Le Meilleur Livre du Monde (ROMANS)

by Peter Stjernström, Emmanuel Curtil (Translator)

Stockholm. Titus Jensen est un écrivain en pleine crise existentielle. Nostalgique de sa période de gloire, alcoolique, il en est réduit à faire le pitre sur scène au cours de lectures qui servent d'ouverture aux performances d'Eddie X, poète en vogue. Mais, un jour, Titus a l'idée d'écrire le best-seller ultime : un livre qui serait à la fois roman policier, essai d'histoire de l'art, livre de recettes, guide de bien-être et qui, ainsi, pourrait être numéro 1 des ventes dans chacune des catégories. Astra, son éditrice, ne lui donne le feu vert qu'à deux conditions : assiduité et sobriété absolues. Titus se lance donc dans l'écriture du
Meilleur Livre du monde, mais, bientôt, il soupçonne Eddie X de lui avoir volé l'idée et d'essayer de le prendre de vitesse. Un concept de génie, un livre qui assurerait argent, gloire et immortalité : le pari est séduisant. Mais, dans la lutte qui s'engage entre les deux amis, il ne pourra y avoir qu'un seul vainqueur...



Dans ce
Meilleur Livre du monde truffé d'humour acerbe et d'autodérision, Peter Stjernström manipule le lecteur d'une main de maître. Dressant un tableau impitoyable de la vie quotidienne suédoise, il fait également un portrait saisissant du cynisme du monde de l'édition. Surtout, il a créé avec Titus Jensen un antihéros qui restera dans toutes les mémoires.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Swedish author based in Stockholm.
http://www.facebook.com/stjernstrom.p...

Reviews

[Serhat Can Kacan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollivanders.Books hesabıma bakmayı unutmayın!
Dünyanın en iyi kitabını yazmayı amaç edinen bir yazar ve fikirlerini çalacağını düşündüğü bir yazarın çekişmeli hikayesi. Biraz karışık bir cümle oldu değil mi?

Kitabı okuyunca ne demek istediğimi anlayacaksınız. Titus, alkol problemleri olan bir yazar. Bir gün "dünyanın en iyi kitabını" yazmayı planlar ve yayın evi ile görüşür. Yayıncı bu fikri beğenir ve birkaç şart karşılığında yazara imkan sağlar. En önemli detaylardan birisi ise kitabın 250 sayfa olması gereklidir. Ne daha fazlası ne de daha kısası.

Kitap içinde kitap bulunuyordu. Titus'un yazdığı kitap belki dünyanın en iyi kitabıydı, belki değildi bilemeyiz fakat kitabının bazı yerlerinden kesitleri okuyacaksınız. İçinde her konunun bulunduğu (yemek tarifi bile) kitabın sonunu okurken çok merak ettim.

Her an ne olacak diye beklediğim bu kitapta, yazar beni son derece heyecanlandırdı. Kaleminin akıcı olması kitabı anlamamı zorlaştırmadı. Herkesin okuması gereken kitaplardan birisi.

Kitabı sabitfikir ve idefix'in hazırlamış olduğu bir listede gördüm. İşte o liste: http://onedio.com/haber/idefix-ve-sab...

OKUMANIZI ÖNERİRİM.

[Miglė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knyga apie rašytojus, rašančius knygą, kurios pavadinimas - "Geriausia knyga pasaulyje" ir tai dar ne viskas: geriausia tai, kad knygoje rašomos knygos bruožai tinka knygai, kurioje aprašoma rašoma knyga.

Negaliu, krykštauju ir ploju katučių! Nu super, super. Satyriškas metaromanas, nu kaip žaisminga! Atsiverti, skaitai skaitai, skaitai skaitai, žiūri, vis dar kybai kažkur palei 17psl, bet nesupranti kas yra kas. Skaitai iš naujo, skaitai skaitai, nes galvoji, kad pirmąkart neįdėmiai skaitei, tai, nu, gi reik dar kartą, gi pati knygos pradžia, tai kaip čia bus, jei nuo pradžių nesuprasi. Bet pabaiga - o, pabaiga! - ir vėl susuka smegenis ir vėl pagauni save skaitant tą patį tekstą dar ir dar kartą, nes staiga *trūksta dalies teksto* ir visa istorija apvirsta aukštyn kojomis. Nu negaliu, kaip faina! O dar fainiau tai, kad knyga yra apie rašytojų gyvenimą, o man tai yra labai įdomu. Todėl buvo toks dvigubas malonumas: istorija apie rašytojus, plius galvosūkis skaitytojui. Žiauriai jėga.

