Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN num: 9780140120585
ISBN number: 0140120580
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Page Count: 336
Printing Date: September 01, 1989
Publishing house: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Sale Popularity Level: 1398313
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
A charismatic, brilliant drummer and his band make the perfect setting for a resonant, hilarious, and touching story about youth, jealousy, and ambition.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
On it's simplest level this is a book about a charismatic drummer, Checker, and his relationship with his band, the Derailleurs. It is hands down my favorite novel. I have read it more times than any other and have purchased more copies of it than any other. Every now and then I will read the reviews on Amazon.com to remind myself that I'm not alone in recognizing this superb effort by Lionel Shriver. I've yet to read a bad review, but if there are any out there, please keep me in the dark -- just like the Derailleurs, I'd prefer to believe in the infallability of Checker!
I love to give this book to friends, but it's always an unnerving time; how do i emphasize its significance and not have them treat it like any other gift book that might be set aside if the very first chapter doesn't take hold? I tout its out-of-print status as a way of ensuring they know it's not given on a whim. Of course, the time immediately after giving it to someone is the worst: Have they started reading it? Is it too early to press them? What if they really don't like it and I've overstated its significance? Now that I think about it, run from this book -- falling in love with it can only add stress to your lives!
Why do i love the book? The writing is phenomenal and the book stands up well to multiple readings; the characters are truly inspiring and become your friends so much so that you actually miss them; Shriver's words breathe life into the most mundane surroundings; and through Checker we learn to appreciate life as it is while also learning to love ourselves. This novel works on so many levels. I am amazed that it has never receveived the recognition it deserves.
So am i the only one that's hoarding copies of "Checker and the Derailleurs"? I think not. I demand a reprint!
Rated by buyers -
I just finished reading this book again, it's been a while. I forgot how good this book can make me feel. It reveals simple truths about life and human nature that should be obvious, but never are. Pain is as much a part of life as pleasure, and you must keep the two together. To quote the book, "You eat your pain. It is like cake, it is like butter. It is life as much as good times by river. You go to bed with your pain like woman. You laugh with your pain like old friend."
What other book ever taught me so much about noticing the beauty in the small, normal things; to recognize and be in awe of colors, sounds and sensations? I was hooked from the very first few pages, when Shriver likens the band's music to a lava flow; a shock of recognition went through me. And what other book could so perfectly capture the necessary mixture of emotions that a group of 19 year olds feel, yet make it relate to anyone, of any age? This book makes me feel more alive every time I read it, it is my therapy. I notice that this book is out of print, it doesn't matter. SOMEONE has a copy, somewhere. FIND IT. READ IT.
Rated by buyers -
I was given this book years ago, and now that I have a chance to review it, I feel I must. Wonderful story, detailed characters. I read this book at least once a month, and still can't get enough of it. I have found a new literary goddess. READ THIS BOOK!!
Rated by buyers -
Shriver's CHECKERS was the best novel I have ever read. Filled with amazing dialogue, true-to-life characters, and a realistic plot, I must say that Shriver ranks up their with the best of 'em!
Furthermore, if you do not forsake the time to DEVOUR this book, then you don't know WHAT you are missing. Do you want to live to rest of your life in REGRET for not reading such brilliant prose? NO! Shriver is second only to GOD if she is not The Divine Being already!
PS - Second to God not counting Michael Jordan and Warren Buffett, that is.
READ THIS BOOK!
Sincerely,
Tim Turner
Rated by buyers -
The clear, brilliant prose of Checker and the Derailleurs is the icing on a cake stuffed with great characters, nifty dialogue, and a plot in which things actually happen. I secretly hope that my friends never read this book, for fear that they will realize that all my best lines are stolen from it.
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