Day 13: Overrated authors.
Gianna:
Most overrated author as a topic is sure to make people angry, so let's do it!
My first instinct was to say Norman Mailer, but the problem with that is I have read two of his books and attempted another three. Basically he is two for five in my book; which means the Cubs would pick him up and over-pay him. But at the end of the day I am not sure he ranks as overrated. I will say, however, that I disliked the man and avoided reading about him or interviews with him….but did really love The Executioner’s Song.
Now having said all that…one author’s popularity and critical acclaim is just beyond me. Chuck Palahniuk. If he'd stopped four books back, he wouldn't be on this list. He's catering to adolescent boys now. Yuck.
Send all hate mail to Liz.
Liz:
First, yes, I absolutely agree that J.D. Salinger is terribly overrated. Also, Hemingway. My favorite Hemingway is Muriel. I'll say it: David Foster Wallace. I think he's a fascinating personality, but I don't want to read his books.
My pick for most overrated author, though, is Jonathan Safran Foer. I think he presents interesting concepts with design and form, but I don't understand the hoopla over a guy who's really just written two books, and of those two, I only really liked a third of one (the guide's voice in Everything is Illuminated). His second book, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, feels derivative and his wife's book, Nicole Krauss's The History of Love, has a similar plot but significantly better writing. Foer falls into a category that really bothers me--clever writers who choose style over emotional connection with readers.Send the hate mail. We're not afraid.
