something that few LDS authors have achieved so far... Clark’s book is about Mormons but not necessarily for a Mormon audience
alone. He talks about Mormon elements in a familiar way, but while the
book is about subjects that are central to the Mormon experience (eternal
families, repentance, progression through the ranks of the priesthood),
they are presented in a universal way. The book is tight and well edited, rich
and complex, and totally compelling. I read the 300-plus page book in less
than a day, not because I had to, but because I wanted more. I hope Clark
gives us more."
"In Death of a Disco Dancer Clark is able to do something that few LDS authors have achieved so far... Clark’s book is about Mormons but not necessarily for a Mormon audience
alone. He talks about Mormon elements in a familiar way, but while the
book is about subjects that are central to the Mormon experience (eternal
families, repentance, progression through the ranks of the priesthood),
they are presented in a universal way. The book is tight and well edited, rich
and complex, and totally compelling. I read the 300-plus page book in less
than a day, not because I had to, but because I wanted more. I hope Clark
gives us more."
May 24, 2012
Hilarious and Heart-Rending
From "Shelf-Actualization":
"The Death of a Disco Dancer is a poignant and entertaining read, with characters you can't help but care about. And as we pointed out yesterday, Clark’s easy, colorful prose is at once hilarious and heart-rending. Do yourself a favor and read it."
"The Death of a Disco Dancer is a poignant and entertaining read, with characters you can't help but care about. And as we pointed out yesterday, Clark’s easy, colorful prose is at once hilarious and heart-rending. Do yourself a favor and read it."
Rich and Complex and Totally Compelling
From "Shelah Books It":
"At the very top of the literary hierarchy, there are the entertaining works of literary fiction. I read enough books that I feel confident in saying that this category is the one most authors strive for, but very few attain. In Death of a Disco Dancer, David Clark's first novel, he shoots right to the top of the hierarchy...
Clark is able to do something that few authors have achieved so far-- his book is a book about Mormons but not necessarily for a Mormon audience. He talks about Mormon elements in a familiar way, but while the book is about subjects that are central to the Mormon experience (eternal families, repentance, secrets, coming of age) they're presented in a universal way...
It's rich and complex and totally compelling. I read the 300+ page book in less than a day, and not because I had to, but because I wanted more. I hope Clark gives us more."
"At the very top of the literary hierarchy, there are the entertaining works of literary fiction. I read enough books that I feel confident in saying that this category is the one most authors strive for, but very few attain. In Death of a Disco Dancer, David Clark's first novel, he shoots right to the top of the hierarchy...
Clark is able to do something that few authors have achieved so far-- his book is a book about Mormons but not necessarily for a Mormon audience. He talks about Mormon elements in a familiar way, but while the book is about subjects that are central to the Mormon experience (eternal families, repentance, secrets, coming of age) they're presented in a universal way...
It's rich and complex and totally compelling. I read the 300+ page book in less than a day, and not because I had to, but because I wanted more. I hope Clark gives us more."
Riding the Buzz
Theric Jepson writes on A Motley Vision:
"David Clark’s The Death of a Disco Dancer is a brilliant book...
I’ll be buying a copy for my mother (even though it says “nuts” and “balls” far too often for her taste): This book made me recognize my love for my mother in a way I too rarely do. Now, several days after finishing it, I’m still riding that buzz...
It’s about life and the passing of time and it manages to hit that passage through several generations with a simplicity and artistic integrity I admire...
He has captured a time and place so perfectly it feels like documentary footage of 1981 Scarsdale, Arizona. He’s funny. He drew tears without being the least sentimental. Both the laffs and the tears are fully earned by real characters engaging in real life..."
"David Clark’s The Death of a Disco Dancer is a brilliant book...
I’ll be buying a copy for my mother (even though it says “nuts” and “balls” far too often for her taste): This book made me recognize my love for my mother in a way I too rarely do. Now, several days after finishing it, I’m still riding that buzz...
It’s about life and the passing of time and it manages to hit that passage through several generations with a simplicity and artistic integrity I admire...
He has captured a time and place so perfectly it feels like documentary footage of 1981 Scarsdale, Arizona. He’s funny. He drew tears without being the least sentimental. Both the laffs and the tears are fully earned by real characters engaging in real life..."
Another Edgy Mormon Novel
Doug Gibson writing for The Ogden Standard-Examiner writes:
"There are amusing anecdotes in Death of a Disco Dancer, but it’s at heart a bittersweet tale. When you live too long, death is demeaning, and taxing for those who love you the most. And it’s a challenge to find the good in that stranger who once loved you, so reach out at every shard of memory that offers a glimpse of their humanity."
My favorite line in the review is its very first:
"There’s good Mormon fiction out there. If you know where to look for it. (Hint: It’s not at Deseret Book)."
"There are amusing anecdotes in Death of a Disco Dancer, but it’s at heart a bittersweet tale. When you live too long, death is demeaning, and taxing for those who love you the most. And it’s a challenge to find the good in that stranger who once loved you, so reach out at every shard of memory that offers a glimpse of their humanity."
My favorite line in the review is its very first:
"There’s good Mormon fiction out there. If you know where to look for it. (Hint: It’s not at Deseret Book)."
A Crazy Old Lady & A Nearly Naked Teenage Boy
Ivan Wolfe of the the Association for Mormon Letters (or "AML") writes:
"A moving story that will likely linger with me for some time to come. While this novel won’t likely convert me from my usual reading habits, I can honestly say I really, really enjoyed this novel and would read another tale by David Clark if given the chance."
My favorite line in the review is:
"I never thought a crazy old lady teaching a nearly naked teenage boy to dance could actually be so touching."
"A moving story that will likely linger with me for some time to come. While this novel won’t likely convert me from my usual reading habits, I can honestly say I really, really enjoyed this novel and would read another tale by David Clark if given the chance."
My favorite line in the review is:
"I never thought a crazy old lady teaching a nearly naked teenage boy to dance could actually be so touching."