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a frequent literary fiction reader, but when I do read lit fic I make sure it's like The Best Book in the World; readable, accessible but meaty in all the right places.

The premise is simple. Two authors, one young and successful, one old and regressive, talk about the book of all books. A book that would be a best-seller in every category, from self-help to thriller. Not wanting to share the fame, they both set out to write the Best Book in the World.

On the surface the book is an enjoyable romp through bizarre situations and crazy characters, including a rock-band filled with people suffering from Tourette's (including the singer) and a therapist that tried all of his alternative methods on himself first. Narratively speaking The Best Book in the World is very interesting and layered. I loved the frame within a frame within a frame, even though I get that it might get confusing. When reading a literary book I always make sure to keep an eye out for narrative techniques and small hints that will reveal what is really going on. Even though I was reading so attentively, I still thought the final chapter (the main source of confusion) could have been a bit longer.

The characters were great, exactly like I want them. I love reading about eccentric and weird people, and the characters in The Best Book in the World certainly fit the bill. They might not necessarily all be three-dimensional, but their truthful ticks and habits made up for that.

The Best Book in the World is a translated work, and sometimes translated works have stocky or unnatural prose. I didn't notice any unnatural turns of phrase in the book, and I thought Mr Stjernström's language translated beautifully. I also quite appreciated that all the Stockholm neighbourhoods were kept in their Swedish name. I loved the Stockholm setting; I've barely read any Scandinavian books, and I thought it was great to see Stockholm through a native's eyes.

It might not be the best book in the world, but The Best Book in the World is a great book that I very much enjoyed reading. Recommended for lighter literary-fiction lovers. This book will make you think, but it won't pose you any unsolvable mysteries either.

[Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beklentim çok yüksek değildi ama severek okudum. Açıkçası şimdiki zaman kipiyle yazılan kitapları okumayı sevmiyorum ama bu kitabı bilmeden almıştım. Sürekli erteledim bu yüzden. Ama düşündüğümden daha iyi bir okuma oldu.
Kitap içinde kitap içinde kitap, doğru tanım bu olur sanırım. Inception gibi. Kitabın kurgusundan ziyade bana verdiklerinden hoşnutum. Bir kitabın oluşma aşaması ve arka planda yayın dünyasının iç yüzünü anlatıyor. Yazar "İyi bir kitapta olması gereken nelerdir?" Yazar kurgusunu oluştururken nelere dikkat etmelidir?" "Bir kitabın pazarlamasının iyi olması için neler gerekir?" gibi sorulara kendi fikirlerine göre cevap vermeye çalışmış ve bunu kurgusunun içine güzelce yerleştirmiş. Yazmaya ve okumaya ilgisi olan herkesin okurken kendinden bir parça bulabileceği ve mutlaka dersler çıkarabileceği bir kitap olmuş.
Verdiği mesaja göre kurgusu biraz zayıf kalmış ve bazen (çeviriden de kaynaklı olabilir) kip kullanımı konusunda karmaşalar yaşanmış. Bu olumsuzlukları dışında bence güzel bir kitap.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it possible to write a book that hits the bestseller charts in every category? That’s the idea washed up author Titus Jensen and radical poet Eddie X come up with whilst more than a little drunk. In the cold light of day, Titus takes the idea to his editor behind Eddie’s back. The race is on to write the best book in the world…but is Titus really the man to do it?

The breathalyser laptop had me laughing out loud for real. I would say read this book just for those bits; genius! I loved Astra, his editor. She wasn’t convinced Titus could cope but she wanted The Book and gave him a good dose of tough love. I think if you follow any number of publishers and/or authors, there’s plenty in this satire to amuse. There are many stories about writers but probably none that come this close to the truth. It does make me wonder how many books start off as drunken ideas…

The reading out from old books didn’t quite work. I can imagine it being entertaining in person but in the book it is just like a passage from a random book. This caused the pace to drag in places although I think it could work well in audio format with the right narrator. There were other segments that were potentially interesting, such as a lesson in Dali, if you’re interested in Dali. But again, it detracts a little from the plot. I suppose it’s be trying to mirror its fictional counterpart, be as many genres as possible by sneaking in art history and poetry and whatever else. I did like the “cookery” element where he’s trying to work out the four season pizza though and the thriller bits work well.

