Latest Read: The Lover's Dictionary

Here are the basics ...
Book: The Lover's Dictionary
Author: David Levithan
Site: http://www.davidlevithan.com/
Category: Fiction

Summary: The story of two people who have been together for a little over two years, told entirely in dictionary form. All the ups, all the downs, and all the in-between. (Adapted from davidlevithan.com) 

My thoughts…

The good:  The Lover's Dictionary reminded me of another book I read a few years ago - Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry by Leanne Shapton. The book is an auction catalog of what remains from the relationship between Lenore and Harold.  Through photographs of the couple’s personal effects, we learn their story.  What struck me about these two books is that they show how love stories can be told in so many different ways.  It's not always a clear beginning, middle and end.  Pictures or in this case, random out-of-order anecdotes told in a dictionary format, can still have a powerful effect.  I even liked how the author never reveals their names. They're just a guy and a girl going through every day, sometimes mundane, relationship stuff and I think anyone can relate to that.  It's not a book that will necessarily leave you giddy, but it will make you think.

The bad:  Nothing bad but I will reiterate that it's sort of sad / bittersweet book.  You kinda have to be in the mood to read something like this.

Do I recommend?:  I do.  It's been on my to-read list for a while and I'm glad I finally got to it.

Happy reading!