Reading the 20th Century discussion

I've nearly finished The Trees, my second book by Percival Everett. The first was James which was very clever and a great read.


It might be premature to call him a favourite but I got a lot out of both books which are very different from each other.

Are his other books of the same calibre?

Let's talk Percival Everett

I'm a fan, for sure. Besides the two you mentioned I have read Erasure, I Am Not Sidney Poitier, Telephone, Watershed, and American Desert. They were all 4 star reads. I especially liked and remember details of the last two. American Desert was over the top in such a good way.

I have Assumption marked as one star, with a rude comment, but I have no idea why - I don't remember it, and I don't often finish books I'm hating enough to give one star. Makes me tempted to revisit it.

I am starting to be a fan. I watched the movie American Fiction based on Erasure, and I have just read I Am Not Sidney Poitier. Enjoying the biting satire. Hope to read several more of his books

I liked James although I didn't think the ending was quite as good as the rest of the book, so am interested to hear which titles others recommend. The reader on the audible version, Dominic Hoffman, was great - I would definitely listen to more of his narrations.

Thanks all - that all sounds very positive


American Fiction is indeed a very funny and perceptive film

I’m now keen to read more of his work

I've finished The Trees



Another Percival Everett masterclass (see also James). I'm even more resolved to read the rest of his books.....


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Nigeyb wrote: "I've finished The Trees



Another Percival Everett masterclass (see also James). I'm even more resolved to read the rest of his books....."

This is the only Everett I've read to date and agree that the plotting is a bit sluggish in places. He's outrageous though in what he says and how he says it which I liked a lot.

Excellent reviews, Nigey. I agree that Everett could have done without some repetitive parts in The Trees and I also felt ambivalent about the ending. Otherwise, a remarkable and memorable novel. I had no reservations about his James and loved everything about it. For my next Everett, I keep an eye on I Am Not Sidney Poitier - who can resist such a title? He makes me laugh while at the same time seamlessly and powerfully raising some serious issues about the race and society.

Thanks Vesna


Yes, that novel sounds fab

So Much Blue is a bit different than the author's satirical books and also worth reading as a counterpoint to them.

I keep track of books I've read by my favorite authors, and Percival Everett is surely one of them. Here are my reviews for those I've read:

- So Much Blue - 5* - My Review
- James - 4.5* - My Review
- The Trees - 4* - My Review
- Erasure - 4* - My Review
- Dr. No - 3* - My Review
- Walk Me to the Distance - 3* - My Review

Splendid. Very helpful


Thanks

I'm underway with I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009) and, so far, enjoying it very much


Believer Book Award (2009)
Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Fiction (2010)



I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009) is a biting, surreal comic novel by Percival Everett. It is an inventive exploration of Black identity, class privilege, celebrity culture, and the absurdities of American society

If you enjoy sharp literary satire, meta-humour, or Everett’s other works (such as Erasure or Trees), I Am Not Sidney Poitier showcases the author at his most wildly imaginative and comedic. It balances laugh-out-loud comedy with profound commentary on what it means to step out from under someone else's shadow and forge your own identity

I would suggest watching the films Poitier starred in that provide the sources for this Oulipian novel, since much of the humor and absurdity stems from the films.

Some can be found for free on Youtube and other services. I am not sure what is available in your country.

Thanks Sam, I had no idea this references SP's films. Do you know which ones? I've not seen anything with him in for many years now


So far I'm loving the imaginative and comedic style and feel confident the quality and pleasure is going to be maintained throughout the novel

Trying to answer my own question I had a look on Wikipedia and discovered...


As Not Sidney grows up and travels across the US, his life repeatedly falls into surreal scenarios that mirror plot lines from classic Sidney Poitier films—including The Defiant Ones, A Patch of Blue, and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner—often with hilarious or dark satirical twists

Yes, there is a relatively long list.

I've always been daunted by Everett's extensive bibliography, and his fame for cerebral play (which I love).

Then a few years ago I read The Trees, I don't even remember why, and loved it: it is hilarious, poignant and provocative.

I loved that one too.

I’m nearly halfway through and I Am Not Sidney Poitier (2009) is a real blast. I’m loving it. Very amusing and satirical. This is looking likely to be my favourite book by Percival Everett so far

And as I close in on the ending it’s become even wilder. A wonderful reading experience

Finished. A fabulous read. Funny, original, profound, surreal....

How does it compare to The Trees?

Even better - and I loved The Trees

I wonder whether a crash course on Poitiers' cinematography should be a prerequisite to fully enjoy the references in the novel.

Undoubtedly


Though I didn’t and still found it fun and engaging

Spoiler free review of I Am Not Sidney Poitier....


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4.5/5


Having said I probably wouldn't be using half stars I'm already using them willy nilly 🤠

Quarter stars is a bridge too far though

Your enthusiastic comments were contagious, Nigey. I'm reading it right now, couldn't help it. :-)

Wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did Vesna

Nigeyb wrote: "Spoiler free review of I Am Not Sidney Poitier....


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4.5/5

I bought this at my fave used book store Saturday! Perfect timing. I also picked up Telephone, about which I know zero. At this point, with Everett, I'm guaranteed at minimum a 3 star experience and hopeful of more.

Having said I probably wouldn't be using half stars I'm already using..."

It’s turning into an Everett fest 🫶🏼

Everett never disappoints! He again manages to make us laugh and be disturbed (and frightened in the scenes with racist thugs), not sparing anyone, including the character named Percival Everett :-) I think Telephone or Erasure would be my next though not right away.

Me too Vesna


I ❤️ PE

Looking forward to comparing notes again soon