The title in itself will have people picking up the book to find out more. It may not be the best book in the world but it’s certainly an interesting read for anyone interested in books.

Review copy provided by publisher.

[Papatya ŞENOL · Rating 3 out of 5]

"dünyanın en iyi kitabı" dünyanın en iyi kitabı değil tabii ki; böyle bir şey mümkün de değil. ama dili çok akıcı ve kara mizahi bir yanı var. modern yayıncılığa bakışı, popüler edebiyat kültürünün eleştirisi ve İsveç milliyetçiliği öne çıkan yönleri. kitabın bazı bölümleri çok iyi, bazı bölümler ise zorla yazılmış gibi. yazarın yazma telaşı, hırsı ve gelişimini yazar çok güzel aktarmış; ancak kitabın sonu tam bir hayal kırıklığı.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is deliciously different, it is filled with Swedish humour and it's clever. I read the last chapter and may have called the author a crafty swine out loud. To punish him, because I loved Titus so, I am withholding one star. When and if I forgive him, I will give it him back. He can win me over by writing more books. Soon.

[Marleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy from the publisher through Nudge

Let’s start this review at the very beginning, with a look at the title. It is an incredibly smart title for a book of course. I dare any reader to stumble upon this book somewhere and not take a closer look at it out of pure curiosity. How could you possibly not investigate a book with a title like this? A title like “The Best Book in the World” warrants a closer look at the blurb at the very least. And what makes this title extra clever is that the label does describe the contents exactly. This is a book about the best book in the world.

During a literary festival two authors get drunk together. One is the young, popular, successful and charming poet Eddie X. The other, Titus Jensen is older. He has a successful career as an author of literary fiction behind him and now spends his time, mostly drunk, reading outrageous passages from obscure books at festivals. Titus is well on his way to becoming a washed-out has been. During their drunken conversation Titus comes up with the idea of writing a genre-transcending book:

“A single book that is all the other books at the same time.”

Titus Jensen knows that The Best Book in the World is his last chance. If he can’t write it he’ll be an alcoholic has been for the rest of his life. If he can’t sober up now he’ll never be a serious writer again but be condemned to making a fool of himself at festivals forever.

Despite this idea having sprung from a very intoxicated mind, Titus enlists his publishers’ assistance, and proceeds on a very strict writing regime. His life style is changed, alcohol banned and his writing monitored. And much to everybody surprise Titus makes great progress with his project about:

“an overweight and charismatic detective chief inspector who has cracked an important slimming code and will change the world’s view of leadership. On top of that, he has a polished serial killer, a frightfully tasty pizza and the best artist in the world throughout the ages, his soul mate Salvador Dali.”

But, as Titus writing goes from strength to strength he can’t help worrying about Eddie X. He told the young poet about his idea and he is convinced that Eddie is not only working on a similar project but also trying to get his hands on Titus’ work in progress. And that is a very worrying prospect because:


“The best book in the world can give eternal life. But only to one of them.”

The race is on!


In many ways this is a very clever book. In order to write a book about an author who tries to write a book that encompasses several, if not all, genres Peter Stjernström had to write a book that covers several different genres. So, while we have a fascinating and at times very funny novel to enjoy here, we also get a lot of non fictional information about pizza, art, Sweden, and writing, among other topics. And for the most part the balance between story-line and other information is very well struck and fits the story perfectly. The one thing I was less happy about was the final part of the book. It is only a few pages long but manages to put everything that has gone before on its head. I can’t help feeling that Stjernström was trying to be a bit too clever there and am convinced that this book would have been as good, if not better, if that last part had been left out.

Those last few pages not withstanding, this was a very enjoyable and anything but predictable read. And while a book that holds so many different facets might sound like hard work for the reader, this is in fact a surprisingly easy to read story. The narrative flows nicely, factual insertions never take the pace out of the story and although there is an awful lot going on - there isn’t a dull moment in this book - the story-line is easy to follow, until you get to those last few pages.

There is a lot to be found in this book for those who pay attention, with a recipe for the perfect pizza as one of the highlights. The writer doesn’t shy away from kicking a few hobby horses while he’s at it. The publishing industry is given a closer look and a not too subtle dig at Paulo Coelho may well offend some of his numerous fans. And I can’t help wondering – with a big grin on my face - how many authors, like Titus in this book, have wished they could put something like the following in their foreword:

“…and now I demand of you, you pathetic clown of a reviewer, that you read this magnificent book with the most open attitude that your withered and poisoned brain is capable of. May you burn in hell if you are incapable of appreciating the magnificence of this innovative work of literature.”

