Book of Extraordinary Tragedies [Paperback]

Joe Meno is one of those Chicago writers floating around so long that we take his sturdiness for granted. His latest, though, [A] richly embroidered coming-of-age story . . . An uplifting and interesting exploration of one familys struggle for existence in the United States, against the backdrop of history, classical and popular music, and the financial crisis of 200708; highly recommended. Joe Menos?Book of With his nuanced portrayal of Chicagos ethnic, class, and cultural dividing lines, Meno once again proves himself a true heir to Stuart Dybek for the way he captures the essence of life in our neighborhoods. Joe Meno is among a couple other writers (Kevin Wilson and Patrick DeWitt) who do a genre Im going to call SadQuaint. Its a little Wes Anderson, a little morose, and a Joe Meno SadQuaint is always a pleaser. Meno knows how to make you love his characters, want what they want. But dont think hes going to let things turn out well for them. Though the family saga is relatively simple, the characters passions and their desire for fulfillment is made achingly real. This ought to please Menos fans and win him some more. [D]espite the long odds stacked against his characters, Meno keeps their story buoyant . . .Theyre hopelessly optimistic in their own twisted way . . . What this story gets so right is how so many of us live in the past and the present all at once.