Everyman discussion

Has been called best writer in US today. I was in university with him, which he started at the age of 15. At first he hates the mainstream life. Spends much time mocking them. So I hated him but read later works when he regrets he was not part of it His three failed marriages and only one child left speaking to him comes back to haunt him. His genius is indisputable but he never found peace and happiness.

I've marked this book to return to when I'm older. Reading it now, in my early 30's, I don't think I can appreciate the reflection on life it speaks to. I do see in it shades of my father and his, however. Very affecting fiction.

This is one of the least enjoyable of his novels I've read so far.

An amazing read. This book captures the foundational questions we face as we age for someone who completely lacks any fiber of religion or belief in that beyond himself. As a result, he gravitates toward obsession with the pursuits of younger men. Absent a clear understanding of self, family or god, he becomes more and more a child as his physical self deteriorates.

Judy wrote: "I thought Roth captured the transitions in life very well. His fiction that I've read is believable enough to feel like one is a reading a memoir."

Judy I agree with this. I, too, felt it as captivating as reading a memoir. I, too, plan on reading it in the future as Tom had suggested. I loved this book.