This may not be the best book in the world; it definitely is a very original and enjoyable way to spend a few of your reading hours.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inhalt:

Titus Jensen wartet noch auf seinen Durchbruch. Dies jedoch gestaltet sich als schwerwiegendes Unterfangen, werden seine Romane nicht wirklich ernst genommen, hat er es sich als Aufgabe gemacht stattdessen andere Werke mit Gemeinheiten bei Lesungen zu präsentieren und anschließend die Peinlichkeiten im Suff zu ertragen.
Doch auch sein Alkoholkonsum bringt ihn eher noch tiefer in den Engpass seiner finanziellen Situation. So stürzt er sich nach einem Zechgelage mit dem gefeierten Dichter Eddie X in eine glorreiche Idee, die den gewünschten Durchbruch bringen soll : Warum nicht einfach mal alles in ein Buch packen, was das Zeug zum Bestseller hat – ein wenig Liebe, ein paar gute Rezepte, ein bisschen Selbstfindung, die sicherste Diätmethode und den ultraspannenden Krimi-Plot?
Der Kampfgeist ist geweckt und bringt seitens Titus ungeahnte Produktivität zum Vorschein und nicht nur das, denn er hat durch seinen Eifer an der Arbeit zugleich den Absprung vom Alkoholiker - Dasein geschafft. Bei der Buchpräsentation auf der Göteborger Buchmesse möchte er allen beweisen was wirklich in ihm steckt, jedoch hat er die Rechnung ohne den Liebespoet Eddie X gemacht, der genau wie er sich an der fixen Idee zu schaffen gemacht hat und genauso nach Rum und Beachtung giert wie er selbst.
Mit aller Macht stemmt sich Titus gegen das Ansehen seines Mitstreiters und eröffnet den Kampf um das beste Buch der Welt!

Meine Meinung:

Mit viel turbulenten & schwarzem Humor, einer rasanten & außergewöhnlichen Story, sowie ein hohes Maß an Charme und Eifer hat Peter Stjernström einen klassiger aufs Papier gemacht, welches nicht nur dem Titel alle Ehre bereitet, sondern wirklich ein Anwärter auf „ Das beste Buch der Welt“ darstellt.
Mir gefällt es richtig gut, wie er nicht nur seinem Hauptprotagonisten einige Steine in den Weg legt, über die er mit einer gewissen Tollpatschigkeit stolpert und sich selbst nicht mit Ruhm bekleckert, sondern mit einem angenehmen Hauch an schwarzen Humor gleich alle seine Gegenspieler mit in den Dreck zieht.
Aber auch an einer tiefgründigen Story fehlt es dem Ganzen absolut nicht und zeigt eigentlich sehr detailliert auf wie schwer das Leben als recht unbekannter Autor sein kann und welche Hürden es zu erklimmen gilt um wenigstens ein wenig Ansehen zu erhaschen.
Auch die alltäglichen Probleme, die das Leben so mit sich bringt, geben der Handlung etwas Realistisches mit auf den Weg.
Titus ist ein angenehmer Charakter, der sich nach einem Durchbruch als Autor sehnt, jedoch bisher eher wenig Aufmerksamkeit mit seinen Romanen gewinnen konnte. Das er eher aus Frust dazu tendiert etwas tief ins Glas zuschauen und sich dann auch noch auf kosten Anderer mit Ruhm bekleckern versucht, macht das Leben für ihn nicht gerade Lebenswerter. Kein Wunder, dass er sich dann an eine fixe und im Suff entstandene Idee klammert, die er witziger Weise noch wirklich gut anschließend umzusetzen weiß. Dumm nur, dass er einen Kontrahenten ungewollt mit an Bord genommen hat, dem zudem noch jedes Mittel recht ist, selbst den gewünschten Erfolg herauszuschlagen und koste es was es wolle.
Das Cover besticht eher durch seinen sofort ins Auge fallenden Titels als mit Details aus dem Buch. Nimmt man den Klapptext zur Hand, zeigt er nur einen klitze kleinen Eindruck von dem was sich dahinter verbirgt und das sollte man sich anschließend wirklich nicht entgehen lassen!

Fazit:
Eine etwas andere Geschichte mit den Schattenseiten als Autor, einer geballten Ladung an Humor und dem Sinn des Lebens.
Lesenswert ja, aber mit Vorsicht zu genießen, denn es trifft beim besten Willen nicht jedermanns Geschmack!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book via a Goodreads giveaway.

There were several things I liked about this book. The idea behind the plot is intriguing – two authors competing to write a book that will top the bestseller lists in every category, thereby becoming the writer of ‘the best book in the world.’ It’s also got plenty of irreverent and satirical observations about modern life, and I enjoyed the descriptions of Stockholm and Swedish life and culture. The first half of the book felt rather slow even though there was clearly meant to be a sense of urgency in what Titus was doing, but I’m glad I kept reading as it definitely improves in pace and plot as it goes on.

However, there were a few things about this book which niggled me.

Although I liked Titus, the characters felt under-developed. Astra and Evita don’t really develop beyond being pretty publishing types. It is never made clear how Titus ended up as a washed-out alcoholic, and the change in Eddie X’s character towards the end of the book feels both unexpected and unexplained. I found the final chapter thoroughly confusing; it felt unnecessary and for me, the penultimate chapter would have made a more satisfying ending.

In short, I liked this book but I didn’t love it. The second half of the book is much better than the first, and overall it’s enjoyable if at times a little silly.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads First Read.

Don't get misled by the title of this book, it's about writing the best book in the world. It doesn't just stop at the title the author misleads the reader in a few ways throughout the novel. It's a book that may leave you confused after finishing it but to me that's the mark of a good book.

The story follows two writers, one an old has been and the other young and popular; both want to write the best book in the world. It's a humourous take on writing but also on the people involved in the world of a book, from editors and critics to librarians and book owners. The plot is face paced and has some unexpected twists along the way. Overall it's an enjoyable, well thought out read.

[Bora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bu kitaba beklentimi düşürerek başladım ve bu yüzden de genel olarak sevdim. Stockholm'de olduğumu hissettim sayfaları ardı ardına çevirirken. Betimlemeler öyle iyi yapılmış ki kendimi İsveç'te hissetmemem imkansız gibiydi. Karakterler ve olay örgüsü de oldukça iyiydi. Daha önce bu konuda bir kitap okumadığım için beğenimi büyük oranda kazandı. Fakat o son iki bölüm... Bir kitap bu kadar saçma ve anlamsız bitemezdi. Oldu bittiye gelmişti her şey. Bu yüzden de 5 puanlık ilerleyen kitaba sonundan dolayı 4 puan vermek zorunda kaldım.
Ama yine de herkese öneriyorum çünkü asla akıcılığını ve güzel dilini kaybetmiyor kitap.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced and funny with some parts that made me laugh out loud, this is a humorous poke as the publishing world peppered with some touching observations about self-loathing, paranoia and alcoholism.

I haven't tried the pizza recipe, and I can see some worth in the ABC method for weight loss but most of all I liked the twists and turns in the latter part of the book.

Good fun and thoughtful.

[Eren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uzun zamandır kitaplığımda beklettiğim bir kitaptı ve sonunda okudum,mutluyum.Genel anlamda çok klişe bir konusu vardı ama akıcı bir kitaptı. Karakter yapılandırmasını pek beğenmedim,kitabın sonunu da az çok kestirebildim fakat yazarın dili oldukça güncel ve dinamikti. Okuduğuma pişman olmadım ama çok da tavsiye edeceğim bir kitap değildi.

[Ludmilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

kitap başlarda gayet iyi ve eğlenceliydi, Titus'ın yazma süreci falan. Sonra kötüleşti, daha da kötüleşti ve anlamsız, salakça bitti. İlk 200 sayfa ne kadar iyiyse, son 100 sayfa o kadar kötü.

[Banu Yıldıran Genç · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://tembelveyazar.blogspot.com/201...

[Zeynep Bozik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yazmaya, bir yazarın zihnine, yazma sürecine ilginiz varsa çok keyifli zaman geçirerek okunacak bir roman.

[Yules · Rating 4 out of 5]

Titus and Eddie X are both authors who don't make as much money as they'd like, so they concoct an idea for The Best Book in the World, which would combine different genres to make it onto bestseller lists across every category (detective; art history; self-help; cookbook; etc). Titus gets to his publishing house first, and the publishers set up his work process in such a way that it produces a surprising amount of NAILBITING SUSPENSE.

It's a silly, fun ride, especially if you like reading books about books and authors about authors (that phrase will actually somewhat make sense once you read the novel.) The Paulo Coelho shade is *chef's kiss*: "The worst book is The Maker of Gold." (That's The Alchemist for those of you watching at home, lol). And about self-help books in general:

it was tiring to think about how well these ridiculous self-help books sold, and how much all the optimist consultants earned. Why was that so? Who had even heard of a multi-millionaire who had got rich by claiming that everything gets screwed up? It must be because the optimists have access to the media, and that the pessimists are discriminated against. At a guess, the pessimists earn a fraction of the salary of the optimists even though they do just as good a job.

*Pessimist readers cheer in lower salaries*

Ending: I think the number that Astra sees on her phone in the end is Eddie X, furthering the meta-meta-meta levels into a never-ending spiral.
TW: A disabled character is found out to have been lying about his disabilities, an all-too-common trope that ends up harming disabled people in reality because it trains people to suspect us of lying (just FYI).

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Titus Jensen hat als Schriftsteller seine beste Zeit hinter sich. Sein Geld verdient er hauptsächlich damit, dass er Lesungen auf Festivals hält. Auf einem dieser Festivals trifft er auf den im Gegensatz zu ihm erfolgreichen Dichter Eddie X. Die beiden kommen auf die Idee, ein Buch zu schreiben, das alles enthält was sich ein Leser vorstellt. Es soll das beste Buch der Welt werden. Aber wer schreibt es und sammelt damit die Lorbeeren ein?

Ich hätte gerne gesehen, wie Titus aus einem über 200 Jahre alten Krankenbericht eines schwedischen Königs vorliest und die Menge zum Toben bringt. Denn so, wie es Peter Stjernström beschrieben hat, hat Titus durchaus Talent für solche Lesungen. Aber das ist nicht das, was er will. Titus will den Ruhm vergangener Tage zurück und ist dafür sogar bereit, hart zu arbeiten. Was in seinem Fall bedeutet, dass er von seinem Computer überwacht wird, nicht mehr raucht und trinkt und ins Fitnessstudio geht. Alles nur, um im Kampf gegen Eddie X um das beste Buch der Welt zu gewinnen.

Das Buch ist die Geschichte vom Konkurrenzkampf zweier Alphatiere, die mit viel Humor und ein bisschen Chaos geschrieben ist. Manchmal wurde mir das Gehabe der beiden Herren ein bisschen zu viel, aber ich konnte mich immer herrlich über sie amüsieren.

[Krisz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't think this would be so bad. But - it is written in present tense, which to me means it starts off as a maximum *** book. I really don't get it why authors use present tense - it only fits a few special cases - as any editor knows so if PS knows editors so much surely he knows at least one good one who could have told him so?
I was reading this on an excursion, right, while we were taking a 20 minutes drive to the country and then did a walk. And i finished it. I remember I was on page 52 when I wanted to hurl it over the fence of the house we were walking by... it hurt it was so not for present tense. (I didn't throw it away because 1) I would have had no other book left with me 2) it was a present from my husband who was with me.)
And then... it just never got exciting or interesting. Wanting to write the BBitW by mixing genres together? Nope. No effing way, as any editor would tell you. Target audience must be laser sharp targeted.
The only good twist was the last few pages - though I still don't get it why strong women would want to make out with female-ish, colourful haired boys...

[Nora · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was likable, even funny at quite a few places (e.g. Lenny, the rocker who has Tourette syndrome; the customized computer that senses if you're drunk and shuts down, etc.), but the writing style is obviously underdeveloped. I also read it in Hungarian translation, which might have contributed to the style problems. The ending is completely unnecessary; it makes you lose all the sympathy you have built up for the main characters, and all respect for the writer, really. The twist turns out to be an overused, tiresome trope, and the reader feels let down.

At the end, it always comes down to whether you've liked a book enough to be willing to read more from the writer. In this case, I think I will try other Scandinavian authors.

[Kreete · Rating 2 out of 5]

Huh. Kus alustada? No algus oli väheke segane: kirjanik teeb otsuse. Siis hakkas hargnema lugu, kus kirjanik (kas seesama kirjani?) otsustab kirjutada maailma parima raamatu. Aga on ka teine kirjanik, kes tahab ka maailma parimat raamatut kirjutada. Ja lõpus ei saa enam üldse aru, milline kirjanik on milline kirjanik ja kes mida kirjutas.
Selline natukene jabur, veidralt kiiksuga ja paranoiline raamat. Aga täitsa huvitav, sellegipoolest.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Best Book in The World" may not live up to its name, but it is fun, silly and lighthearted. Unfortunately it's the ending that lets it down which is the reason for this book receiving 3 stars.

You can see my full review on my blog here: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not great because it drags in the middle. The idea is clever and the execution predictable (my hunches about the plot twists were correct). I enjoyed it but didn't love it.

[Judy Nel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not live up to expectation

[Eva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Satir kring bokbranschen, men roar mig bar alite smått. Författaren skaåar några 'twistar' i intrigen, men sen slutar den ändå 'som väntat'.

[Angelika Kamińska · Rating 2 out of 5]

Przeczytałam tą książkę i tak na prawdę nie mam o niej zdania, na pewno nie jest tytułową najlepszą książką na świecie. Według mnie nie jest nawet dobrą książką.

[Uygar Ak · Rating 1 out of 5]

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[Annew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Allright. This was a weird book. With a deceiving, still understandable title. An inside joke which you start to get the closer you get to the last page.

Talking about that last page though. (And careful: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead, though I don't think that actually matters because this book seems to be about journeys and experience, and actual understanding is trivial since no one in the book understands either)

Turns out I just don't get this. This whole book. I get the whole meta-vibe, and right up until the start of the third part I was like, "Allright. This is a book about someone who writes a book, everything happens twice and the in-story-book adds to the completeness of the actual book.. Yeah."
Then part three starts. And I just frown, because wait a minute, this book is even more meta. It's só meta, that the author who is not the actual author of the book (Peter Stjernström) but is the actual author of the book that is about the 'Best book in the world' which is being written in this actual book which is also called 'The Best book in the world' actually wonders if it is not 'too meta'. A nice sneak peak into the mind of an 'actual' author, I guess.
But here's the thing. I don't get it. Or maybe I get it, but just don't agree. I don't want to get it.

It's real popular nowadays, to write something with such a plottwist at the end that your readers are 'Like "Whaaaa...?"'. I also sometimes like to go 'Like "Whaaa...?"'.
I don't like, however, to be thusly confused that I start to criticize and realize that the book I've just been reading (this is the one that consists of part 1 and 2 in the actual book, not the object-book in the narrative) is actually really weird and that I don't like it. My 'beef' with this ending is that the authors turn out have switched names in the novel, and while i do understand it I will not elaborate on these implications because I frankly don't want to. If someone does want me to, please tell me so and I will. But this whole switcheroo for me only has one conclusion which I had as soon as I realized what was going on here: this guy has spent a whole book on describing himself as being incredibly attractive and charismatic, and therefore implied that his rival is incredibly rusty, unattractive and pathetic. And this ending sounds like a triumph.
Which makes the author sound like a douche.
Which makes the book he writes douchy.
Which makes all the credibility he built up for his characters unbelievable. Because I don't like to believe douches.
I like to think, in books like these, books about inspiration and about the art of writing, are told by non-douches. I don't like to be in a douchy head. Or follow the story of a douche.

Now I don't want to insult anyone, and it is still a very well crafted text for which I'd like to applaud the ACTUAL author.
But with twist endings, you want the dominos (to get metaphorical) falling the right way. The way that goes 'wow now it's even better'. Sadly, for me this one fell the other way, the "Oh damn he turns out to be a douche and now I'm not sure if I like the book anymore, I'm just confused and probably going to reread Harry Potter again"-way.

Which saddens me. Not because I don't like Harry Potter. Because I do. But because I could feel some crazy ending coming a mile away. And it just turned out to be a douchebag. I hoped for a Severus Snape, but I got a Whomping Willow. Quite interesting at first, with some real potential, but at the end of the day just sort of there, sighing: "Yeah. I was a douche. Don't know what happened either. What are you gonna do..."

Also. One last thing. The cover of my version of this book said that it was a 'really funny novel'. What? No! It was an enthralling story about someone who picks up his life to achieve a goal, which was inspiring, and then it got a bit weird and confusing at the end. But it wasn't very funny, it didn't need to be. It's a literary text about text and plot and confusion. You don't have to call that funny in order to sell it! So please don't. After reading it, seeing on the cover that it was meant to be funny makes me doubt I read the right book. It wasn't the best book in the world, but, my opinion about the ending aside, it is a well crafted text that made me think. And that's absolutely enough.

[Radek Gabinek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Stjernström podejmuje z czytelnikiem swoisty rodzaj gry. Z jednej strony pozwala mu zobaczyć jak wygląda od kuchni praca twórcza i cała otoczka związana z wydawaniem literatury, a z drugiej strony sprawia wrażenie jakby cały czas robił tegoż czytelnika w konia. Tak naprawdę do końca nie będziemy wiedzieć co jest prawdą, a co nie, natomiast jedno jest pewne - pod przykrywką groteski i absurdu, autor stara się nam przekazać, że powinniśmy jednak chyba czasem pokusić się o dystans i potraktować literaturę z przymrużeniem oka. Czasem ma się wrażenie, a przynajmniej mi się tak często zdaje, że twórcy i odbiorcy literatury mają tendencję do popadania w snobizm i doszukują się głębi i swoistego sacrum w dziełach, które tak naprawdę ani z jednym, ani z drugim nie mają nic wspólnego. Zostały one najzwyczajniej w świecie stworzone z myślą o zysku i sukcesie marketingowym. Peter Stjernström skutecznie wyleczy Was z takiej romantycznej wizji patrzenia na literaturę i z dużą dawką humoru i dystansu do samego siebie i środowiska literackiego pokaże, że autorem książki i jego wydawcą może kierować zwykła, przyziemna kalkulacja sukcesu i manipulacja czytelnikiem.

To o czym pisze w swojej książce Peter Stjernström , to zjawisko które swego czasu już zaprzątało moją głowę, a mianowicie charakterystyczny nie tylko dla literatury, ale także dla muzyki, czy filmu spadek poziomu oferowanego nam przekazu. Wydawcy i cała machina promocyjna są w dzisiejszych czasach wcisnąć ludziom niemal wszystko i jeszcze do tego wmówią im, że powinno im się to podobać, bo skoro cały czas jest obecne w mediach, to widocznie coś w tym jest. Niby prosta sprawa i dla w miarę sprawnie funkcjonującego umysłu ten mechanizm powinien być łatwy do rozpracowania, a jednak okazuje się że mimo wszystko dajemy się w niego złapać. Autor " Najlepszej książki na świecie" przy pomocy bohatera swojej książki prezentuje nam w jaki sposób traktowany jest czytelnik, bo po co zastanawiać się co może go zainteresować jeśli można sporządzić wielogatunkowy koktajl i napewno któryś z jego składników się spodoba, a że całość będzie smakować niczym gówno, to już inna sprawa. Przecież jeśli wszyscy się na nie skuszą ( a że będzie odpowiednio zapakowane to wielu kupi choćby ze względu na opakowanie ) to znaczy , że nie może być takie złe, bo czyżby wszyscy się mylili? Wszak trzeba podążać za tłumem - taką mamy rzeczywistość. Egzemplarz książki będzie miał dwie okładki więc automatycznie będzie można zastawić niemal całą półkę, więc książka sama się będzie cisnęła do rąk.

"Najlepsza książka na świecie" to krzywe zwierciadło, takie fajne odreagowanie i złapanie dystansu, natomiast wymaga od czytelnika zrezygnowania ze spiny i otwarcie się na rodzaj gry proponowany przez autora. Momentami mamy wrażenie, że właśnie fundowany jest nam wspomniany wyżej lekki, łatwy i przyjemny, nieskomplikowany chłam, ale to tylko taki zabieg moim zdaniem, prześmianie tematu i jedno wielkie mrugnięcie okiem. Peter Stjernström ma specyficzny styl pisania i dość oryginalne poczucie humoru co wpływa na pewien rodzaj chaosu, który momentami możemy odczuwać w trakcie lektury tej książki. Niewiem na ile jest to zabieg zamierzony, a na ile ten autor po prostu tak ma, bo szczerze mówiąc nie zadałem sobie trudu poznania jego twórczości , ale mi osobiście odpowiada taki styl. Momentami trąci absurdem i groteską, a to z uwagi na przedstawiony temat sprawdza się znakomicie.

Podsumowując, jeśli lubicie książki pełne autoironii i nie boicie się satyry , która rykoszetem może uderzyć w Was samych oraz bawi Was skandynawski humor, to " Najlepsza książka na świecie" jest propozycją idealną właśnie dla Was. Czyta się szybko, przyjemnie i na koniec czeka nas małe zaskoczenie, ale ostrzegam niekoniecznie będziecie wiedzieć więcej niż na początku, bo Peter Stjernström to przebiegły drań :)

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